Tourmaline, Chiá mine, São José da Safira, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Size: 12.2x2.0x1.3cm 67 grams

Species: Tourmaline

Locality: Chiá mine, São José da Safira, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Description: Quite a nice presence to this 12+ cm long tourmaline. This is enhanced by the tabular shape which not only provides more width but also allows the light to pass easily through the specimen. The color is simply phenomenal. The intense green of the midsection is contrasted with the pink/red bottom and the yellowish green top that looks like a secondary generation of growth after the initial crystal had formed. This particular piece is so gemmy and clean that when I showed it to several Brazilian dealers they suggested cutting the piece. I strongly believe a specimen like this should be placed into a mineral collection and not simply cut up and turned into faceted stones.

A bit of background about the Chia mine. The property consisted of an open pit and one small adit which produced a relatively small number of specimens in the 90’s. This project was financed by two well known collectors and dealers Gene Meieran and Wayne Thompson. Specimens from this locality are relatively scarce as compared to the other major producers in the Sao Jose da Safira district such as Pederneira, Cruzeiro, or Aricanga.

Please message me if you would like to see more photos.