Emeralds, also known as pachu gemstones or maragatham stones in many Indian languages, have fascinated people for centuries due to their rich green color and rarity. These gemstones are a variety of the mineral beryl and owe their vibrant green hue to traces of chromium and vanadium. While smaller emeralds are widely used in jewellery, some of the biggest emeralds ever found are far too large and valuable to be worn. Instead, they are preserved as treasures, often housed in museums or private collections.
This blog takes a look at the world’s largest emeralds gems that are not only massive in size but also hold historical, cultural, and financial significance. From South America to Africa, these giant green stones have been unearthed in different parts of the world and continue to grab global attention.
List of 7 Largest Emeralds in the World
Here are seven of the biggest emeralds ever discovered across the globe. These rare emerald gemstones are not only massive in size but also carry fascinating stories with them.
The Bahia Emerald
Weighing an astonishing 180,000 carats, the Bahia Emerald is considered one of the largest emerald clusters ever uncovered. Mined in the Bahia region of Brazil, its massive size is matched by a long and complicated history.
Over the years, the Bahia Emerald has been involved in multiple ownership disputes, theft claims, and legal battles. At one point, it even went missing during Hurricane Katrina while being stored in a vault. Its estimated worth reaches hundreds of millions of dollars, ranking it among the most valuable gemstones in existence.
This Emerald gemstone remains an iconic symbol of Brazil’s importance in global emerald mining and showcases the natural beauty and scale that the Earth can produce.
| Details | Information |
| Weight | 180,000 carats |
| Discovery | Bahia, Brazil |
| Discovery Team | Brazilian miners (specific individuals not publicly documented) |
| Features | Massive cluster of emerald crystals embedded in host rock; among the largest emerald formations ever recorded |
| Guinness World Record | Not officially listed, but widely acknowledged as one of the largest emerald clusters in the world |
The Gachalá Emerald
The Gachalá Emerald is one of the most famous maragatham stones in the world. Discovered in 1967 in Colombia’s Vega de San Juan mine, this giant emerald weighs 858 carats.
Named after the town of Gachalá where it was found, the gemstone is known for its rich green color and near-perfect clarity. It was later donated to the Smithsonian Institution, where it remains part of their world-class gem collection.
| Details | Information |
| Weight | 858 carats |
| Discovery | Gachalá, Colombia (1967) |
| Discovery Team | Colombian miners at Vega de San Juan mine |
| Features | Deep green color and excellent clarity; one of the finest large emeralds preserved in a museum |
| Guinness World Record | Not listed but frequently cited among the most iconic emeralds in the world |
The Duke of Devonshire Emerald
Weighing nearly 1,384 carats, the Duke of Devonshire Emerald is a standout biggest emerald with royal history. Originally from Colombia, it was gifted to the 6th Duke of Devonshire by Emperor Pedro I of Brazil in the 1830s.
This uncut emerald is prized for its incredible size, natural state, and historical importance. Today, it is kept at the Natural History Museum in London and attracts gem enthusiasts and historians alike.
| Details | Information |
| Weight | 1,383.93 carats |
| Discovery | Mined in Colombia, gifted in the 1830s |
| Discovery Team | Unknown, likely Colombian miners |
| Features | Uncut emerald of exceptional size; retains its natural form |
| Guinness World Record | Not certified but considered one of the largest uncut emeralds on display |
The Patricia Emerald
The Patricia Emerald is a well-known pachu gemstone named after the daughter of the mine owner who discovered it. Weighing 632 carats, it was found in Colombia in 1920.
What makes the Patricia Emerald unique is its perfect natural hexagonal crystal shape, making it both a geological and gemological marvel. It is currently housed at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
| Details | Information |
| Weight | 632 carats |
| Discovery | Colombia (1920) |
| Discovery Team | Unknown, attributed to local Colombian miners |
| Features | Natural hexagonal crystal shape; uncut and remarkably preserved |
| Guinness World Record | No, but one of the largest natural emerald crystals held by a museum |
The Mogul Mughal Emerald
The Mogul Mughal Emerald is not only valued for its size (217.80 carats) but also for its artistry and historical connection to the Mughal Empire. It was mined in Colombia but carved in India in the year 1695.
The front side of the gem is inscribed with Islamic prayers in elegant calligraphy, while the back features delicate floral engravings. This unique maragatham stone was sold at auction and now resides in a private collection.
| Details | Information |
| Weight | 217.80 carats |
| Discovery | Mined in Colombia, carved in India (1695) |
| Discovery Team | Unknown |
| Features | Historic carvings, including Islamic inscriptions and floral motifs; flat rectangular emerald |
| Guinness World Record | No, but considered the most important inscribed emerald in the world |
The Emilia Emerald
The Emilia Emerald is among the world’s largest emeralds discovered in Zambia, weighing a massive 6,225 carats. It was uncovered in the Kagem mine, which is one of the most productive emerald mines in the world.
This emerald stands out for its impressive size, high clarity, and evenly saturated green color—traits that make it valuable not only in size but also in quality.
| Details | Information |
| Weight | 6,225 carats |
| Discovery | Found in Zambia |
| Discovery Team | Kagem Mining Ltd. |
| Features | High clarity and deep green color; one of Zambia’s most significant finds |
| Guinness World Record | No official record, but one of the top five largest emeralds known |
The Inkalamu (Lion) Emerald
Meaning “Lion” in the local Bemba language, the Inkalamu Emerald is one of Zambia’s most celebrated gemstone discoveries. Weighing 5,655 carats, it was found in 2018 at the Kagem mine.
The emerald quickly gained global recognition for its stunning transparency, perfect color, and large size. It has since been cut into multiple high-value pieces and is considered one of the finest pachu gemstones of recent times.
| Details | Information |
| Weight | 5,655 carats |
| Discovery | Found in Zambia (2018) |
| Discovery Team | Kagem Mining Ltd. |
| Features | High transparency and saturated green color; nicknamed “The Lion Emerald” |
| Guinness World Record | No, but recognized as one of the largest and highest-quality emeralds in recent years |
Where Can These Emeralds Be Found?
The largest emeralds in the world have been discovered in some of the most mineral-rich regions across the globe. Countries like Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia are especially known for producing high-quality emeralds, including some of the world’s largest emeralds.
- Colombia is home to world-renowned mines such as Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuez. These locations have produced iconic emeralds like the Gachalá Emerald, Patricia Emerald, and the Mogul Mughal Emerald. Colombian emeralds are admired for their deep green color and excellent transparency, making them some of the most valuable pachu gemstones in the market.
- Brazil has emerged as a major source of large emerald formations, including the massive Bahia Emerald. The country’s Bahia and Minas Gerais regions are rich in gemstones, and Brazil remains one of the top emerald-producing nations globally.
- Zambia has gained attention in recent decades as a leading source of high-quality emeralds. Mines such as Kagem have unearthed impressive stones like the Inkalamu Emerald and the Emilia Emerald. Zambian maragatham stones are known for their rich, slightly bluish-green color and high clarity.
FAQ
1. What is the largest emerald ever found?
The Bahia Emerald, weighing around 180,000 carats, is considered one of the largest emerald clusters ever discovered. It was found in Brazil and consists of multiple emerald crystals embedded in host rock.
2. What is a pachu gemstone?
Pachu gemstone is a common Indian term for emerald. It is known for its green color and is often worn for astrological or ornamental purposes.
3. Which country has the most famous emerald mines?
Colombia is widely known for producing some of the world’s most famous emeralds, such as the Gachalá Emerald and the Patricia Emerald. Brazil and Zambia also play a major role in global emerald production.
4. What is the difference between emerald and maragatham stone?
There is no difference, maragatham stone is simply another regional term for emerald, especially used in South Indian languages. Both refer to the same green gemstone from the beryl mineral family.
5. Are these large emeralds used in jewellery?
Most of the biggest emeralds are too large or valuable for use in regular jewelry. Instead, they are displayed in museums or kept in private collections due to their size and historical value.
Conclusion
Emeralds have always held a special place among gemstones due to their rich color, rarity, and historical importance. The world’s largest emeralds from the colossal Bahia Emerald to the artistic Mogul Mughal Emerald represent not just geological marvels but also cultural and historical treasures.
These emerald gemstones, found in countries like Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia, remind us of nature’s ability to create beauty on a grand scale. While most emeralds are worn as jewellery, the ones listed in this blog stand out for their exceptional size and uniqueness. Whether referred to as maragatham stones or emeralds, their legacy continues to shine in museums and collections around the world.
