Emerald on Matrix from Chivor, Boyacá, Colombia

An intensely green emerald crystal sits prominently in its natural matrix. The approximately 1.2 cm long crystal shows a prismatic, nearly hexagonal habit and stands out clearly in color from the lighter and darker surrounding rock.

The emerald is predominantly translucent and has a vitreous luster. Parts of the crystal are embedded in the matrix, while several crystal faces remain freely visible. This preserves a clear view of the natural relationship between the emerald and its host rock.

Emerald from the Chivor District

Chivor is located in the Department of Boyacá and belongs to Colombia’s eastern emerald belt. The area is one of Colombia’s traditional emerald-producing districts and is known for green beryl crystals in dark sedimentary rock and pale associated mineralization.

The specimen was acquired directly from a miner in Chivor in October 2023. The prominently projecting main crystal forms the visual focus of the piece and displays the prismatic crystal form typical of emerald.

With dimensions of 4.7 × 3.0 × 2.5 cm, this is a miniature specimen. The total weight, including the acrylic base, is 45.1 g. The particular appeal of the piece lies in the clearly visible green main crystal, its natural setting in the matrix, and its direct provenance from Chivor.

Learn more about the Chivor district in Colombia’s eastern emerald belt, its geology, and my impressions from visiting the area in my detailed travel report on Colombia’s emerald regions.