Muzo

Curated by Maggie Liu · Updated:

Colombia · Boyacá
Emerald from Muzo, Colombia
Photo: Didier Descouens · CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Muzo, in Boyacá, Colombia, is the most famous emerald locality on Earth, source of the classic deep “Muzo green”.

About Muzoextended article

What it is known for

The Muzo mines, worked since pre-Columbian times, produce emerald in calcite–pyrite veins cutting black shale, traditionally noted for a pure, slightly warm green.

What collectors look for

Sharp emerald crystals — on white calcite or in matrix, with strong colour and clarity — are the prize and command very high premiums.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Muzo?

Muzo is a mineral locality in Boyacá, Colombia. It lies at approximately 5.5300°N, 74.1000°W. Elevation is about 800 m.

What minerals are found at Muzo?

Signature minerals from Muzo include Emerald, Calcite, Pyrite. The locality lies in Boyacá, Colombia, and each mineral links to a full reference entry with formula, crystal system, and collector notes.

What is Muzo known for?

Muzo, in Boyacá, Colombia, is the most famous emerald locality on Earth, source of the classic deep “Muzo green”.

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