LUSAKA, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Zambia's biggest emerald miner on Monday announced the discovery of a rare gigantic emerald weighing 1.13 kilogram.
The 5.655 carat emerald, which has already created a buzz in the global gemstone industry ahead of its auction in Singapore next month, has been dubbed the 'lion emerald'.
Kagem Mining Limited said the emerald was discovered at its mine in Lufwanyama district in the Copperbelt Province, the world's largest emerald mine, according to an emailed statement.
The emerald miner, owned 75 percent by London-based Gemfields Plc with the Zambian government retaining the other 25 percent, said the emerald was discovered on October 2, 2018.
"The discovery of this exceptional gemstone is such an important moment both for us and for the emerald world in general. We are experiencing strikingly increased demand for high quality Zambian emeralds from the major brands, particularly in Europe, all of whom admire the rich color and unique transparency of our gem," Elena Basaglia, a gemologist at Gemfields, said in the statement.
According to the statement, the emerald will be offered for sale at next month's auction in Singapore to approximately 45 approved auction partners.
