Emeralds
Emerald is a variety of the mineral species called beryl, and is the most prized and precious gemstone in its group. Emerald has been treasured around the world for at least 4,000 years. Favorites of Cleopatra for their rich green color of spring that symbolized love and rebirth, emeralds were mined in ancient Egypt and what is now Afghanistan. The Romans loved emeralds, too; in fact, Nero wore emerald sunglasses to watch the gladiators! And the moguls of India, including the builder of the Taj Mahal, loved emeralds so much they inscribed them with sacred text and wore them as talismans.
The Spaniards spent years searching for the source of the large and fine emeralds used by the Incas and finally found it in what is now Columbia. Today these are among the richest mines in the world, along with mines in Brazil, Zambia and Zimbabwe.