Brazilianite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Brazilianite's lovely green to yellow colors make it a must for gem collectors. Large faceted stones are often flawed, but smaller cut gems can make beautiful jewelry pieces.
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Brazilianite’s lovely green to yellow colors make it a must for gem collectors. Large faceted stones are often flawed, but smaller cut gems can make beautiful jewelry pieces.
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Discovered in Brazil in 1944, large uncut brazilianite stones reside in many museums. Pieces such as these could yield large gems, but clean faceted gems over 15 carats are a great rarity. They also make stunning crystal specimens.
Yellowish green brazilianite, 2.23 cts, 8.7 x 6.8 x 5.4 mm, cushion cut, Brazil. © ARK Rare Gems. Used with permission.
Sources
Brazil, notably Conselheira Pena, Minas Gerais, remains the principal source of gem quality material in crystals up to large sizes. The Palermo Mine in Grafton, New Hampshire and sites in Yukon, Canada also yield fine but smaller specimens.
Stone Sizes
Crystals from Brazil range in size up to 12 x 8 cm. Although some large gems have been cut, most gems range from 1-10 carats, or even smaller. Cut stones over 5 carats are scarce today.
- American Museum of Natural History (New York): 23 (emerald cut, Brazil), 19 (round, yellow).
- Smithsonian Institution (Washington, DC): 41.9 and 17.0 (yellow, Brazil).
- Private Collection: 24 (yellow, Brazil).
Care
Heating brazilianite gems up to 140º C/284º F can lead to color loss. Heating up to 300º C/572º F will turn them colorless. A jeweler's torch will easily reach these temperatures, so be wary if you're taking a jewelry piece for repairs. Although brazilianites have a moderate hardness, they also have good cleavage and a tendency to fracture. Thus, protective settings and occasional wear are good ideas. Avoid mechanical cleaning such as steam or ultrasonic processes. Instead, use a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water for cleaning. Consult our gemstone jewelry cleaning guide for more recommendations.
Joel E. Arem, Ph.D., FGA
Dr. Joel E. Arem has more than 60 years of experience in the world of gems and minerals. After obtaining his Ph.D. in Mineralogy from Harvard University, he has published numerous books that are still among the most widely used references and guidebooks on crystals, gems and minerals in the world.
Co-founder and President of numerous organizations, Dr. Arem has enjoyed a lifelong career in mineralogy and gemology. He has been a Smithsonian scientist and Curator, a consultant to many well-known companies and institutions, and a prolific author and speaker. Although his main activities have been as a gem cutter and dealer, his focus has always been education. joelarem.com
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