Chivor Mine
Chivor, Boyacá Department, Colombia
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
Chivor Mine, located in Boyacá Department, Colombia, is famous for its emerald deposits, first mined by the Muisca people and later by Spanish conquistadors in 1537.
The mine is about 90 km northeast of Bogota, in a region with a subtropical highland climate, averaging 18°C with heavy rainfall.
It produces high-quality emeralds, including the notable “Patricia” emerald (632 carats), alongside minerals like pyrite and albite.
The geological structure consists of metamorphic schist, with emeralds formed in veins influenced by tectonic activity.
Mining history includes periods of abandonment and rediscovery, currently privately owned and active.
Geographic Location
Chivor Mine is nestled in the Eastern Mountain Range of Boyacá Department, Colombia, approximately 90 km northeast of Bogota and 215 km from Tunja, the department capital. This location places it in the scenic Tenza Valley, near other emerald mining areas like Muzo, making it a significant spot for gem enthusiasts.
Minerals Produced
The mine is renowned for its emerald production, a variety of beryl known for its deep green color and clarity. It has yielded famous specimens like the “Patricia” emerald, weighing 632 carats and now displayed at the Natural History Museum in New York. Other minerals include pyrite, albite, apatite, and calcite, adding to the region’s mineral diversity.
Geological Structure
The Chivor Mine’s geology features metamorphic schist, where emeralds are found in veins and pockets, often associated with albite and pyrite. The mineralization is controlled by the San Fernando fault and a north-northeasterly striking tectonic zone, highlighting the region’s complex tectonic history.
Mining History
With roots in pre-Columbian times, the mine was initially exploited by the Muisca people and later by Spanish conquistadors in 1537. After a 200-year abandonment, it was rediscovered in 1896 using a 16th-century manuscript. Ownership has shifted through various hands, including German and American investors, and it remains the only privately-owned emerald mine in Colombia today.
Local Culture and Characteristics
Chivor’s culture is deeply tied to its emerald mining, with the town’s name meaning “Green and rich land” in Chibcha, reflecting its wealth. The local economy blends agriculture and mining, and tours offer insights into the mining process, while the novel “Fuego Verde” by Peter W. Rainier captures its adventurous history.
Climate and Ecology
Chivor enjoys a subtropical highland climate, with an average temperature of 18°C and heavy rainfall year-round. This climate supports a diverse ecology in the surrounding mountains, though it primarily affects mining operations rather than mineral formation.