Crystal Mango – Cabiche, Quipama, Colombia

Colombian mango crystal is a specific type of crystal known for its unique inclusions of the mineral halloysite. This mineral gives the crystal its characteristic yellow-orange colour, which is reminiscent of the colour of mangoes, which is why this crystal is called "mango crystal". This type of crystal was first introduced to the market in 2017 and quickly gained recognition for its unique color and excellent crystallization.

Mango crystal comes from the Cabiche region in the Boyacá province of Colombia, which is also known for its emerald production. The crystals of this type of crystal are usually of high quality, with a typical hexagonal prismatic shape, good luster and internal clarity, which is accentuated by beautiful yellow-orange halloysite inclusions. High quality specimens are highly prized by collectors and mineral enthusiasts.

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: crystal (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.