Emeralds have a rich green color and are relatively rare stones. Also, known as Panna gemstones, these dark lush green gemstones have been a symbol of royalty since ancient times and are highly used to make beautiful pieces of jewelry.
Although these gems are found in various parts around the world, two known varieties of emeralds, Colombian and Panjshir, produce the finest of Panna stones. These are high quality and high-priced emeralds.
But it is often asked which is rarer. So let's see by going down to the specifics as to what this means in reality and get you the correct answer.
Colombian Emeralds
Emerged foam Colombia selected gems are especially pruned for their superior quality and appearance. In dynamism, Colombia is the largest producer of emeralds globally, giving an estimated lion market share of 70% to 90% a year. The Emeralds mines in the country especially in the Muzo, Chivor and Coscuez areas are known to yield some of the best quality Emeralds in the whole world.
Quite unlike other sources, Colombia holds relatively large quantities of emeralds though the fine and extra fine quality of emeralds are incredibly scarce. Many of these high-quality stones are characterized by rich bright green color with blue undertone, good transparency and absolutely pure body.
Even emeralds of over 25 carats from Colombia are even more valuable than diamonds of the same size.
Panjshir Emeralds
Panjshir emeralds or Afghanistan emeralds are gemstones that are mined in the Panjshir valley of Afghanistan. This region has however been associated with a difficult mining environment given its geographical location; the mines are situated at a high altitude in mountains. The above factors make the Panjshir emeralds very special and unique in the entire world hence rare emeralds.
Panjshir Panna stones have rich green color and have relatively good transparency, but they usually exhibit crystal cracks and other defects. Plus they are thin and long which is why they are called Pencil Emeralds as well. Small sized Panjshir emeralds are quite common. Truly clean and clear large-sized Panjshir emeralds of over 2 Carats with relevant tones are considered highly scarce and accordion high premiums.
Because of the scarcity of Panjshir emeralds, and the fine rich color these are arguably among the most valuable emerald deposits in the world.
Comparing Rarity
So in as much as both Colombian and Panjshir emeralds are rare and are cherished, Panjshir emeralds are rarer than Colombian ones, in view of this, owing to the harsh terrains where they are mined. All these aspects mean that Panjshir emeralds are rarer than other origin emeralds as well and hence more special and valuable.
| Properties | Colombian Emerald | Panjshir Emerald |
| Origin | Muzo, Chivor and Coscuez Regions | Panjshir Valley, Afghanistan |
| Color | Pure green hue with warmer shades | Rich-saturated green, bluish-green hues |
| Mining Conditions | Stable mining conditions | Challenging and difficult conditions due to the mining range. |
| Clarity | Good clarity, generally fewer inclusions | Comparatively more inclusions and cracks |
| Iron Content | Low iron content | High iron content |
| Value & Rarity | Abundant in quantity but the finest quality is rare | Very rare due to limited availability |
| Distinctive Feature | Even color distribution, lively appearance | An elongated shape, hence called pencil emeralds. |
| Significance | Highly valued for color and beauty | Highly valued for rarity |
| Price | INR 25,000 to 5,00,000 per carat | INR 50,000 & above |
Conclusion
Consequently, it can be stated that, although Colombian Panna gems are available in large quantities and widely appreciated for their quality, Panjshir emeralds are scarcer and much more expensive not only because of their rarity but also because of the conditions under which mining is carried out in the Panjshir valley. Each type is unique and valuable in its own way but Panjshir emeralds have a place in the book of gemstones that cannot be filled by any other stone. Buy Panna gems now, authentic and lab-certified of any origin, from Rashi Ratan Bhagya. All the gems in our inventory are original, natural, and lab-certified. Select the perfect gem from our wide collection and get the expert advice for free as well.
