History of emerald mining in Colombia

Colombia is globally recognized for the quality and quantity of emeralds it produces. The history of emerald mining in Colombia dates back to pre-Columbian times and continues to this day, standing out as one of the main exporting countries of this precious gem.

This article explores the origins, evolution and most famous emeralds found in Colombian mines, providing a detailed and optimized vision for SEO on this fascinating topic.

First Mines in Colombia

The emeralds were extracted in Colombia long before the arrival of the Spanish conquerors. The first known mines were exploited by the muiscas, an indigenous civilization that inhabited the Boyacá and Cundinamarca region. The Somondoco mines, located in what is now the municipality of Chivor, were especially significant. The muiscas extracted the emeralds using rudimentary tools and used them both in religious ceremonies and in their trade with other tribes.

Timeline: Emerald Mines in Colombia

1. Pre-Columbian time:
   • 500 BC. 1500 A.D.: The muiscas blow up the mines of Somondoco and Gachalá.
2. Conquista Española:
   • 1537 : Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, leader of the Spanish expedition, discovers the emerald mines in the Boyacá region.
   • 1558 : The Chivor mines are officially registered and operated by the Spaniards.
3. 17th and 18th centuries:
   • 1600 : The mines of Muzo, known for producing the finest emeralds of the world, are beginning to be exploited.
   • 1700 : Regulations are established for the exploitation of mines.
4. 20th century:
   • 1911 : Reopening of the Chivor mines under modern administration.
   • 1970: Auge of emerald mining, especially in Muzo, Coscuez and La Pita.
5. 21st century:
   • 2000 - Present : Colombia maintains its leadership in the production of emeralds, with a focus on sustainable and responsible mining.

Emeralds More Famous of Each of the Mines

1. Muzo:
   • Fura and Tena: A pair of legendary emeralds that symbolize the history and quality of Muzo's gems.
   • The Emilia: One of the largest and most valuable emeralds found in the mine.
2. Chivor:
   • La Gachala : Found in 1967, this 858 carat emerald is one of the largest in the world and has been admired for its purity and color.
3. Coscuez:
   • La Regina: An emerald of 15,020 carats, discovered in 2015, stands out for its size and exceptional quality.
   • The Imperatrix : An emerald famous for its intense color and significant size.
4. The Pita:
   • The Glory of the Pita: This gem, discovered in the 1990s, has been highlighted for its deep green colour and purity.
   • The Goblin: An emerald known for its exceptional form and clarity.

Paula A. Bonilla

Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. She is also a jeweler and is passionate about constantly learning about precious gems and national high jewelry.

Currently, she is working for one of Bogotá's most important jewelry stores, Emerald by Love. This jewelry store has over 40 years of experience and has 2 physical branches in the capital city of Colombia, located in the city center.