Where do Colombian emeralds come from?

Colourful macaw, native bird symbolic of Colombia, origin of the world’s finest emeralds.

About 99% of Colombian emeralds come from the state of Boyacá, nestled in the heart of the country along the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes mountain range. Boyacá is known for its breathtaking landscapes, charming colonial towns, and rich cultural heritage. Its main economic activities include agriculture, tourism, and mining. With a population of around 1.3 million people, Boyacá represents about 2% of Colombia’s total population.

Emeralds were first discovered by the Muzo Indigenous people sometime between 600–1000 AD and have been an integral part of Boyacá’s culture and economy ever since.

While estimates suggest the emerald-rich territory could span as much as 250,000 hectares, the Colombian government has issued mining and exploration licenses for less than 5,000 hectares.

The primary emerald-producing regions within Boyacá are Muzo and Coscuez on the western side of the state, and Chivor on the eastern side. These areas are relatively remote and not easily accessible. For example, although Muzo is only 183 km from Bogotá, it took me over six hours to reach it by car (as of March 2025).

It was certainly worth the journey- the world’s most rare and beautiful emeralds come from the heart of Colombia.