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The Emerald Enterprise<\/h1>\n
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By\u00a0Benning Alexander Rojas-Kerbow<\/p>\n
Colegio Nueva Granada | Bogot\u00e1, Colombia<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
It is a little-known fact that Colombia<\/strong> produces more than two-thirds of the world’s emeralds. The largest mines are found in the Boyac\u00e1 and Cundinamarca regions of the Andes Mountains. Due to Colombia\u2019s reputation as a travel destination, its emeralds have an exotic flair.<\/p>\n The gems cost less within the country\u2019s borders because of their abundant supply. Once exported to the world\u2019s markets, their prices increase significantly. If you want a bargain on authentic jewelry and you like South American cultural icons, consider Colombia when deciding on your next vacation spot.<\/p>\n History<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n When Spanish conquistadors first claimed Colombia as a colony in 1514, they named it Nueva Granada. Nueva<\/em> meant \u201cnew,\u201d and Granada<\/em> was an area of Spain. As in many other colonies, the Spanish sought three things in Nueva Granada:<\/p>\n They hoped that they\u2019d find gold, land, and other exotic resources to bring them wealth.<\/p>\n Soon after their arrival, Spanish conquistadors noticed that the Indigenous people possessed high-quality emeralds. They forced the locals to show them where to mine the precious gems. The Spanish seized the emeralds and sent them back to Spain.<\/p>\n Now, hundreds of years later, the sites the Spanish excavated are still being used. Small, independent mining operations have been replaced by large multinational corporations. Local laborers extract the stones under tight security. Uncut emeralds are sold to traders, and from there they make their way across the world.<\/p>\n Emerald Exchange<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Colombian emeralds are renowned for both their quality and quantity. Nevertheless, buyers might choose to buy their emeralds from other countries such as Brazil or Zambia. This is because the more recent history of Colombia\u2019s emeralds is filled with intrigue, corruption, and violence. Mining conditions are harsh, and competition for the valuable discoveries is fierce. In fact, a particularly brutal period of conflict during the 1980s is known as the Green Wars.<\/p>\n Emerald Enchantment<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n In the United States, while the diamond engagement ring has been the status quo, owning an emerald is also a popular choice. Nontraditional brides-to-be see diamonds as too bland for such a special occasion. With the emerald fan club including such notable figures as Cleopatra, why not go for the green?<\/p>\n Have a suggestion for this story? We\u2019d love for you to\u00a0submit it<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Colombia-emeralds-1.png” alt=”stilt fisherman in Sri Lanka” title_text=”Colombia emeralds 1″ align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Colombia-emeralds-3.png” alt=”Goats climbing argan trees in Morocco” title_text=”Colombia emeralds 3″ align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Blank” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_css_main_element=”display: none; ” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Blank<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Math Resources” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Grades 11-12<\/strong><\/p>\n The amount of emeralds found on a particular day can be modeled by<\/p>\n What is the derivative of the integral?<\/p>\n The emerald production on a particular day can be modeled by<\/p>\n Integrate this integral.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Social Justice Question” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Emerald seekers sometimes find valuable stones by sifting through the excavated dirt abandoned by mining companies. These overlooked gems bring needed income to the under-resourced communities surrounding the mines. Nevertheless, the mining companies could argue that all emeralds belong to them. Who do you think has a more legitimate claim to these buried treasures?<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Explore Further” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.19.2″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Share Your Story” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n\n
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Colombian\u00a0emeralds are cited as some of the most beautiful stones in all the world. Because of their rarity, emeralds of good color and clarity are currently valued more highly than sapphires or diamonds. Engagement rings throughout South America often feature emeralds, due to their relative affordability.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Colombia-integral.png\")
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