Blue Euclase on Calcite from the Chivor District, Colombia

This euclase specimen comes from the Chivor District in Colombia’s eastern emerald belt. A pale blue euclase crystal measuring approximately 1.3 × 1.0 cm is prominently positioned on a white calcite matrix.

The crystal is visible from several directions and stands out clearly against the pale matrix and the brown mineral coatings. Smaller yellowish to pale greenish areas occur around the lower part of the main crystal.

The complete specimen measures 4.2 × 4.2 × 2.0 cm and belongs to the miniature size category.

Pale Blue Crystal with Internal Structures

The euclase shows a pale blue to slightly greenish-blue color. Thinner areas are translucent, while numerous internal fractures, growth features, and healed structures limit its transparency.

Under direct illumination, the crystal faces produce distinct reflections. The detailed photographs also reveal the natural surface texture and the varying development of the individual faces.

Yellowish areas along the lower edge create an additional color contrast with the predominantly blue crystal body. These areas are partly transparent to translucent and merge directly into the main crystal or its marginal zones.

Partially Exposed on the Calcite Matrix

The euclase crystal does not lie flat on the matrix but projects clearly from it. The side views in particular show that a larger part of the crystal body is exposed.

The matrix consists mainly of white, coarse-crystalline calcite. Numerous brown mineral coatings and cavities occur on the front. This irregular structure gives the specimen a naturally three-dimensional and varied appearance.

On the reverse side, larger white to colorless calcite areas with stepped cleavage and crystal surfaces dominate. The reverse therefore differs clearly from the more strongly mineralized display side.

Euclase from a Classic Colombian Mineral Region

The Chivor District is best known for emeralds, but it is also one of Colombia’s important euclase localities. Matrix specimens with clearly visible blue crystals are considerably less common than loose or only partially preserved single crystals.

In this specimen, the euclase forms the clear focal point on a contrasting calcite matrix. The combination of pale blue color, visible crystal form, and documented locality makes it particularly interesting for collections of Colombian minerals and minerals from the eastern emerald belt.

Compact Miniature Specimen on an Acrylic Base

The specimen is mounted on a transparent acrylic base measuring 2.5 × 2.5 × 1.2 cm. The total weight, including the base, is 62.3 g.

The upright presentation makes the main crystal clearly visible in the overall view. The detailed photographs complement the presentation by documenting both its internal structure and its spatial position within the calcite matrix.