Introduction

Pederneira is synonymous with spectacular multi-color clusters. This mine has produced crystals in vibrant blues, greens, and pinks, often in the same crystal. Many are found on albite (cleavelandite) and purple lepidolite, creating dramatic displays. Famous finds include “blue cap” and “rocket” style crystals with color zoning so sharp that they look artificially cut. Because crystals were often broken in the pocket, many specimens are repaired, but intact matrix clusters remain showpieces in major collections.

Pederneira has yielded everything from elongate indicolite crystals of vivid blue, to green-and-pink bi-colors, often associated with snowy white cleavelandite (albite) and purple lepidolite. Every pocket at Pederneira seems to have its own character – for example, the “Bluecap” pockets produced blue-tipped pink crystals, while the “Rocket” and “Sailboat” pockets produced extraordinary blue and green crystals on quartz. Collectors marvel at Pederneira pieces for their color saturation and matrix display: imagine a cluster of gemmy blue-green tourmaline rods shooting up from a bed of white blades and lavender mica – the contrast can be breathtaking. It’s no wonder Pederneira tourmalines are “arguably the most famous tourmalines in the world”, with a variety and brilliance “that remain unchallenged”. One renowned specimen nicknamed “The 9 Iron” is a 30+ cm Pederneira indicolite crystal of incredible gem clarity and luster – a museum-worthy masterpiece illustrating what this mine can produce. Many Pederneira specimens undergo repairs (the crystals often break in pocket), but un-repaired examples in fine condition command a premium due to their relative scarcity.