The researchers speculate that many of the emeralds held in large museum caches of treasure in
modern-day India may come from Columbian mines, as well as from old Asian sources such as Afghan-
istan and Pakistan. "Columbian emerald deposits are unique in the world, producing stones with richer
color, clarity, and bigger crystals than most emerald deposits," Giuliani said. "We imagine that these
were the qualities that the Spanish, and the rest of the world, were interested in."
The researchers plan to apply the oxygen isotope technique to studying rubies next, after completing
the necessary survey of the geology and geochemistry of ruby deposits around the world. "This type
of analysis was a small part of our work initially," said Giuliani. "But we see that as geologists working
with gemstones and gemologists, we may be permitted to make a contribution to the study of trade
and human history."
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Adapted from materials provided by American Association For The Advancement Of Science.
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MLA American Association For The Advancement Of Science (2000, January 31).
Origin And Trade Of Some Of The World's Most Historic Emeralds. ScienceDaily.
Retrieved November 8, 2008, from
http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2000/01/000131075658.htm
