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Beryl var. Emerald
1
Unknown Owner
Think Emerald, think Colombia. Such is the renowned quality and history associated with this green variety of Beryl from Colombia the two are now intimately linked in people's thoughts. Chivor mine in Boyacá Department, Colombia was reportedly discovered by the Spanish conquistadors in 1537 but was eventually forgotten and 'lost'. Then, in 1896, a Colombian mining engineer using a description in a 300 year old manuscript relocated the site. It is still operating today as a private mine, but the flow of mineral specimens - as opposed to gemstones - is quite sporadic. By weight, Emerald crystals on matrix are one of the most expensive minerals to obtain but actually this specimen is extremely richly invested in Emerald. Upon it, a very extensive 8 x 5 cm complex aggregate of intergrown green prismatic crystals sits on rock matrix. A sizable part of this aggregate shows no obvious crystal faces but around the edges and especially into a small cavity many very gemmy green hexagonal prismatic crystals can be discerned. So often do we see Emerald specimens with just a single crystal, that this piece really stands out as different and surprisingly colourful too.
Product details
Species
SizeCabinet
Dimensions8.8 x 10.3 x 5.5 cm
Added on10/04/2025
Known provenance
| Date | Collector | Acquisition price |
|---|---|---|
| 10/2025 | Unknown Owner | $4,500.00 |
| — | Crystal Classics | Not disclosed |
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Mineral guide
Learn about Beryl
iconic mineral with prisms and vivid color varieties (aquamarine, emerald, morganite); prized for crystal form, striking matrix, and collector appeal.
Regional guide
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