Cleveland: Local Man Discovers Rare Emerald in Backyard GardenCleveland: Local Man Discovers Rare Emerald in Backyard Garden In an extraordinary turn of events, a Cleveland man named Robert Jenkins has stumbled upon a remarkable find in his own backyard. While tending to his tomato plants, he unearthed a vibrant green stone that turned out to be an exceptionally rare emerald. According to experts, the emerald is of the highest quality, boasting exceptional clarity and an intense green color. It is estimated to be worth around $250,000, making it a truly valuable discovery. Jenkins, a retired engineer, had always been interested in geology as a hobby. However, he never expected to find such a precious stone in his own yard. “I was just digging around, trying to get rid of some weeds, when I saw something green shimmering in the dirt,” he said. “I couldn’t believe my eyes.” After carefully extracting the stone from the ground, Jenkins took it to a local gemologist for examination. The gemologist confirmed that the stone was indeed an emerald and that it was of exceptional quality. The emerald is believed to have been formed millions of years ago in a nearby geological formation. Jenkins’ discovery has caused quite a stir in the local community. Geologists and collectors from around the country have flocked to Cleveland to witness the rare gem. Some have even offered to purchase the emerald from Jenkins, but he has declined. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime find,” Jenkins said. “I want to keep it in the family and pass it down to my children and grandchildren.” The emerald has since been mounted in a platinum ring, which Jenkins proudly wears on his finger. He says he enjoys the attention and interest that the gem has generated but remains humble about his extraordinary discovery. “I’m just a lucky guy,” Jenkins said. “I’m grateful that I was able to find something so beautiful and rare in my own backyard.”