What is the garden on a Colombian emerald and why it is important

Colombian emeralds are known all over the world for their intense green color and exceptional quality. But have you ever heard of the garden in a Colombian emerald and why is it so important? In this article, we will explore this fascinating phenomenon in depth and understand its relevance in the world of precious gems.

What is the Garden in an Emerald?

An inclusion in gemology refers to any material, substance or foreign characteristic that is trapped inside a gem during its formation. These inclusions may include a variety of elements, such as gas bubbles, liquids, minerals, crystals, or even small fractures. Inclusions are a natural part of the gem growth process and can affect the appearance, clarity and authenticity of a precious stone.

Inclusions can be valuable to gemologists and collectors because they provide information about the geological history of the gem. In addition, inclusions can affect the way light interacts with gem, which in turn influences its appearance and brightness.

With this clear, the term "garden" refers to the internal inclusions and natural fractures that are within an emerald. These inclusions can vary in size, shape and color, and are unique to each stone. Unlike other gems, emeralds often have these distinctive marks, giving them a unique personality.

Types of Inclusions

Inclusions in an emerald can be of various types, such as gas, liquid, or minerals. Gardens can include gas bubbles trapped during the formation of the gem, or liquids that were trapped inside. Inclusions of other minerals may also occur, providing intricate and beautiful patterns.

Here are some common types of gardens found in emeralds:

1. Gas and Liquide gardens:
   • Gas bubbles: During the formation of the emerald, small bubbles of gas can be caught inside. These bubbles create distinctive patterns within the stone, often called gas gardens.
   • Liquids: Some emeralds contain inclusions of liquids, such as water or oil, that were trapped during their formation. These liquids can generate unique visual patterns in the gem.
2. Mineral Inclusions:
   • Micas: Emeralds may contain minerals such as micas, which are thin, flat sheets. These inclusions can create flashes and brightness inside the stone.
   • Pirates: The inclusions of pirites, an iron sulphide ore, are also common in emeralds and can appear as small golden dots.
3. Fissures and Grietas:
   • Healing fissures: Some emeralds may have cracks that formed during the natural healing process on earth. These fissures can be filled with other minerals, creating interesting patterns.
   • Natural fractures: Emeralds often have natural fractures, which are cracks in the stone. These fractures can affect the clarity of the gem, but they can also add character to the stone.
4. Crystals Even:
   • Other Minerals crystals: Another common inclusion in emeralds is small crystals of other minerals. These crystals can be transparent or of different colors, creating a fascinating look in the stone.
5. Healing marks:
   • Healing marks: During the training process, some emeralds may experience cycles of growth and healing. Healing marks are inclusions that indicate this process and can add visual complexity to emerald.

Importance of the Garden in a Colombian Emerald

Authenticity and Origin

The garden on an emerald serves as a unique signature that helps authenticate the stone and determine its origin. Colombian emeralds are particularly known for their gardens, which are considered as evidence of their authenticity and geographical origin. Gemology experts can examine these inclusions to identify distinctive features that confirm the origin of the gem.

Athetic value

Although inclusions may seem imperfections at first glance, many collectors and precious stone lovers value emeralds with gardens for their uniqueness and beauty. Intricate patterns within the stone can create amazing visual effects, adding a unique aesthetic appeal to each emerald.

Training process

The garden on an emerald is a window into the gem's geological past. These inclusions are formed during the process of growth of emerald in the depths of the earth, revealing information on the environmental conditions and geological forces that influenced its development.

Care and Maintenance of the Emeralds with Gardens

While inclusions can make an emerald more unique and authentic, it's also important to take care of these gems to maintain their beauty over time. When cleaning an emerald with a garden, the use of aggressive chemicals that can damage the stone or affect the inclusions should be avoided.

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 high jewelry.

Currently, she is working for one of Bogotá's most important jewelry stores, Emerald by Love. This jewelry store has over 40 years of experience and has 2 physical branches in the capital city of Colombia, located in the city center.