Emeralds are the variety of the mineral beryl that have been colored green by small amounts of chromium, vanadium, or iron. Colombian emeralds are generally colored by chromium and are considered the best in the world. Brazilian emeralds come in second and are primarily colored by vanadium, Zambian emeralds come in third and are primarily colored by iron. There are of course individual Zambian or Brazilian emeralds that are of higher quality than Colombian emeralds so each gemstone must be evaluated on its own terms. Other localities that produce emeralds but in lower quantities include North Carolina, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Australia, Nigeria, and others. In general, emeralds have more inclusions than any other gemstone and the market tolerates this fact. Emeralds with the fewest inclusions and top color with medium-dark tone command the highest prices. Almost all emeralds have fissures that reach the surface of the stone and this allows cedar oil, resins, or polymers to be used as an enhancement or treatment. All emeralds are assumed to be treated unless accompanied with a legitimate lab report stating that they are untreated.
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