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The emerald was recovered during normal mining operations on February 5, the company said in a statement, and is being examined by Gemfields' experts to establish a clearer understanding of its value and significance.
The emerald has been named "Insofu" (which means "elephant" in the language of the Bemba people indigenous to the region) due to its size and in honour of the World Land Trust's "Wild Lands Elephant Corridor Project", of which Gemfields is a participant. Gemfields said its experts "will continue to evaluate the gem before any final decision is taken in terms of its future".
Ian Harebottle, chief executive of Gemfields, said: "This is a unique find. The Insofu displays wonderful colour and good translucency. Its sheer size, rich colour and fine protective biotite shell make it difficult to see deep into the gem. However, all indications suggest that the core of the emerald is competent and that it should yield a number of cut gems of significant size."
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