Brazil is a country rich in precious stones. The most common are diamond, opal, aquamarine, emerald, alexandrite, amethyst, agate, citrine, topaz, and tourmaline.
The mines are well-known and numerous, making Brazil one of the largest producers of precious stones in the world in terms of quantity, variety, and quality.
What makes our regions rich in these gems is the fact that Brazilian territory is filled with surfaces of Precambrian rocks, with various cuts of pegmatites and metamorphic rocks.
For 141 years, Brazil led the world in diamond production. Currently, it ranks 5th in the global production of rough diamonds, according to research by DNPM (National Department of Mineral Production).
Opal is commonly found in Piauí, especially in the Serra dos Matões region.
Aquamarine can be found in various regions, making Brazil the world’s largest producer of this type of gem.
Emerald has also been found in abundance since the 1980s, which has made Brazil one of the largest suppliers of this stone since that time. The largest emerald mining area is in the municipality of Carnaíba, Bahia.
Alexandrite, one of the most valuable gemstones, was discovered in Minas Gerais, in the municipality of Malacacheta. Since the 1970s, Brazil has become one of the largest producers of this gem.
Amethyst, commonly found in the southern region of the country, also earns Brazil the title of largest producer of this type of gem. A city in Rio Grande do Sul, Ametista do Sul, was even named after the stone.
Agate has been discovered in deposits in Bahia, Rio Grande do Sul, Ceará, Espírito Santo, Mato Grosso, Paraíba, and Minas Gerais. Citrine, topaz, and tourmaline are also gems found in significant quantities in Brazil.
The Classification of Stone Value
English scholars use the criteria of the four Cs to calculate the quality of stones. They are: cut, carat, clarity, and color, with the latter being the most important. The rarity of the stone and the exclusive design of a piece of jewelry containing it are also relevant factors in determining its value.
Due to their rarity, these precious stones are often worked by many jewelers in their natural size, that is, in the form they are found. This complicates, for example, the making of earrings, as it is necessary to find two similar stones to produce this accessory. As for cutting, the faceting of the gem gives it specific angles capable of receiving light and reflecting it brilliantly to our eyes. Because of this exclusivity, specialized stores keep them under lock and key, as they carry an incalculable value!
The Beautiful Green of Emeralds
Considered by the Romans as “the stone of love,” the Emerald is a symbol of fidelity and reliability. Found in vibrant green, with overtones from yellow to bluish, this gem was widely used by Cleopatra – who believed it contained the eternal beauty of Venus. It is worth noting that the more transparent, intensely colored, and with fewer inclusions, the more valuable it is.
All the Sophistication of Citrine
Known as “the brother of amethyst,” citrine is found in various shades, in orange, yellow, brownish-yellow, reddish-brown, and cognac (also known as Citrine Rio Grande). The excellence in cutting the stone, which is more commonly found in Brazil, further enhances its beauty.
The Exotic Amethyst
Amethyst is the oldest precious stone on record, used by humans for over 25,000 years, with Brazil being the main producing country in the world. This gem is of great beauty and one of the most popular due to its affordable price. It is worth noting that proper cutting enhances its beauty. The gem is found in violet, with reddish or bluish nuances, and the intensity of the purple tone makes it even more valuable.
Rubellite
Sought after by the international market for being one of the few stones found naturally in red, the soft shine of Rubellite enchants all who seek subtlety in their jewelry. The gem is a variation of Tourmaline, which in pink tones is called “Pink Tourmaline.” The value of its piece is related to the purity of the red, so the more intense, the harder it is to find – and consequently, the higher the added value.
The exquisite craftsmanship of handmade pieces highlights the richness and beauty of Brazilian gems. Whether in necklaces, rings, or earrings, national precious stones are increasingly conquering the world. For those looking to acquire an authentic product, whether as a gift or for personal use, there is nothing more elegant and certain.
Mining
The Egyptians were the first to explore precious stones found in mines over 6,000 years old, which still produce today.
India, Sri Lanka, and Burma were known for their famous gravel of precious stones, originating excellent diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and spinels for centuries.
In Brazil, deposits of agates, topazes, tourmalines, and chrysoberyls were revealed during the exploration period. In the 19th century, South African diamonds and Australian opals were two major discoveries, which also characterized the expansion of the diamond industry in Siberia, Australia, and other African countries.
In Brazil, the word “garimpo” emerged as an expression in the 19th century in Diamantina, Minas Gerais. The word was used to denote clandestine mining, which also led to the term “garimpeiro,” meaning one who practices it. The garimpeiros are the men who face danger, usually inside mines and holes, to explore metals and precious stones. They are the tool for obtaining the raw material for rare stones and jewelry.
Esotericism
When discussing spirituality and religiosity, each stone has a different meaning and vibration. Some believed that certain types of gems could even cure diseases, as well as indicate a person’s personality. Mystical symbols were assigned to each stone. Among the most well-known is the association of stones with zodiac signs. In this association, it is believed that each sign has a ruling stone. In some sects, stones are used in rituals to attract positive energies.
Precious Stones vs. Gold
Many people think that gold is a precious stone, which is merely a myth and common belief. Gold is a precious transition metal and has no chemical elements in common with precious stones.
Beauty
One of the main sources of beauty in stones is light, which, in interaction with minerals, causes splendid colors in precious stones.
Each gem has its unique beauty, which fascinates the eyes of those who see it. The textures and shapes are also a strong attraction for those who appreciate them. The stone, in its raw state, is not as beautiful, as it has not yet been cut and has not received the proper treatments. Only some stones, like amethyst, for example, appear beautiful even in their raw state.
Rarity
The rarity of a stone is what matters most when determining its value, both commercially and aesthetically. The most expensive stones are usually 
the rarest, which have unique colors and characteristics. The colorless diamond, for example, is the most expensive precious stone due to its rarity. Jewelry and accessories can skyrocket in price due to the presence of small quantities of these stones. The value of a gem greatly depends on the quality of its colors, which are what catch the eye at first glance. The weight of a gem can also determine its rarity. Larger stones are much more appreciated than smaller ones. The weight of the stone is measured in carats. In this measurement system, 5 carats equal 1 gram. The price of a gem can also vary greatly according to the ideals of beauty and fashion of the time. Some stones that were appreciated in the past do not hold great value today, for example.
Durability
Precious stones can last thousands and thousands of years with maximum preservation, especially in their raw state. This occurs due to their resistance to changes in chemical composition and their hardness.
Hardness refers to the resistance of the stone. To calculate and measure this degree of durability, a system established in 1822, known as the ‘Mohs scale,’ is used. This scale includes 10 minerals of different hardness found in the Earth’s crust, rated from 1 to 10. The number 1 refers to the mineral with the least durability, and the number 10 refers to the mineral with the most durability in nature.
Light
Light interacts with all minerals and can tell us a lot about them. Through it, we can identify a gem and differentiate it from an imitation, for example.
When light penetrates a mineral, it undergoes reflection and refraction. Reflection occurs when light is propagated, hits a certain surface, and returns from where it was propagated. Refraction occurs when part of that light that hit the surface passes into its medium.
Minerals are divided into two classes: “simple refractives,” which are part of the cubic system and are not crystalline, and “birefringent,” which are crystalline minerals.
In simple refractives, light is slowed down and refracted equally in all directions of the mineral. In birefringent minerals, light passes through and is divided into two rays, which are slowed down and refracted differently. Light can also cause various effects in stones, such as “cat’s eye” and star effects.
Cutting and Polishing
Cutting is a technique used to shape the precious stone. Nowadays, what is considered in the cutting of a gem is the way 
to highlight its special qualities, the shape of the raw material, and the position of defects, such as fractures, for example. Cutting also reduces the roughness of the stone, making it smooth and shiny, enhancing its beauty. Polishing, on the other hand, is solely aimed at reactivating and generating even more shine in the stone.
Meet Paraíba Tourmaline: the most beautiful blue in the world!
First seen in Brazil in the 1980s, in the northeastern state that bears its name, Paraíba Tourmaline is a very rare stone. 
It differs from other tourmalines by having small traces of copper in its composition, which makes it reflect a luminous effect known as “neon.” In shades of blue, blue-green, and bluish-green, the darker ones are considered more valuable and are rarer to find in nature.
If you think that diamond is the rarest precious stone that exists, you are mistaken! Paraíba Tourmaline is found in only five mines worldwide, three of which are located in Brazil. With its unique, deep blue tone and a shine that fascinates people anywhere on the planet, this scarce gem is extremely coveted for its added value.
The Origin of Paraíba Tourmaline
Discovered in the 1980s in the northeastern state, Paraíba Tourmaline is almost extinct, a fact proven by the difficulty in 
finding it in nature. First seen in the city of São José da Batalha, the green tourmaline was already known, but this one, with a unique blue, had never been found before. Due to its intensity, it was quickly dubbed neon blue.
Ten years later, two more mines were found in the region, but this time, on the border with Rio Grande do Norte. There are also two others in Africa, one in Nigeria and the other in Mozambique. There is no record of any other location where Paraíba Tourmaline has been found.
The Discovery of a New Gem
What led specialists to be certain that it was a 
stone never seen before was its chemical composition. In Paraíba Tourmaline, specifically, copper is found, responsible for its bluish tone and for giving the impression that it emits light. This same unusual component had been found in other African stones, but in no other type of tourmaline.
According to history, the Brazilians initially did not pay much attention to this gem. It was the Japanese who first bowed to this beauty, seeking it in Brazil and reselling it at astronomical prices in Asia.
The exclusivity of this stone’s beauty confers a unique value and, consequently, to the people who use them. It is precisely for this reason that they gain a status of art objects and are sought after by collectors who wish to enhance their pieces and give them a special connotation.
Sources: pedras-preciosas.info and blog.artouro.com.br