The rough for this stone was purchased from a mine in the Panjshir Valley of Afghanistan and cut afterwards.
Afghanistan is a geological cornucopia; had it not been so ravaged by war and conflict it should have emerged as a prosperous nation. The miners must scale precipitous elevations and harsh conditions surrounding the Hindu Kush mountain range. Mining technology here is primitive (I say this without opprobrium); without hydraulics, the process is extremely laborious and aggressive use of explosives unfortunately damages many fine stones. Although Colombian emeralds continue to command the highest prestige, some of the Afghani examples (Type II) are mind-blowingly gorgeous and outshine their Colombian counterparts... particularly those from the Mukini mine. Indeed, the Afghani emeralds are geologically most similar to their Colombian cousins. **
I have great respect for the Panjshir miners. Some have lofty dreams of finding an emerald that will change their lives, others just want to earn enough to send their children to school. It is with great pleasure that I am able to introduce their treasures to America.
This is a great stone to add to a collection or for a small project.
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Carat Weight - .94ct
Gem Type - Natural Emerald
Size / mm. (L/W/D) -7.3x5.5x3.3mm
Origin - Afghanistan
Treatment - Minor Oil *
Cut - Oval Mixed cut
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* Cedarwood oil clarity enhancement is standard and accepted practice for natural emeralds.
** Some reading recommendations regarding Panjshir Emeralds for the serious collectors / geologists / gemmologists: