Colombia is globally recognized as one of the leading producers of high-quality emeralds. The richness of its soil and favorable geological conditions have made this country a reference in the production of this precious gemstone.

To better understand this phenomenon, it is crucial to understand the types of emerald deposits present in Colombia, as well as the main mines where these gems are extracted.

Main Mines in Colombia

1. Muzo Mine: Located in the Boyacá department, it is one of Colombia's oldest and most emblematic mines. It produces emeralds of intense green color and exceptional quality.

2. Coscuez Mine: Also located in Boyacá, this mine is famous for its emeralds of various shades and notable sizes. It is one of the important sources of emeralds in the country.

3. Chivor Mine: Located in the municipality of Chivor in Boyacá, this mine is known for its high-quality emeralds and unique tones, including blue and greenish hues.

4. La Pita Mine: Situated in the municipality of Quípama in Boyacá, it is recognized for producing emeralds with excellent brightness and transparency, being one of the most promising mines in terms of quality.

5. La Vega de San Juan Mine: Found in the municipality of Maripí in Boyacá, this mine has gained recognition for the quality and size of its emeralds, contributing significantly to national production.

6. Gachalá Mine: Located in the Cundinamarca department, it is known for its emeralds with deep hues and its historical role in emerald production in Colombia.

7. Chiquinquirá Mine: Situated in the municipality of Chiquinquirá in Boyacá, it is a smaller-scale mine but with emeralds of excellent quality and brightness, contributing to the diversity of production in the country.

Extraction Process of an Emerald

The extraction of emeralds in Colombia is a meticulous process that requires expertise and specialized knowledge. It begins with the identification of the vein or deposit where the emeralds are found. Then, excavation and extraction work is carried out manually or with specialized machinery, depending on the depth and characteristics of the deposit. Once extracted, the emeralds undergo processes of cleaning, cutting, and polishing to enhance their natural beauty.

Types of Emerald Deposits in Colombia

1. Deposits in sedimentary rocks: These deposits are found in sedimentary rock strata. Emeralds form from hydrothermal activity in these rocks, resulting in crystals of high quality.

2. Deposits in hydrothermal veins: These deposits form from the infiltration of mineral-rich hydrothermal fluids into cracks and fissures in preexisting rocks. Emeralds crystallize under these conditions, creating deposits of emeralds in veins within the rocks.

3. Deposits in regional metamorphism: These deposits develop in rocks that have undergone intense regional metamorphism processes. High pressures and temperatures favor the formation of emeralds in the crystals of metamorphic rocks, such as schist and slate.

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.