Underground hardrock (mica-rich) emerald mine. 500 tons of gravel are mined to produce two kilos of emerald rough. Ten percent is facet-, cabochon-, or carving-grade, and 10% of that is considered fine quality. The deposit straddles the border between Itabira (80%) and Nova Era (20%) municipalities.
References:
- Kanis, J. (2002): Piteiras, Brasilien: Erfolgreiche Smaragdsuche mit modernsten Methoden. Lapis 27 (3), 13-18
Groat, L.A., Giuliani, G., Marshall, D.D., and Turner, D. (2008): Emerald deposits and occurrences: A review. Ore Geology Reviews 34, 87-112.
- Da Silva Lopes, P.H., Cesar-Mendes, J., Roeser, H. (2008): Ein neues Smaragdvorkommen in Brasilien. Die Rocha Mineração Mine in Minas Gerais, Der Aufschluss, 59, 301-315 (in German).
Mineral List:2 entries listed. 1 valid mineral.
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