Colombian Trapiche Emerald

In gemstone world, Trapiche emerald is admired for its uniqueness and unparalleled charm. The inherent beauty of this gemstone lies in its inclusions. This emerald variety comprises of specific impurities (albite, lutite or any carbonaceous inclusion). These inclusions (impurities) usually extend from the centre core in the form of fixed lines (usually six in number) creating a ‘Star-like or wheel-like effect’.

• These impurities or inclusions get deposited or trapped within the emerald crystal in a unique six rays like fashion during the initial phase of the crystal formation. This is how the emerald perceives the unique pattern of Trapiche, making such stones easily detectable and visibly outstanding.

• As per the gemmological facts, Trapiche emeralds are formed rarely under some specific geographical conditions. Till date, this variety has been discovered only from the mining region of Boyacá in Colombia including Muzo, Chivor, Coscuez and La Penas.

Quality

The quality of Trapiche emerald is determined by its Origin, Quality of Pattern, Color, Clarity and Shape. Typically, a natural, vivid green Trapiche emerald with decent clarity and distinctly visible spokes is considered as the best quality Trapiche Emerald gemstone.

• Origin

   – Till date, Trapiche emerald have been found in the Columbian emerald mines alone. It is resourced from the mining areas of Muzo, Chivor, Coscuez and the La Pena but in a very limited quantity. In comparison to other mines, the Trapiche emeralds extracted from the Muzo mines are considered highly superior due to their vivid green hue, decent clarity and distinctly visible spoke patterns.

• Color

   – Color is a strong factor influencing the quality of Trapiche emerald. It is found in a variety of shades ranging from yellowish green to light apple green, vivid green, dark green and bluish green color. Stones with richly colored green portion are rare and eminently valuable.

• Clarity

  – Just like other emeralds, clarity varies significantly in the Trapiche emerald stones as well. Inclusions are essential for the pattern formation, but the green part is expected to be less included. Judging the clarity in Trapiche emeralds is overall a bit tricky aspect. In higher quality pieces, the green part of the stone is transparent and free from eye visible inclusions. Common emerald inclusions are acceptable in the low to medium quality stones.

• Shape

  – A highly proportionate Trapiche emerald is hard to come across. Being a precious and moderately hard gemstone, Trapiche emeralds are mostly cut in oval or round cabochons or cabs (a polished, non-faceted stones usually bearing a dome on one side). Hexagonal, star-shape and heart shape are uncommon and more expensive.

Trapiche Emerald Prices

The pricing of unique gem varieties like Trapiches is largely a function of supply and demand. Earlier, the supply and demand were low as people were less aware. But, since the well-known international jewelry designer like Selim Mouzannar have started incorporating Trapiche emeralds in their award-winning designs, the popularity is increasing and the prices as well. Some other important factors influencing Trapiche emerald price are Origin, Pattern, Color, Clarity, Shape and Carat weight.

• Origin

   – Trapiche emerald from Muzo mines are predominantly of the finest quality, therefore, commands the highest premium. However, it is difficult to find a documented Muzo Trapiche emerald as most of laboratories do not determine origin of a gemstone at the level of mine. Moreover, purchasing Muzo Trapiche emerald is a matter of trust between the buyer and seller.

• Pattern

   – The spoke pattern is what determines the beauty of a Trapiche emerald gem. Therefore, more prominent is the pattern, higher will be the Trapiche emerald cost. Gems with the inconsistent or unclear patterns are relatively cheaper.

• Color

  – Most of gem professionals agree that color is an important factor in assessing the Trapiche emerald price. The more intense and deeply colored is the greener portion of gem, higher is its value in the market. Too light or excessively dark green stones with unwanted overtones, usually belong to the economy category.

• Clarity

  – Trapiche gems with clean, inclusions free and transparent green portion are rare in nature hence are usually expensive. However, the price of Trapiche emerald of highly included gems may reduce dramatically.

• Shape

  – Highly symmetrical Trapiche emerald stone in definite shapes such as round, star, hexagonal etc are hard to come across, hence command huge premium. The Trapiche emerald cabochons (polished, non-faceted gems) with perfect dome also have a good market value as they are highly sought by jewelry designer to make expensive jewelry pieces. Trapiche emerald gems with poor symmetry are comparatively cheaper.

• Carat weight

  – Just like typical emeralds, Trapiche emerald gemstone price per carat increases exponentially with the increase in size (unless the quality is not compromised at a major level). However, owing to its rarity, some high quality Trapiches even in smaller sizes can be highly valuable.

• Treatment

  – Due to less popularity and limited demand, Trapiche emeralds are not subjected to major treatments (but minor oiling using safe colourless oil is common). However, some extremely poor quality Trapiche emeralds gems underwent epoxy resin impregnations to fill the cracks, enhance durable and inflate the market prices. Beware! lab created or stimulated Trapiches also exist, but they are usually cheaper and less beautiful than the natural ones. It is always suggested to shop for natural, untreated, unheated Trapiche emerald from the reputed gem retail suppliers and wholesalers.