Muzo: The Emerald Capital of the World is in Colombia
When it comes to emeralds, Colombian stones rank first thanks to their intense green color, purity, and history. Colombia, a country full of biodiversity and natural wealth, is also home to the most famous emeralds on the planet. But not just any emerald—we’re talking about the renowned “drop of oil,” considered the purest and most coveted form of this gem.
In the heart of the country, among mountains rich with history, lies Muzo, a small town in the department of Boyacá. Here, not only are the world’s finest emeralds extracted, but visitors can also enjoy a unique experience: witnessing the mining process up close and admiring these gems at their source.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Muzo’s emeralds, how to get to this town, and how you can live the mining experience firsthand with Emerald By Love.
Why does Colombia have the best emeralds in the world?
Colombian emeralds are internationally recognized for their purity, brilliance, and deep green color. This is due to unique geological factors found only in the country’s Andean region.
Unlike emeralds from other countries like Brazil or Zambia, Colombian emeralds do not require heat treatment to enhance their color. Their beauty is completely natural, which increases their value and makes them even more sought after by jewelers and collectors worldwide.
Muzo: The Emerald Capital of the World
Located about five hours from Bogotá, Muzo is known as the emerald capital of the world. This town in Boyacá not only produces the purest stones but has also been at the center of Colombia’s emerald history since pre-Columbian times.
Today, Muzo remains the hub of Colombia’s emerald industry. The quality of its gems is unmatched. Visiting Muzo is like diving into the origin, where every stone tells an ancient story.
Muzo Emeralds: What is the “drop of oil” emerald?
In the world of emeralds, there’s a very special category: the so-called “drop of oil.” This term describes an emerald with smooth, uniform visual effects and no visible inclusions. It literally looks like a drop of oil suspended inside the stone.
This type of emerald is found only in Colombia—especially in the Muzo mines. Its rarity and perfection make it an extremely valuable gem, sought after by the most prestigious jewelry houses in the world.
Emerald By Love: Tours to the Muzo Mines and Authentic Emeralds
At Emerald By Love, we offer you an unforgettable experience: touring the Muzo mines, seeing miners at work, learning about the extraction process, and—of course—discovering authentic emeralds! Our tours are designed to connect visitors with the history, culture, and beauty of this ancient gemstone.
We also offer an exclusive selection of Muzo emeralds, including “drop of oil” specimens—100% natural, certified, and sourced with respect for the community and environment. If you’re looking for an emerald with history, origin, and authenticity, Emerald By Love is your ideal destination.
Paula A. Bonilla
Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. She is also a jeweler and passionate about continuously learning about precious gems and high-end Colombian jewelry.
She currently works for one of Bogotá’s most important jewelry houses, Emerald By Love. This jeweler has over 40 years of experience and two physical locations in Colombia’s capital, both located in the city center.
