Brazilian crystals are a natural resource. They are produced in Brazil in several states. The principal producing states include Bahia, Goias, and Minas Gerais. Minor production is also conducted in Espirito Santo and northeastern Brazil. Production peaks in 1943.
Gemstones found in Brazil
There are several different types of Brazilian crystals. Aquamarine and topaz are two popular types of Brazilian crystals. Both are durable and come in beautiful colors. The world’s best aquamarine originates from the Minas Gerais region in Brazil. A different kind of Brazilian crystal is rutilated quartz. These stones are often treated to increase their dazzling colors.
The history of Brazilian gem mining began during early colonization. Emeralds were discovered in the Governador Valadares region of Minas Gerais in 1573. By the late seventeenth century, diamonds and gold were found in the Diamantina region. Until the 19th century, exploration for gold and diamonds tended to overshadow any other gem mining activities. However, in the 1840s, imperial topaz deposits were discovered in Minas Gerais’ capital city, Ouro Preto. Mining for diamonds and gold continued until the twentieth century.
Origins
Brazilian crystals are found throughout the country, mainly in Rio Grande do Sul, Goias, Para, and Tocantins. A few examples include Brazilianite, a greenish-yellow mineral that can grow up to 12 cm long and 8 cm wide. It has a relatively high degree of transparency but lacks a perfect crystal form. Aventurine, for example, was known as the “gemstone of the Amazons” until the nineteenth century, when Brazilian sources began providing it to Amazonian warriors. Aventurine was first discovered in the 18th century in Brazil’s Bahia region and is still found in the area today.
Brazilian gems are widely sold in the United States, Asia, and Europe. They are also exported to Hong Kong, India, and Japan. As of the late 1990s, Brazilian gems were primarily exported to these countries, but by the early 2000s, Chinese brokers began arriving in the mining regions. These buyers bought cheaper gems and contributed significantly to the economy. They preferred tourmaline but also sought other colored stones.
Production
Brazilian crystal production peaked in 1943 when production reached 2411 tons. The top producing states are Bahia, Goias, and Minas Gerais, while northeastern Brazil and Espirito Santo produce lesser amounts. The occurrence of these mineral deposits is linked to ductile shear zones.
Brazil is one of the world’s largest producers of natural resources. It ranks number one for both quantity and variety. Its geological conditions are conducive to the production of gemstones. The country also boasts one of the world’s largest agate deposits, including Druse agates.
Although the country produces most of its crystals in Brazil, exports to Europe are increasing. Until August, crystal exports to the European market grew by 80% year-on-year. However, despite its growing global popularity, Brazil remains heavily committed to its domestic market. As a result, the country’s 150s premium could strengthen further in the coming quarter.
Famous gems
Brazil is home to several famous crystals. In this article, we’ll explore a few of the most popular gem minerals from the region. We’ll also examine their shapes, colors, and curiosities. What’s excellent about Brazilian crystals is that they aren’t just pretty.
Aquamarine is an example of a Brazilian crystal that is popular worldwide. The Santa Maria variety is the most beautiful and durable, found in Minas Gerais state. It has rustic brown colors with flashes of red and gold. It’s also known as “the stone of the Amazons,” as it was thought to have come from Brazilian sources.
Gemstones from Brazil can be expensive. Some of the most valuable stones include emerald, tanzanite, and aquamarine. However, the prices of these gems have been dropping due to increased trade with China. Moreover, many African countries now produce prices lower than Brazilian gems. This has also caused a decrease in mining in Brazil. According to the DNPM, in 2013, there were 2,294 gem occurrences in 401 municipalities. Approximately 49% of these gems were found in Minas Gerais and 19% in Rio Grande do Sul.
Meaning of gems
The meaning of Brazilian crystals varies, but a few common ones can be explained by their appearance. The Amazonian tribes of Brazil wore adornments of green stones, known as amazonite, to heal wounds and cure illnesses. The Amazonians also gave them to visitors, who believed the stones had healing properties. European explorers had heard of the green microcline and assumed that the blue-green stone the South American Indians had given them was the same. However, the stone is likely jade and is not a Brazilian crystal.
Citrine is associated with the solar plexus chakra and can increase positive energy. Therefore, it is also known as the “wealth and success stone.” The amber color of Brazilian citrine is caused by the heating process used to produce the crystal.