19 Jun 2011

Massive emerald on show in Colombia

3:50 pm on 19 June 2011

A massive uncut emerald on exhibit in Colombia's capital is being touted by its owners as the biggest in the world.

The 11,000 carat raw green gem weighs in at 2.27 kilograms and is on show in Bogota 12 years after it was mined in the area of Muzo.

No more than 15 people at a time are allowed to view the stone, with five guards looking on.

Colombia produces 55% of the world's emeralds, exporting them for about $US200 million a year.