How Are Colombian Emeralds Extracted from Mining Rivers?
Colombia is home to the world's most coveted emeralds, and their extraction is a process that combines tradition, patience, and skill. One of the most fascinating methods of obtaining these precious stones is collecting them from mining rivers, where nature helps uncover the hidden treasures within the rock.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the process of extracting Colombian emeralds from mining rivers, the methodology used, and how you can experience it firsthand with Emerald By Love.
How Is an Emerald Formed?
Emeralds are formed under extreme geological conditions, with high pressure and temperature deep within the Earth's crust. In Colombia, their origin is linked to hydrothermal processes in which elements like beryllium, vanadium, and chromium crystallize over millions of years.
This process occurs in fault zones of the Earth's crust, where hot mineral solutions seep into cracks and fissures in limestone and shale rocks. Over time, as these solutions cool, emerald crystals begin to form, giving them their characteristic deep green color and high purity.
Methods of Emerald Extraction in Colombia
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Open-pit mining: Large amounts of earth are excavated to expose emerald deposits.
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Underground mining: Tunnels are drilled into the mountains to extract emeralds from geological veins.
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Mining river collection: Fragments that may contain emeralds are searched for in riverbeds.
What Is a Mining River?
A mining river is a watercourse that flows through emerald-rich areas, carrying fragments of rocks that may contain these precious gemstones. These rivers become popular search sites for miners and adventurers looking to find emeralds naturally, without the need for deep excavation.
How Are Emeralds Extracted from a Mining River?
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A spot in the mining river is chosen where small rocks or mineral-rich stones are found, as they are more likely to contain emeralds.
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Large amounts of rocks are shoveled from the riverbanks to collect material that may contain emeralds.
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The most promising rocks are selected and placed in sacks for later inspection. (Typically, finding commercial-grade emeralds can take anywhere from a month to several years.)
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The rocks are poured onto a mesh and submerged in the river water.
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They are shaken in the water to remove dirt and expose any possible emeralds.
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The search for raw emeralds begins by carefully examining the stones for their characteristic bright green color.
Experience It with Emerald By Love
If you want to experience the thrill of searching for emeralds in a mining river and discovering a gemstone yourself, Emerald By Love offers you the opportunity to book a tour and immerse yourself in this fascinating world of artisanal mining. Reserve your adventure and uncover the magic of Colombian emeralds!
Paula A. Bonilla
Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. She is also a jeweler and has a deep passion for continuously learning about precious gemstones and high-end jewelry.
She currently works for one of Bogotá’s most prestigious jewelry stores, Emerald By Love. With over 40 years of experience, this jewelry store has two physical locations in Colombia’s capital, both situated in the city center.
