Brazilianite with Muscovite

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This magnificent crystal aggregate of Brazilianite is from the Type Locality at Córrego Frio mine near Linópolis in eastern Minas Gerais state, Brazil. It is hard to believe that this gem species was only discovered in 1942 and described in 1945. As a phosphate mineral it is not as hard as many gemstones, but is very bright and colourful. This small cabinet-sized display specimen has great aesthetics. The large lustrous pale yellow-green Brazilianite crystals display their bladed monoclinic form extremely well. The largest crystal reaches 4.6 cm in length, and displays a superb wedge-shaped termination. Many other fine bladed crystals fan outwards to create an attractive 'nest' of Brazilianite crystals ranging in size from 2.7 cm to 0.5 mm in length. The tip of the 2.7 cm crystal is missing, fractured away, but the angle of this is such that it is not immediately obvious that it is incomplete. Associated with the Brazilianite crystals is a 'book' of Muscovite mica which adds nice contrast and small white Albite crystals are present on the back if the piece. This is a very attractive Brazilianite and can be displayed at a number of different angles.