Meet Imboo: The 11,685-Carat Emerald Shaping Gem History

Gem lovers and collectors alike have a new marvel to admire. Gemfields has introduced ‘Imboo’, a breathtaking 11,685-carat emerald just revealed during their latest auction event. The name, meaning “buffalo” in several Zambian languages, reflects the sheer size and power of this monumental gemstone.

Discovered on August 3, 2025, at the Chama pit of the Kagem emerald mine in Zambia, Imboo is believed to be one of the largest and most exceptional rough emeralds ever unearthed.

Born in the Heart of Africa

Imboo hails from Kagem, the world’s largest emerald mine by output. Located in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province, the mine is operated by Gemfields in partnership with the Zambian government. Kagem is no stranger to headline-making discoveries—previous giants include:

• Insofu (the elephant) – 6,225 carats (2010)

• Inkalamu (the lion) – 5,655 carats (2018)

• Chipembele (the rhino) – 7,525 carats (2021)

Now, Imboo surpasses them all, boasting a deep green colour, golden undertones, and impressive clarity.

An Emerald That Tells a Story

According to those who’ve seen it under inspection lights, Imboo glows with intense verdant tones and a striking natural clarity that defies its size. Its crystalline structure and shape suggest the potential to produce multiple high-value gems, possibly enough to create a complete fine jewellery suite from just this single stone.

Yet, this isn’t just a resource—it’s a masterpiece shaped by nature over millions of years.

A Name with Meaning

Grading expert Jackson Mtonga, with decades of experience at Kagem, reflected on the rarity of Imboo’s formation. “This isn’t just big—it’s beautiful,” he shared. The name “Imboo” symbolises strength, resilience, and natural grandeur—making it a fitting tribute to one of the most majestic stones ever found at Kagem.

Traceability with Provenance Proof

Whoever acquires Imboo won’t just get a once-in-a-lifetime gemstone—they’ll also receive advanced nanoparticle tagging through Provenance Proof, Gemfields’ traceability partner. This cutting-edge technology ensures that even if the stone is cut into smaller gems, its origin, authenticity, and ethical mining credentials can be verified.

A Glimpse Into the Future

Imboo is currently featured in Gemfields’ emerald auction running from 25 August to 11 September. Whether it becomes a centrepiece in a museum, a jewellery collection, or a private vault, its impact on the gemstone world is already undeniable.

And as Gemfields continues to unearth marvels from beneath the Zambian soil, Imboo now takes its place among the greats—not just as a stone, but as a symbol of legacy, beauty, and rarity.

Final Thoughts

In the world of precious gems, few discoveries rewrite the record books. Imboo isn’t just an emerald—it’s a moment in gem history. Its size, colour, and origin make it one of the most talked-about stones of the decade, and its legacy is only just beginning.