Brazilianite (old classic material) (original discovery!)

Item Description

This is a lovely miniature specimen of this historic material from the type locality in Brazil. Brazilianite was discovered during WWII in Brazil, and the original crystals were thought to be an unusual habit of Chrysoberyl. Famed mineral dealer and collector Ed Swoboda brought the first pieces back to the United States and gave them to Dr. Fred Pough at the American Museum in New York for analysis. The discovery was so significant that Dr. Pough decided to name it after the type locality country. The best specimens from the type locality are still the finest crystals of the species extant. This piece is a classic sharp, beautiful, gemmy, lustrous, gorgeous yellow-green color single crystal of Brazilianite with minor attached Albite. This dates back to the original discovery in the 1940s!! Very good quality and the piece is complete on the display side, though contacted on the back where it was removed from the pocket wall. The faces of the crystal are smooth and lustrous (not etched), and the gemminess is certainly above average. That wonderful glowing green color is unmistakable, which combined with the distinctive habit of the crystals makes for a fine miniature. It's a good quality specimen, and this decades old material is highly sought after by collectors. Specimen weight is 43.10 grams. Priced at $4,000 in our inventory.