Emeralds, brilliant green gems, have been treasured and coveted for centuries as the gem that should not be. Emeralds are found in deposits in various parts of the world, but Colombian emeralds are prized for their transparency, crystallization, and fire. Emeralds range in color from slightly yellowish green to deep, dark bluish green. The darker green color is generally considered more desirable and the natural mineral inclusions, or defects, add to the character of the stone.
Colombian Emeralds
Some of the rarest and most expensive emeralds in the world come from three main emerald mining areas in Colombia: Muzo, Coscuez, and Chivor. Emeralds were mined there long before the Spanish arrived. Many of the gold and emerald inlaid items created by indigenous tribes are on display at the Gold Museum in Bogotá. Not surprisingly, emeralds are the stuff of legend and history and have been transported to Spain as part of the treasures of the New World. Judging by the amount of emeralds found in the Atocha and which turned out to be among the best extracted, the Spanish knew a gem when they saw it.
In addition to their beauty, emeralds are believed to increase intelligence, protect marriages, facilitate childbirth, and are believed to allow their wearer to predict events. Cleopatra, among others, believed in its magical fascination and the tradition surrounding this gem.
The value of an emerald depends on the 4C’s of cut, color, clarity and carats. The characteristics of Colombian emeralds establish the highest quality standards.
Value and price
For all these reasons, emeralds have been highly sought after and valued in Colombia. They are placed in jewelry, sold as is at auction and online, and because of their value they create a large illicit trade. Treasure hunters, called Quakers, poach in mines, particularly along the river in the valley Itoco Muzo. During the day they scour the river bed and clear the mining slag in search of overlooked emeralds legally mined in private mines leased by the Colombian government. At night, they tunnel into the slopes, in tunnels no bigger than themselves, risking suffocation and landslides, to search for stones.
When he finds an emerald, an emerald , a guaquero must hide it from others like him in order to sell it to an emerald , who in turn risks selling the gem to Bogotá, at a much higher price.
This illegal mining activity is monitored by the National Police, but arrests are rare and prison terms are generally short. More Quaqueros are shot to death than sent to trial. In general, a Quaquero is more in danger from other Quaqueros and the land, but the lure of instant riches outweighs any danger.
And, as long as people are hungry to possess the magical green fire of an emerald, there will be people who will risk everything to satisfy that hunger, at a price. But who can resist an emerald?
