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WELLNESSWEEK
Colombia, Zambia or Brazil? How laboratories study emerald origin
An origin opinion is a scientific interpretation of evidence. GIA’s research describes the combined use of microscopic inclusions, spectroscopy and trace-element chemistry to compare an emerald with documented reference material.
Evidence has limits
Characteristics can overlap between deposits. That is why a single inclusion or a familiar shade of green cannot always settle the question. Some stones remain inconclusive even after laboratory testing.
When origin matters to your selection, request the actual laboratory report and read its conclusion precisely. An origin opinion and a sourcing history answer different questions; keep the supporting documents together rather than treating a country name as the full story.
Source and further reading: Sudarat Saeseaw, Nathan D. Renfro, Aaron C. Palke and Ziyin Sun, published by GIA, Geographic Origin Determination of Emerald, Gems & Gemology (Winter 2019). This is an original Real Gems editorial summary, not a reproduction of the source article. Source credit does not imply endorsement.
From the Real Gems collection
Emeralds from two origins
Explore two distinct catalog examples: a Colombian cushion and a Zambian octagonal emerald. Origin is established through documentation, not color alone.
Origin labels reflect our catalog records. A photograph cannot establish geographic origin; consult the individual laboratory report. Product photographs: Real Gems Inc.