Emerald with Pyrite on Matrix from Chivor, Boyacá, Colombia

Several pale green emerald crystals and crystal sections are distributed across a pale, finely crystalline matrix. The longest freely projecting crystal reaches about 1.2 cm and shows a distinctly prismatic habit. Additional green crystals and aggregates emerge in both the upper and lower areas of the specimen.

Small metallic pyrite crystals occur between the emerald crystals. The emeralds are predominantly translucent to opaque and display mint-green to somewhat stronger green tones. The contrast between the green crystals, golden pyrite, pale mineralization, and individual darker areas defines the varied surface of this compact specimen.

Emerald from Chivor in Colombia

Chivor is located in the Department of Boyacá and belongs to Colombia’s eastern emerald belt. The emeralds found there occur in mineralized veins and breccias within dark sedimentary rocks. Pyrite and quartz are among the commonly documented associated minerals of the Chivor mineralization.

This specimen shows several emerald crystals on natural matrix, accompanied by small pyrite crystals. In addition to the longer prismatic crystal, further green crystal sections are distributed across the display side. The specimen therefore presents a three-dimensional section of emerald- and pyrite-bearing mineralization.

With dimensions of 4.0 × 3.0 × 3.0 cm, this is a miniature specimen. The exact total weight, including the clear acrylic base, is 42.4 g. Its particular appeal lies in the several visible emerald crystals, the approximately 1.2 cm long main crystal, the small pyrite crystals, and its origin from Chivor.

For more information about the Chivor district in Colombia’s eastern emerald belt, its geology, and my experiences in the region, see my detailed travel report on Colombia’s emerald regions.