Colombia supplies 60% of the world's emerald output and 80% of the highest quality emerald available in today's market. In Colombia, north to the border with Ecuador, the Andes split into three parallel ranges, western, central, and eastern ("cordillera occidental, central y oriental"). The main Colombian mines are located in the "Cordillera Oriental" region of the Colombian Andes mountains, also referred to as "The Emerald Belt." The Chivor mine in the eastern region is the only major privately owned emerald mine in Colombia. The world-famous Muzo mine in the western region is leased to the government for 10-year periods to the Sociedad de Mineros Boyacenses.

Muzo is located about 120 km. north of Bogota' (however, 8 hours car trip), at an altitude of 2,200 feet (750 meters) above sea level. The region is hot and humid and surrounded by thick tropical vegetation. The mine embraces the Itoco river, an affluent to the Minero river. There are several mines in the area, and the most important are Coscuez, Pena Blanca, La Pita, Quipama, Tequendama, El Cholo, Totumos, and many others. Other famous Colombian emerald mines are Chivor and Gachala', located East of Bogota.'