Colombian emeralds are known worldwide for their exceptional quality and beauty. However, within this group of gems, there is a special variety that has captured the attention of collectors and experts: the bicolor emerald.

These gemstones are unique for their dual tones, offering a fascinating look that is highly appreciated in the gem market.

In this article, we will explore what a bicolor emerald is, where they are found in Colombia, their main characteristics, the value of these emeralds and some of the most famous ones found in Colombian lands.

What is a bicolor emerald?

A bicolor emerald is a gemstone that exhibits two different hues or colors in a single gem. This phenomenon occurs due to variations in the chemical composition during its formation deep within the Earth. While most emeralds exhibit a deep, uniform green, bicolor emeralds can display combinations of green with other hues, such as yellow or even blue.

These emeralds are appreciated for their rarity and the color transitions they present, which give them a unique aesthetic that is different from traditional emeralds. The unpredictable nature of their shades makes each bicolor emerald completely different from another, which increases its value on the market.

Where are bicolor emeralds found in Colombia?

Colombia is home to some of the world's most important emerald mines, including Muzo, Chivor and Coscuez. These regions not only produce the purest and most coveted green emeralds, but also bicolor varieties, albeit in smaller quantities. Bicolor emeralds are rarer and harder to find, which increases their value and appeal.

Some of the most impressive bicolor emeralds in the world have been discovered in the Muzo mines in Boyacá. This region, famous for producing high-quality emeralds, is also a key point for the extraction of bicolor gems, which combine rich green tones with yellow or blue hues.

Main characteristics of bicolor emeralds

Bicolor emeralds have a series of characteristics that make them unique in the gem market:

• Dual tones : The main characteristic is its mixture of colors, which can range from combinations of green with yellow, blue or even white.
• Natural formation : The bicolor is due to variations in the presence of certain elements such as chromium or vanadium during its formation, creating areas of different shades within the same gem.
• Clarity and Brilliance : Although less common than single-color emeralds, bicolor emeralds can also have great transparency and brilliance, making color changes even more noticeable.
• Rarity : These gems are extremely rare, making them highly coveted by collectors.

What is the value of a two-tone emerald?

The value of a bicolor emerald depends on several factors, including the intensity and contrast of the colors, the clarity, the size of the stone, and of course, its origin. Colombian bicolor emeralds usually have a higher value on the market due to the global reputation of Colombian mines for producing high-quality emeralds.

In general, a bicolor emerald can be more valuable than a traditional emerald due to its rarity. The sharper the division between the two colors and the greater the contrast, the higher the gem's valuation. Prices can vary widely, but it is common for a quality bicolor emerald to fetch several thousand dollars per carat.

Famous Colombian bicolor emeralds

Among the most famous bicolor Colombian emeralds are some discovered at the Muzo mine, which are highly valued by private collectors. Although not all of them have official names as is the case with other iconic gems, many of these emeralds have been auctioned at high prices at international auction houses, standing out for their purity and unique combination of colors.

One of the most remarkable bicolor emeralds was found in the 1990s in Muzo, displaying an unusual transition between emerald green and golden yellow, which immediately made it stand out on the market. Since then, bicolor emeralds have gained more notoriety among jewelers and collectors.

Paula A. Bonilla

Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. She is also a jeweler and is passionate about constantly learning about precious gems and national fine jewelry.

She currently works for one of the most important jewelry stores in Bogotá, Esmeralda by Love. This jewelry store has more than 40 years of experience and has 2 physical branches in the capital of Colombia, located in the city center.