One of the largest discovered emeralds ever discovered weighed 380 kilos. It was found in the Bahia area of Brazil.

The emerald was carried by mules out of the mines, one of which was devoured by panthers during the transport.

The mineral moved to the USA where it was stored in a special warehouse in New Orleans. However, the warehouse flooded during hurricane Katrina in 2005, which gave thieves the opportunity to steal it and transport it to Los Angeles.

A few years later, the huge stone was said to be a part of a conflict between members of a Colombian family, which nearly resulted in bloodshed. According to other information, in 2008, known swiwndler Bernie Madoff tried to exchange it for a few million. Shortly afterwards, it was seized in Las Vegas.

This huge stone is equally as impressive as its size.

A week ago, however, the emerald, which is estimated at 230 million pounds, is scandalizing many an individual. Among them are Mark Downie, famous gemstone trader. The Smithsonian museum and Getty Museum have also expressed an interest in acquiring it. The Brazilian government, as well, has requested that the emerald return to the country since it is of  cultural and scientific heritage.

In January, a court will decide the fate of the famous Bahia emerald.