Mango crystal – Colombia

Crystal with halloysite inclusions is mined in an area known for emerald mining. Although Colombia is not a major crystal producer, mango crystal from this region has become highly prized for its unique aesthetics and rarity.

Properties of mango crystal:

• Color: Orange-yellow, which can vary from pale yellow to intense orange.

• Ingredients: Quartz with inclusions of iron or other minerals that cause its coloration.

• Hardness: mango crystal, like other forms of crystal, has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs hardness scale.

• Transparency: It can be transparent to translucent, often with visible inclusions.

• Locality: Mango crystal can be found in various parts of the world, including Colombia, Brazil, Madagascar and other locations where quartz is mined.

History

Colombian mango crystal was first discovered in the 1980s by Victor Caranza, a major Colombian emerald exporter. After its discovery, however, the crystal disappeared from the market, as Caranza reportedly closed the mine to maintain a monopoly on the mineral. It was only after his death in 2013 and the subsequent rediscovery of the mine entry by local farmers in 2017 that mango crystal returned to the market and quickly gained popularity for its unique aesthetic.

Geographical and geological characteristics

Cabiche is located in the mountainous Boyacá region, which is characterized by its rich geological environment. Boyacá is an important mining area where sedimentary rocks are found, which is unusual as most emeralds in the world come from igneous rocks. These sedimentary conditions contribute to the formation of unique gemstones including mango crystal.

Mining and economic importance

The mining of mango crystal in Cabiche is mainly carried out in small and medium-sized mines using traditional mining techniques. Mining here has a significant economic impact on the local community as it provides employment and brings financial income to the area.