Translucent Emerald on Calcite Matrix from Los Topos, Chivor, Colombia

An intensely green emerald crystal sits prominently on a pale calcite matrix. The approximately 1.3 cm long crystal shows a prismatic, nearly hexagonal habit and stands out clearly in color from the surrounding matrix.

The emerald is notably translucent and has a vitreous luster. Parts of the crystal are embedded in the calcite, while several crystal faces remain freely visible. This allows both the crystal form and its natural relationship with the matrix to be clearly recognized.

Emerald from Los Topos near Chivor

Los Topos is located in the Chivor District in the Department of Boyacá and belongs to Colombia’s eastern emerald belt. Emerald mineralization in the region occurs in mineralized veins and breccias, where calcite is a typical associated mineral.

This specimen shows a single, clearly visible emerald crystal on natural calcite matrix. Its green color, comparatively good translucency, and exposed crystal faces form the visual focus of the piece.

The specimen was acquired directly from a local miner in the Los Topos mining area during a personal trip to Colombia. With dimensions of 3.5 × 2.0 × 2.0 cm, this is a miniature specimen. The total weight is 16.8 g. Its particular appeal lies in the approximately 1.3 cm long emerald crystal, its distinct contrast with the pale calcite matrix, and its documented origin from Los Topos near Chivor.

Learn more about Los Topos in the Chivor District and my impressions of the locality in the detailed Colombia article.