Emerald: Boyaca Colombian
One of the most pursued and well-liked gems found on earth, the captivating playful green color of Boyaca Colombian emerald, along with high demand, only serves to further its scarcity.
Emeralds were among the first gemstones mined in the world. Colombia is home to the largest source of emeralds worldwide. Colombian emerald deposits, which yield a finer variety than other emerald mine, formed between 40 and 65 million years ago. While deposits in several locations around the globe ensure supply, the Colombian variety grabs the top position for transparency, crystallization and fire. Emerald is a crystal from the beryl family of minerals and typically received its classic green coloring from trace amounts of chromium or vanadium in the stone.
- Before mankind's love affair with diamonds, rubies or sapphires began, early Egyptians were mining and transforming emeralds at the "Cleopatra Mines," located 400 miles south of Cairo. Egypt held a monopoly on emeralds until the Spanish conquistadors made their way to the new world.
- The Muzo Indian tribe that ruled Colombia before the Spanish invasion considered emeralds sacred objects from gods with special powers of healing, protection and fertility. The emerald was a symbol of eternal life and the promise of an abundant harvest. As part of the tribe's traditions, their king covered himself with gold and emerald dust and then swam in Lake Guatavita as an offering to the gods.
- The "Mogul Emerald" found in 1695, measures 217.8 carats and 10 cm. It displays a prayer inscription on one side and floral images on the other. This legendary emerald fetched $2.2 million in a Christie's of London auction in September 2001.
- Emerald has been called the "stone of successful love" and is thought to open and nurture the heart, while it revives passion, whether for a person, a hobby or a career.
LOCATION: Colombia
When Spanish Conquistadors arrived in the new world they combed the vast lands in search of tribal emerald mines. They were significant players in finding the world's most impressive source of emeralds in the jungles of central Colombia. Our emeralds are from Muzo and Chivor mines in the Boyacá province in Colombia.
- Ranks 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale.
- Colors range from yellow-green to blue-green, including colors like spring green, Kelly green, mint green, forest green, and of course emerald green.
- Sourced from the Boyaca province in Columbia.
- Member of the beryl family.
- Birthstone for May.
- Associated with Zodiac signs of Cancer, Taurus and Scorpio.
- Traditional gift for 20th, 55th and 90th anniversaries.
- Official gemstone for North Carolina.
