Unique Colombian Emerald and Matrix Suite
The author recently examined a unique suite of cabochon stones consisting of emeralds with brown matrix weighing 112.25 carats total (figure 1). This spectacular set is reportedly from the Muzo mine in Colombia. Similar material with matrix has been found in Chivor, but never of comparable quality. The miners decided to cut a matching set of cabochons that could be made into a necklace and a pair of earrings. In 2021, Misael Angel Rodriguez of Colombia brought this unique set to the Tucson gem shows, where it received considerable attention. It was later purchased by Desmond Chan and Davey Thomas of Gem Arts International and submitted to the AGTA Spectrum Awards, receiving honorable mention in 2022. To this day, the author has yet to encounter such a remarkable set of matching emerald with matrix cabochons.
Under the microscope, the matrix has a coarse, sand-like texture. Raman spectroscopy identified the matrix as primarily consisting of an aggregate of feldspar grains displaying a banded pattern. Under magnification, the green gem area showed jagged multiphase inclusions along with euhedral pyrite crystal inclusions (figure 2). Laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry and inclusion observation were consistent with a Colombian origin. It is remarkable to see such a well-matched suite of unusual emeralds with matrix in the gem trade.
