The word EMERALD comes from the Latin word smaragdus that signifies green. Emeralds are from the family of beryl, some siliceous minerals; this family also includes some stones like, wide blue aquamarines, golden heliodors, red beryl, green beryl, etc. An emerald is a variety of precious stones, characterized by its green and transparent colors. The green color is due to the chrome oxide. Also, other minerals inside the stone affect its purity and its tone of green shades.

Emeralds are formed by aluminum silicate, beryl and glassine and characterized by its singular hardness, they are harder than quartz.

Precious stones are one of the most valued objects in human history. One of the most attractive gems that we can find are emeralds with their gorgeous green color. The value of an emerald is not regulated by international standards. Its value can increase based on the intensity of if its green color. This is because it gives an spectacular view to the jewel where is placed the emerald. The hardness of emeralds is another special characteristic in the market of gems.

Colombia is one of the richest countries in the production and exploitation of emeralds. In fact, Colombia produces more than 60% of the world's production; according to the information of the Colombian Embassy in Tokyo, Japan.

Colombia is by far regarded as the greatest source of the world's emeralds. Colombia's emeralds are the most sought after in the world because of their brilliance and deep color. An emerald with imperfections and trace elements that is a rich green is much more valuable than a perfect emerald in a paler shade. It is incredibly rare to find a emerald deep in color with few imperfections. Emeralds have been mined in Colombia from antiquity and were prized among the royalty of the Incan Empire.

Colombia is considered by gem experts all over the world to be the best place to find emeralds. Other countries such as Zambia, Zimbabwe and Brazil are also known for their rich deposits, but it is Colombia that is said to have the emeralds with the deepest color and clarity.

Perhaps only once or twice a year will Colombia produce an emerald of the finest quality that has over 2 carats, at which point the value of the emerald exceeds that of a diamond, ruby or sapphire and can go for approximately USD$30,000 per carat. This type of emerald is generally referred to as "gota de aceite" or oil drop.