Mining Locations

Legends Ancient sources of emeralds are shrouded in myths and legend. In antiquity it was believed that many improbable locations were the source of their emeralds. The Muisca of Colombia considered them to be an ancestor to their tribe. The Muzo mines have a legend about Fura and Tena, with them being lovers staying forever […]

There are a number of independent emerald mines dotting Colombia, but the three main ones where most of the country’’s production comes from are Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuez. The Chivor district is about 75 kilometers northeast of Bogotá, and the Muzo district which is centered about 100 kilometers north of Bogotá. Coscuez is extremely close to […]

Beginning of Emerald Mining in Colombia With the extensive emerald discoveries in the Colombian mines, explorers and conquistadors were searching Brazil for emerald deposits as early as the 16th century. Eventually gem deposits were found, along with gold, diamonds, and many other gems. As a note, any nice looking green gem before the 19th century […]

While not one of the worldwide providers of emeralds, Russia is capable of producing gem quality emeralds. Much of it is carved into beautiful forms, though faceted examples do exist. Unfortunately, the term Uralian emerald (a place where emeralds are mines) is also used to refer to demantoid garnets. Ones  These emeralds were originally confused […]

Zambia is the second largest producer of gem quality emeralds in the world, after Colombia. It is easy to get the impression that Brazil would be the second biggest producer, since it is much closer to the famed Colombian emerald mines. Color No emerald mine produces a single color of emeralds. The possible colors range […]

Emeralds have been found at several locations in Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia). Note that it is neighbors Zambia, the second largest emerald producer in the world. One important source of superb quality emeralds that are small in size, is the Sandawana mine field.  Color & Size Zimbabwe emeralds are known for being vivid without needing to […]

Emeralds are capable of forming in many places in the world, including North Carolina in the United States. The reason more sources are not noted is because they do not form any notable amount of gem quality emeralds. This does not necessarily mean the sources are incapable of producing gem quality emeralds, but that they […]