Panjshir Emerald: Properties, Benefits & Meanings
Panjshir Emerald Overview
Known for their intense green color and vivid inclusions, Panjshir Emeralds are green beryl stones sourced from Afghanistan. Experts consider these stunning canvases of nature equivalent to Colombian emeralds in appearance and often price.
The Panjshir Emeralds are mined from the Panjshir Valley in Afghanistan, where they support the local economy and prop up entire villages. These stones represent hope, justice, and abundance. This article will take a look into the details of Panjshir Emeralds; their appearance, properties, meanings, and uses.
What Is Panjshir Emerald?
Emeralds mined in the Panjshir Valley in Afghanistan are known as Panjshir Emeralds. These stones are a sight to behold in their own right and are comparable to Colombian emeralds, which experts often consider the best-colored Emerald stones.
Emerald is a variety of beryl well-known throughout history for its beauty, luster, and metaphysical importance. It is a precious stone, one of four, and is still one of the most popular stones for jewelry and ornamental application.
Panjshir Emerald Appearance
Panjshir emeralds, also called Panjsher emeralds, are relatively inexpensive. This is primarily because of the color zoning and apparent inclusions found within their structures.
Two distinct colors are usually seen in Afghan Emerald gems: a darker green exterior and a pale green interior. This color zoning can reduce the gem’s price but is considered a part of its beauty by some.
Secondly, the regularity of complex solid and liquid inclusions found within these stones also contributes to decreasing their price to an extent. Afghan Emeralds can easily be distinguished from other varieties by examining the inclusions present in the stone.
However, it is important to note that these properties vary wildly across different Emeralds.
Where Can You Find Panjshir Emerald?
These gemstones are found in the emerald mines of Panjshir Valley in Afghanistan. The valley is surrounded by the Hindukush mountains, which prove a major hurdle for miners to cross.
The rough emeralds mined from mining operations in Panjshir valley are evaluated in nearby villages, and a tax is paid to the local government. The emerald miners who find the stone split the money equally.
Physical Properties
| Mineral Group | Beryl |
| Formula | Be3Al2(Si6O18) |
| Color | Green |
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 7.5 – 8 |
| Refractive Index | 1.564 –1.602 |
| Color Zoning | Light Core, Dark Periphery |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Specific Gravity | 2.65 – 2.75 |
| Inclusions | Complex Solid and Liquid Inclusions |
How To Tell If Panjshir Emerald Is Real?
Panjshir emeralds are often substituted with colored fakes and replicas to cut back on costs and scam unsuspecting customers.
The best way to verify its authenticity is to take it to a certified gemologist. However, if one is unavailable near you, you can try these simple methods to put your mind at ease.
- Color Monotony: If you notice that the color of your emerald is dull and flat without any variation, it is likely a fake. Panjshir emeralds specifically show color zoning, meaning the outer part is darker than the inner part of the gemstone. In some cases, it might not be, but even then, the stone should shine and shimmer when viewed from different angles.
- Scratch Test: Emeralds are durable stones, with a rating of 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. You shouldn’t be able to scratch them with anything having a lesser rating, like glass, quartz, or a kitchen knife. If you can, then it is not a natural Emerald.
- Acetone Test: To verify the stone isn’t artificially colored, you can try the acetone test. Take a cotton ball, dip it in acetone, and rub it against the surface of a stone. If you notice the cotton ball gains color or the gemstone loses it, then it is artificially colored. However, this isn’t the end-all-be-all of color tests. It simply detects oil-based paints that low-level scammers will often use.
- Transparency: Emeralds are transparent-translucent stones meaning you should be able to see inside them. The highest quality emeralds are completely transparent, almost like a green diamond. If your stone is opaque, it is likely not a natural Emerald.
If you still have doubts about your gemstone, you should ask a professional jeweler or gemologist to authenticate it. However, it is best to buy precious stones like Emeralds and Rubies from certified sellers to minimize the chances of falling victim to scams.
Cost And Value
Panjshir emerald prices are very variable. High-quality stones may sell for as high as $5,000/Ct, but some are only worth $50/Ct. The price of these emeralds is determined by the following factors:
Carat
Higher-weight stones naturally sell for a higher price per carat. This is because they are significantly rarer, harder to mine, and more difficult to process.
Afghan emeralds are usually found in the 5 – 10 carat range. Even in this low range, gem-quality emeralds are sold at astronomical prices. For example, an 8.79-carat cut stone was sold for $13,000/Ct in 1987 by Eli Livian.
Finding stones in the 10-50 carat range is also not uncommon. However, 100-carat or higher weighing stones are very rare in this region. The biggest gem-quality Afghan Emerald stone ever sold was 15 Ct.
Cut
Panjshir stones are cut in different styles, which can influence the price of the final product. Gemologists need to control the angles of each facet such that it traps the right amount of light to darken the color, but not too much.
The polish of faceted emerald gemstones is comparable to that of Colombian emeralds, making it a steal for such a low price.
Clarity
The number and type of inclusions present in the stone can influence the price. More inclusions equal a lower price.
Panjsher emeralds are not clear. They usually have complex solid and liquid inclusions. Stones are often treated using different techniques which reduce these inclusions, but these do not increase the value of the stone too much.
Untreated, natural emeralds having high clarity are considered the best quality ones and go for large premiums.
Color
Color is the bread and butter of emerald pricing. The zoning effect found in Panjshir emeralds can reduce their price to an extent. But when cut properly, these zones are enhanced and complement each other without looking outlandish and out of place.
Intense, vivid, continuous, and deep colors make the price of a gem-quality Afghan Emerald skyrocket.
Panjshir Emerald Chakra Connection
Emerald is the stone of the heart chakra. It is a powerful stone that can help you connect to your heart and feel more love for yourself, others, and the world around you. It is also said to bring calmness and tranquility into your life when used regularly.
The heart chakra is located right above your heart and is also called the Anahata chakra.
Panjshir Emerald Meaning And Uses
Panjshir Emerald shows many metaphysical properties, some of which are given here:
- Hope: This stone can bring hope to those who are feeling lost or hopeless. It is also said to be a great stone for those who have recently suffered from a break-up or loss of any kind.
- Abundance: This stone is said to attract abundance, prosperity, and success. It is also believed to help protect against financial loss or theft. Many people believe these stones will let them achieve their dreams and lead to a fulfilling life.
- Protection: The Panjshir Emerald is said to protect from negative energies and entities. It can also help you connect with your guides or angels more easily.
- Aura Cleansing: This stone can be used to cleanse the aura of other people and objects. It is also said to help one focus their energy on a particular task or goal while blocking out distractions.
- Love: The Panjshir Emerald is said to help with issues of the heart, especially those surrounding love and relationships. It can also be used to attract new love into one’s life.
How To Clean Panjshir Emerald Jewelry?
Caring for your Panjshir Emerald jewelry will ensure that it retains its luster. This includes cleaning, cleansing, and recharging it.
- Soak jewelry in a lukewarm water solution of mild soap for several minutes.
- Remove the jewelry from the solution and rinse it gently. If you cannot remove a stain, use a soft toothbrush to scrub the piece of jewelry.
- Once you have dried and polished the crystal, you can buff it with a microfiber cloth.
- To cleanse your stone, use a smudge stick. The smoke from burning herbs will loosen any negative energy absorbed over time and prepare it for the future.
- Place your gem in moonlight or bury it underground to recharge its energy. Leave the stone for a few hours, but doing so overnight will result in better recharging.
FAQ
Which Gemstones Go Best With Panjshir Emerald?
The best gemstones to wear with Panjshir emerald are those that have similar energy. For example, if you are wearing the stone as part of an engagement ring, consider pairing it with powerful gems like peridot or alexandrite.
If you are looking for something more casual, try mixing in some mandarin garnet or pink tourmaline.
What Is The Value Of Panjshir Emeralds?
Panjshir emeralds are found in the valleys of Afghanistan and aren’t too expensive. The price of these stones ranges from $50 to $5,000. Some extraordinary specimens can go for even higher, with $13,000/Ct being the record.
Are There Emeralds in Afghanistan?
Yes, emeralds are found in the Panjshir valley of Afghanistan. This valley is located in the northeastern part of the country, 150 kilometers to the north of the capital. Emeralds found in this valley are known as Panjshir emeralds and command a premium in the international gemstone market.
Is Panjshir Emerald Heat Treated?
Most emeralds are heat treated to increase their clarity and beauty. Different techniques are used to treat emeralds, such as heating, oiling, and ExCel. The most expensive emeralds are those that have not been treated in any way and have a high grade of clarity.
