New emerald extraction techniques

Colombian emeralds, known for its vibrant green and exceptional quality, have been a coveted gemstone for centuries. Colombia, home to the richest and most prestigious mines in the world, has been at the forefront of extracting these valuable gems.

However, as demand for emeralds grows and traditional reserves become more difficult to access, new extraction techniques are being developed and refined to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

In this article, we will explore how Colombian emeralds and the six innovative new techniques that are revolutionizing the industry are extracted.

How is a Colombian emerald extracted?

Emerald extraction in Colombia is a process that combines traditional skills and modern technologies. Traditionally, emerald mining is carried out in hard-to-reach areas, such as the Muzo, Chivor and Coscuez mountainous regions. The process begins with the excavation of earth and rock in search of emerald veins. Miners use manual tools and heavy machinery to remove the soil, which is then washed away to separate emeralds from sediments. This manual extraction can be arduous and dangerous, and often involves risks to workers and the environment.

What techniques are used to extract emeralds?

Traditional emerald extraction techniques have evolved over time to include more sophisticated methods. Among the most common techniques are:

1. Open-air smear: It consists of removing large amounts of earth to expose the emerald veins. Although efficient, it can have a significant impact on the environment.
2. Underground mining: It involves the creation of tunnels and galleries to access emerald deposits. This method reduces the impact on the surface, but presents safety risks for miners.
3. Sediment washing: After extraction, sediments are washed in search of emeralds. This technique is crucial for separating gems from mineral material.

6 New Emerald Extraction Techniques

1. X-ray technology extraction: X-ray technology allows identifying and extracting emeralds accurately without the need to open large areas of land. This method minimizes environmental impact and improves efficiency in gem location.
2. Mining Methods to Small Scale: Artisanal mining methods, combined with advanced technologies such as satellite prospecting, allow miners to identify emerald deposits with greater accuracy and less environmental disturbance.
3. Use of Drones for Exploration: Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors can map and analyze large areas to locate emerald deposits. This reduces the need for extensive excavation and helps preserve the local ecosystem.
4. Advanced Hydraulic Mining Techniques: Hydraulic mining, which uses water at high pressure to extract gems, has been improved with more efficient technologies that reduce water consumption and soil erosion.
5. Electromagnetism Extraction Methods: This technique uses electromagnetic fields to identify and separate emeralds from other minerals. It is less invasive and can be done with portable equipment, which facilitates extraction in hard-to-reach areas.
6. Magnetothermal Resonance Technology: Uses MRI to detect emeralds in the subsoil. This method is highly accurate and can reduce the need for extensive excavations, thus protecting the environment.

Paula A. Bonilla

Social communicator and journalist from the Sergio Arboleda University, Colombia. Joyera and passionate about constantly learning about the gorgeous gems and the national high jewelry.

He is currently working for one of the most important jewelry stores in Bogotá, Emerald by Love. A Jewelry with more than 40 years of experience and also has 2 physical headquarters in the capital city of Colombia, located in the center of the city.