Colombia has 90% of the world production of this precious stone and its trade occupies fifth place among this country's exports. It generates more than onehundred thousand direct jobs and brings in and average of more than 95 million dollars a year. The great collection of these gems, famous for their transprency and perfection have been displayed in important international exhibits. Outstanding is the largest emerald in the world weighing 25 carats. It is named La Emilia and comes from the Las Cruces mine, where it was found in 1969. Major production comes from the Muzo, Coscuez, Chivor and Peñas Blancas mines. The Mine Gallery of Colombia shows the tourist emerald collections in the rough and mounted in gold rings, earrings, necklaces and other ornaments. Here also be seen the extraction andpolishing processes. The price per carat of these gems of a middle to excellent quality may vary from 1,000 to 10,000 dollars and more.