Brazil leads production for both precious and semi-precious stones.

Curious and fun facts about Brazil

#4

Brazil is world’s leading source of both precious and semi-precious stones.

The state of Minas Gerais is larger as France and famous for its abundance of gorgeous Emeralds, Aquamarines, Topazes and other beautiful gems. As the name suggests, Minas Gerais (meaning general mines) it's historically known for its natural resources. It's also the largest producer for coffee in Brazil, but we can write about it another day.

Some precious stones, as the imperial Topaz from Ouro Preto city are found only in 5 places in the world, 3 of them are in Brazil. It's a rare stone in yellow, "peach", pink (rare, if natural) or pink-orange, and it can fade on sunlight if it's expose for an extended period of time. The Precious Stone Amsterdam Sauer Museum in Rio de Janeiro has them, as well a 150 pounds (68 Kg) Topaz.

The Lindsay Uncut Topaz (Left),The American Golden Topaz (Center),
and the Freeman Uncut Topaz (Right).

In Washington D.C., at the Smithsonian Museum there is an enormous yellow Topaz on display. Sized at 23,000 carats, almost 10 pounds (4,5 Kg) it's the largest gemstone that has been found in Minas Gerais to date. It's not at all uncommon for two hundred pound masses of the gemstone to be mined in Brazil, and several other locations where the greatest amounts of Topaz are found.

The huge stone on the Portuguese crown was regarded as a Diamond for years. Called Braganza Diamond, the nearest white gemstone was discovered in the 18th century (again) in Minas Gerais. The 1680 carats' crystal ended up being a rare colorless imperial Topaz, or maybe a Citrine, who knows... It's almost impossible to tell Topaz from the cheaper Citrine with the naked eye. And guess what, this "diamond" was never saw by a specialist.

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Isabela: Brazilian, designer, works with automotive fabrics in the US. She did psychology college as well and had enjoyed a lot. She is living abroad for while, maybe because this she likes trends, cultures and behaviors.