Category Archives: Localities

Parisite-(Ce) from Muzo – A Rare Associated Mineral of Colombian Emeralds

Parisite-(Ce) from Muzo, Colombia

Parisite-(Ce) is one of the most fascinating associated minerals found in Colombia’s emerald deposits. The Muzo District is especially important: it is not only world-famous for its emeralds, but also the type locality of Parisite-(Ce). This article explores the mineralogy, crystal forms, occurrence, and selected Parisite-(Ce) specimens from my own collection. More Than Emeralds The […]

My Journey Through Colombia’s Emerald Regions

Fura and Tena in Colombia’s western emerald belt near Muzo.

Colombia is world-famous for its exceptional emeralds. During two journeys, I visited some of the country’s most important deposits and had the opportunity to experience not only their geology, but also emerald mining and life in the mining regions at close range. This article combines my personal impressions with the geological background of the deposits. […]

Pyrite from the Extertal

Pyrite from the Extertal region is particularly well known among mineral collectors for its distinctive crystal forms. One of the most characteristic features of the area is the occurrence of so-called “Iron Cross Twins.” Location of the Extertal Collecting Area Extertal is located in the northeastern part of the Lippe District in North Rhine-Westphalia, within […]