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The largest Colombian Emerald visits The Gemological Insitute of America in Carlsbad, California

Giant Gem Creates Green Envy

By CONSUMER BOB

Updated 5:57 PM PDT, Tue, Mar 24, 2009

A spectacular 472-carat emerald crystal, "El Itoco," was recently recovered at La Pita Mine in Columbia. It's shown here next to an 11-carat crystal, which is a more typical size for Columbia, and a 1-carat diamond.

An extremely rare, 472-carat emerald crystal has eyes popping in the North County.

Watch VideoAn extremely rare, 472-carat emerald crystal has eyes popping in the North County.
Giant Gem Creates Green Envy
View SlideshowAn extremely rare, 472-carat emerald crystal has eyes popping in the North County.
The recently discovered emerald comes from the Muzo region mines in Colombia. The "El Itoco" crystal gets its name from Muzo Indian lore. It went on display at the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad earlier this month.

The gem-quality emerald crystal is rare because of it's size. It is a a 4-inch hexagonal shape with a color equivalent to the finest emeralds.

The crystal will be on display until early fall 2009. Viewings are free and available to the public through scheduled tours. Before going to the GIA Museum, be sure to contact the staff and RSVP an appointment. Call (800) 421-7250 ext 4116 or email guestservices at gia.edu
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/around_town/the_scene/Giant-Gem-Creates-Gre...

Giant Gem Creates Green Envy

By Monpirri on Mar 28, 2009, 10:33 in Friendly Talkzone.

MaFe says on Mar 28, 2009, 10:48:

Que bellesa no....

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

0 funny, 1 helpful.

Simon says on Mar 28, 2009, 10:54:

Me recuerda del cristal verde de Superman, lol!

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Sam Salmon says on Mar 28, 2009, 12:07:

I wonder if that's the real thing on display or a fake?

In Peru they put fakes in Museums because of 'security concerns'.

' a la orden!'

0 funny, 0 helpful.

beisbollover says on Mar 28, 2009, 14:08:

Angelina's emeralds were fake.

This is real. Once in a lifetime chance to see it if you can. Probably worth 4 million dollars.

"The reason you don't understand me Edith is because I am speaking English but you are listening Dingbat!" -Archie Bunker

0 funny, 0 helpful.

MaFe says on Mar 28, 2009, 14:31:

this emerald is worth a lot more than 4 million...a LOT more...

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

0 funny, 0 helpful.

beisbollover says on Mar 29, 2009, 14:45:

MaFe,

Sorry but your wrong.

"The reason you don't understand me Edith is because I am speaking English but you are listening Dingbat!" -Archie Bunker

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Monpirri says on Mar 29, 2009, 16:09:

Angelina Jolie at the Oscars in 2009

That's the gift I'm going to buy for my girlfriend for Christmas, a $4 million or more gorgeous emerald.

"Anyone who still thinks that Colombia is not a gastronomical paradise needs to have their head examined." Darloup

0 funny, 0 helpful.

paisaberraco says on Aug 8, 2009, 13:25:

Mi esposa y yo fuimos a ver la esmeralda la semana pasada y es la mas hermosa que hemos visto. La institución es muy buena y la guía dedicó mucho tiempo hablando de las esmeraldes de Colombia. Nos dijó que la esmeralda estará allí hasta Agosto.

0 funny, 1 helpful.