Emeralds: Myths, History and Origin of the Green Treasure
A Precious Stone Unique in the World
Emerald is one of the four most prized gemstones in the world, alongside diamond , ruby , and sapphire . It belongs to a variety of beryl , a mineral family characterized by its brilliant green color , attributed to the presence of traces of chromium , vanadium , and iron in its composition.
An Ancient and Mystical History
In ancient times , the emerald held special significance and was highly revered in various cultures. One of the main associations with the emerald was its connection to Venus , the goddess of love and beauty in Roman mythology. It was also highly prized in ancient Egypt , where Queen Cleopatra is said to have made it one of her favorite gems, exploiting the first known mines in the Eastern Desert . Today, the emerald has become a popular choice for engagement rings and other romantic jewelry .
Colombia, Cradle of the Most Beautiful Emeralds
Emeralds are mined in various regions of the world, but Colombia is the world's leading producer : 55% of the emeralds on the global market come from this country. Colombia has some of the world's most famous mines, such as the Muzo, Chivor , and Coscuez mines . These are mainly located in the Boyacá region , north of Bogotá .
A Colombian Legend Rooted in Culture
A famous Colombian legend tells the story of the god Are creating a man and a woman: Tena and Fura . Are imposed rules on Fura and Tena, including the requirement of fidelity. But one day, Fura fell in love with another man, Zarbi. Having discovered the deception, Tena ended her life by stabbing herself in the heart .
Fura wept for three days and three nights. Her tears were so abundant that they flooded the forests , transforming them into thousands of emeralds . To punish Fura and Tena, the god Are transformed them into two mountains. Zarbi, meanwhile, became the river that flows between the two mountains, separating them forever. This legend remains deeply rooted in Colombian culture to this day, and the Fura and Tena mountains are considered sacred by some local communities.
