Emeralds from Ethiopia

Ethiopia, known for being the oldest independent country in Africa and one of the oldest in the world. Its breathtaking landscapes, range from mountains over 4500m high to salt plains 150m below sea level (Springer). The beauty of Ethiopia extends to its minerals with opals being one of their most famous gems. Now, with the discovery of emeralds, Ethiopia is now providing an ethical source of emeralds to the gem trade.

Emerald Mining Districts

The major emerald mining districts in Ethiopia are the Shakiso district in the Oromia region, and the Kenticha and Borena mines. Ethiopian emeralds display a diverse range of colours, including deep green, bluish-green, and sometimes yellowish-green shades. This colour range is determined by the presence and concentration of chromium and vanadium, which gives the gemstone its distinctive green hue. Ethiopian emeralds typically exhibit high levels of transparency and clarity, which enhances their visual appeal.

Growing Demand

Emeralds from Ethiopia have experienced a steady increase in demand since their discovery, as their unique characteristics have attracted attention from gemstone enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. While Ethiopian emeralds have not yet achieved the same level of recognition as their Colombian or Zambian counterparts at high-profile auctions, they have been gradually gaining ground.

Sustainable Mining

The Ethiopian government has implemented mining laws and regulations to ensure that mining companies comply with environmental protection guidelines, minimize the ecological impact, and promote sustainability (Empyrean Gems).