TRAPICHE EMERALDS
TRAPICHE EMERALDS
The trapiche emeralds are unique stones only found in a specific region of Colombia. Due to the environment, this emerald develops a 6 pointed radial pattern of ray like spokes, one of the most distinguishing characteristics is the triphasic inclusion composed of solid matter, liquid, and gas. These emeralds get their name from the wheel of the trapiche, a tool used to extract the juice from sugar cane.
* An inclusion is any material that is trapped inside of another mineral while that #mineral forms.
"Usually, when looking into a stone under magnification, a gemologist is hoping not to see many inclusions... the inside of an emerald is a world unto itself. True, the clearer stones are the best and most valuable ones, but oh! the inclusions inside an emerald can be just as beautiful. The French word Jardin, meaning garden in English, is very apt, as the inclusions can be as lovely as a garden"
- Susan Pike, Graduate Gemologist, Gemological Institute of America (2009)