Emeralds have captured the imagination for millennia, from Cleopatra to Incan emperors. Their lush green color that seems to glow almost has garnered some of the highest per carat prices of any colored gemstone.
What is it about Colombian emeralds that inspires such adoration? It is their spectacular color and clarity. Colombia has been the mining center of the finest emeralds for hundreds of years. The three primary mining sites are Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuez. They are known the world over for producing emeralds that have a pure green hue with little to no modifying color such as blue or yellow. Emeralds are a variety of the gem beryl, which also comprises aquamarine and morganite. Chromium is the element that gives emerald its green hue and stones from Colombia tend to have a higher concentration leading to a purity of color.
The bright green, emerald hue represents fertility, birth, growth, and prosperity. It is very apropos that emerald is the birthstone for the month of May, as spring brings new life.
