Utility company asks for proof that a $280 million emerald was lost in California wildfire

It's not impossible for an emerald to be valued at $280 million. In 2017, a 794-pound emerald was found in Brazil and valued at $309 million:

However, in the ongoing litigation over the 2018 Camp Fire, PG&E has asked for proof that a married couple really lost a $280 million emerald when their home burned down. Their "Beleza Emerald" was described in court documents as a 500-pound "solid block of black schist and quartz with green crystals."

Aside from the immense value of the emerald, Market Watch notes a few suspicious factors:

While the Camp fire burned hot enough to melt aluminum which has a melting point of 1,221 degrees Fahrenheit emeralds start to degrade at temperatures around 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit

A Google search found no record of a "Beleza Emerald."

According to Realtor.com, the house in question was an 8-bedroom, 4,400-square-foot home in Paradise with an estimated value of $586,000 raising further doubts that it contained a gem worth more than 477 times the price of the house.

In an effort to verify the claim, PG&E has requested proof of ownership such as photos of the emerald, or receipts for security precautions such as temperature control or employment of security personnel. Read the rest