Myths and Legends Surrounding Colombian Emeralds

Colombian emeralds are renowned not only for their unparalleled beauty and intense green color but also for the fascinating stories that surround them. Since pre-Columbian times, these precious stones have been considered sacred and magical. It is said that within their brilliance lie tales of love, power, revenge, and eternity—stories that continue to captivate those enchanted by the green gem.

In this article, you’ll discover the most surprising myths and legends surrounding Colombian emeralds—stones that not only adorn jewelry but also the history of a nation. If you love jewelry with a story, we invite you to keep reading and dive into Colombia’s mysterious green universe.

Mythical Colombian Emeralds

From the ancient Muisca and Quimbaya civilizations, emeralds were seen as divine stones born from the heart of the earth. Their green color was believed to represent life, fertility, and hope—gifts from the gods to the peoples who inhabited the mountains of Boyacá and Cundinamarca.

Shamans used them in healing and protection rituals, convinced that emeralds had the power to heal the soul and attract good fortune. In Muisca mythology, the origin of these gems is even explained through an eternal love story: that of Fura and Tena, whose hearts transformed into the purest emeralds in the world.

Myths and Legends of Colombian Emeralds

• Fura and Tena – The Most Famous Legend: Fura, a beautiful immortal woman, betrayed her beloved Tena. When he died, she cried so deeply that her tears became the purest emeralds on Earth.

• The Jungle’s Tears: It is said that whenever the jungle suffers, the heart of the Earth bleeds emeralds as a symbol of pain and rebirth.

• The Stone of the Pure Soul: According to ancient sages, only a person with a clean heart could possess an emerald without it losing its shine.

• The Green Guardian: An emerald serpent protects the sacred mines. Anyone who tries to steal without permission falls victim to its hypnotic gaze.

• The Rainbow’s Daughter: The Muisca believed emeralds were born where the rainbow touched the earth, blessing the mountains with its energy.

• The Treasure of the Emerald Queen: In colonial times, there were tales of a lost jewel that granted dominion over all the world’s minerals.

• The Emerald of Eternal Fire: A mythical gem that glowed even in darkness, guarded by ancestral spirits.

• The Lovers’ Amulet: Gifting a Colombian emerald was believed to guarantee fidelity and eternal love.

• The Green Moonstone: It was believed that emeralds reflected desires under the full moon, turning them into reality.

• The Mountains That Cry Green: According to elders, the mountains of Muzo and Chivor were formed from the gods' tears over humanity’s betrayal.

Emerald By Love: Where Legends Come to Life

At Emerald By Love, we believe that every emerald holds a story, a soul, and a unique energy that connects with the person who wears it. That’s why we select only authentic Colombian emeralds, born from the same lands where the legends of Fura and Tena first emerged.

Our jewelry is not only a work of art but also a piece of living history, crafted by expert hands that honor the tradition and origin of each stone. Discover exclusive pieces at Emerald By Love—filled with symbolism, beauty, and a touch of ancestral mysticism.

Paula A. Bonilla

Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. Passionate about constantly learning about precious gemstones and high-end national jewelry. She currently works for one of Bogotá’s most renowned jewelry houses, Emerald by Love, a company with over 40 years of experience in emeralds and two physical locations in the heart of Colombia’s capital.