Brazilianite – brilliant vitreous lustre from the type locality
Córrego Frio Mine, Linópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Dimensions: 2.3 × 1 × 0.7 cm
Luminous lemon yellow, a delicate greenish undertone and beautifully lustrous crystal faces distinguish this elegant Brazilianite. Its slender, slightly flattened form is crowned by striking, intersecting termination faces, giving the crystal a distinctive silhouette. The intense vitreous lustre is particularly captivating around the termination, where broad faces deliver brilliant flashes of reflected light.
As the specimen turns, its appearance changes continuously. Almost mirror-like highlights alternate with views into the more transparent areas, while finely textured internal features and internal fractures add reflections and visual depth. The video captures this interplay especially well: Different angles bring the crisp face geometry, warm yellow colour and bright reflections into prominence.
Its provenance adds a compelling mineralogical dimension. The Córrego Frio Mine near Linópolis is the type locality for Brazilianite. Material from this locality formed the basis of the mineral’s first scientific description in 1945. A crystal from Córrego Frio therefore offers a direct connection to the discovery of the species – an appealing distinction for collectors of classic localities and minerals with historical significance.
Brazilianite is a hydroxyl-bearing sodium aluminium phosphate that crystallises in the monoclinic system. It can form through hydrothermal processes within phosphate-rich zones of granitic pegmatites. Its characteristic yellow to greenish yellow colour, transparency and lively vitreous lustre make well-developed crystals particularly appealing. This specimen presents that combination beautifully in a compact, elegant form.
A charming collector’s crystal combining luminous colour, distinctive termination geometry and the special appeal of the species’ original discovery locality.
In crystalhealing tradition, Brazilianite is associated with creativity, self-confidence and the determination to turn ideas into action.
