A rough emerald seen before being processed in a cutting and polishing workshop in Bogota, Colombia, 31 March 2006. Approximately 60 percent of the world's total amount of emeralds come from Colombia. Most of the rough gems are processed in workshops located in the emerald district in downtown Bogota. Due to their special clarity and deep vivid green color, Colombian gemstones are considered the most beautiful emeralds in the world.