The gemstone, named Imboo — meaning buffalo in the local Bemba and Lamba dialects — was uncovered on August 3 at the Chama pit. Weighing 2,337 grams, the emerald surpasses Kagem’s previous major finds, including the 6,225-carat Insofu (elephant) in 2010, the 5,655-carat Inkalamu (lion) in 2018, and the 7,525-carat Chipembele (rhino) in 2021.
The emerald will be offered for sale at Gemfields’ auction running until September 11. Early analysis suggests it could either be cut into several fine-quality emeralds large enough for a complete high-jewellery suite or retained as a single investment stone.
The crystal was carefully extracted by the Kagem team within the Tri-Junction Model, a rare geological formation where three rock and structural domains converge, providing favourable conditions for emerald growth. This geological setting has also produced previous record-breaking finds, including the 37,555-gram “Kafubu Cluster” in 2022.
At Kagem, the emerald is being described as one of the most remarkable natural formations ever recovered due to its size, clarity, and colour.
To strengthen its value and traceability, the gemstone will be tagged with nanoparticle technology provided by Gemfields’ partner Provenance Proof, ensuring its origin remains verifiable even after cutting and polishing.
Zambia, the world’s second-largest emerald producer after Colombia, holds a 25% stake in the Kagem mine through the government. Gemfields also owns a 75% stake in the Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique, reinforcing its position as a leading producer of coloured gemstones.
The unveiling of Imboo highlights Kagem’s ongoing role in supplying some of the rarest and most valuable emeralds globally.
