Technical Analysis Raw Emerald Deal
Visual Assessment:
- Color Saturation: The stones have excellent vivid green with classic emerald hue
- Crystal Formation: Mix of hexagonal crystals (natural emerald habit)
- Size Distribution: Predominantly small stones (2-6mm) with few larger stones
- Transparency Range: 30% gem-quality transparent, 40% translucent, 30% opaque/included
- Surface Quality: Natural crystal faces visible, minimal weathering
- Inclusions: Carbon inclusions, some have Visible internal fractures, some with host rock matrix attached
Cutting Suitability Assessment of The Emerald Lot
PARTIALLY CUTABLE - Approximately 30-40% suitable for cutting:
✅ Suitable for Cutting:
- Clear, transparent stones
- One can into translucent faceted but beautiful vivid green emeralds
- Larger stones with good crystal faces
- Some stones with minimal visible inclusions
❌ Not Suitable for Traditional Cutting:
- Some may have heavily included/fractured pieces
- Some stones may be opaque stones with matrix rock
- Some stones are very small fragments under 3mm
Outstanding Color Quality
- Vivid Green Saturation: Swat emeralds are popular for their classic "emerald green".
- Color Consistency: Swat emeralds have this unique characteristics that they are normally having uniform green hue across the entire lot - no pale or off-color stones
- Natural Chrome Coloring: Deep, rich green indicates chromium content (premium emerald characteristic)
Untreated Stones with Natural State
- No Heat Treatment: Emeralds have natural color and clarity preserved
- Authentic Inclusions: Natural emeralds having "jardin" inclusions confirm authenticity
- Unaltered Crystals: Original crystal faces and natural surface texture intact
- Legendary Color: Swat emeralds are famous for this exact vivid green shade
- High Chromium Content: Swat Emeralds have the intense, pure green color
- Collector Grade: Swat origin adds significant value and desirability
Versatile Applications
- Multiple Uses: These emeralds are perfect for faceting, cabbing, and raw jewelry
- Training Material: The material is excellent for learning gemcutting techniques
- Investment Potential: Swat emeralds continue increasing market value due to color potential which other emeralds normally have not
Alternative Uses for Non-Cuttable Material
- Raw Jewelry Settings: Wire wrapping, prong settings
- Cabochon Cutting: For Opaque and translucent stones
- Tumbled Stones: Decorative/metaphysical market
- Inlay Work: Crushed for decorative applications
- Specimen Collection: Natural crystal display
- Training Material: The lot can be used as a practice cutting as a training material
Buyer FAQs about Swat Emerald Lot
Q: What percentage can I actually cut into faceted gems?
A: One can get approximately 30-40% are suitable for faceting. The rest work better as cabochons or raw jewelry. However the loose gemstones after cutting can be moderately transparent to semi transparent.
Q: Are the larger stones in the photo better quality?
A: Not necessarily. Some larger stones show more inclusions. Quality varies by individual crystal, not size.
Q: Why do some stones look cloudy/white?
A: Those are either heavily included or have surface weathering. They're better for cabochons or raw applications.
Q: What's the brown/black material on some stones?
A: That's host rock matrix (schist/mica) and carbon. It can be removed during cutting or left for natural specimen appeal.
Q: Are the tiny fragments usable?
A: Small chips work well for inlay, crushed stone applications, or as accent stones in raw jewelry designs.
Q: How do I identify the best cutting candidates?
A: Look for transparent stones with good crystal faces and minimal visible fractures
Q: What tools do I need to evaluate these properly?
A: A 10x loupe, bright LED light, and tweezers to examine individual stones for internal clarity.