At least eight rogues , thieves and gem ##ologists have at some point laid claim to the 840-pound rock that was stolen from the jungle in 1997 . Years of legal wrangling have left just one group involved in the fight for the rock led by Idaho investor Kit Morrison . However , the country of thieves is now laying claim to the rock they claim was mined and then exported illegally . The over a decade - long saga of lies and betrayal have transformed the huge but low - quality emerald into a nearly priceless art piece .
At least eight rogues , thieves and gem traders have at some point laid claim to the 840-pound rock that was culled from the jungle in 2001 . Years of legal wrangling have left just one group standing in the fight for the rock led by Idaho investor Kit Morrison . However , the country of Brazil is now laying claim to the stone they say was mined and then exported illegally . The over a decade-long saga of lies and betrayal have turned the huge but low-quality emerald into a nearly priceless art piece .