Emerald from Galería Los Topos, Chivor – 1.4 cm Crystal on Matrix

This Emerald specimen from Galería Los Topos in the Chivor District, Boyacá, Colombia, shows a striking green Emerald crystal on a dark matrix with light-colored mineralized areas. The crystal reaches approximately 1.4 cm in length and therefore occupies a large part of the specimen, which measures only 2.2 cm overall.

The matrix measures 2.2 × 1.3 × 1.0 cm. Together with the 25 × 25 × 12 mm acrylic stand, the total weight is 12.7 g. Due to its compact dimensions, this is a thumbnail specimen, with the comparatively large Emerald crystal clearly forming the main focal point.

1.4 cm Emerald crystal on matrix

The Emerald is prismatic in habit and shows the elongated crystal form characteristic of Beryl. Its vivid green color contrasts strongly with the dark gray matrix and the lighter mineralized areas.

The crystal is predominantly opaque to weakly translucent. In thinner or lighter-colored areas, some light can pass into the crystal. The crystal faces show a distinct luster.

With a size of approximately 1.4 cm, the Emerald clearly dominates the small matrix. At the same time, the natural relationship between crystal and host rock is preserved, giving the specimen additional mineralogical interest compared with a loose single crystal.

Emerald from Galería Los Topos in the Chivor District

Galería Los Topos belongs to the Chivor emerald mining district in the Department of Boyacá. The Chivor District lies within Colombia’s eastern emerald belt and is one of the country’s historically important emerald-producing areas.

Colombian emerald deposits are characterized by the formation of Beryl within hydrothermally mineralized zones hosted by dark sedimentary rocks. The strong contrast between green Emerald crystals, light-colored mineralized veins and dark host rock is characteristic of many specimens from the Chivor region.

This specimen is particularly notable for the relationship between its small matrix and comparatively large Emerald crystal. The approximately 1.4 cm long crystal forms the central feature of the thumbnail specimen and is visible from several viewing angles.

Further information about Colombia’s emerald regions, their geology and the deposits of the Chivor District can be found in my detailed article on the Emerald Regions of Colombia.