Brazilianite
Brazilianite is a phosphate mineral recognized among collectors for its crystal form and distribution, with known Chinese sources.
About Brazilianite
Brazilianite is a phosphate mineral in the brazilianite group and has the chemical formula NaAl3(PO4)2(OH)4. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system and holds a steady position among phosphate species. Its combination of structural character and global distribution make it a recognized species in both systematic and aesthetic collections.
Identification & care
Specimens usually show well-developed prismatic crystals, striated. Its color is typically chartreuse yellow-green to pale yellow. The luster is vitreous, the streak is white, and specimens range from transparent to translucent. The cleavage is good {010}. The fracture is conchoidal, which aids identification.
Collector context
How it forms
The geological setting for Brazilianite is typically granitic pegmatites, phosphate-rich zones. It is commonly found in association with muscovite, albite, tourmaline, apatite, vivianite.
Classic Chinese localities
Brazilianite has known Chinese occurrences in Jiangxi.
Why collectors care
Collectors pursue Brazilianite for the clarity of its crystal form and, in good material, saturated color that reads instantly across a display case. A well-terminated brazilianite on clean matrix photographs well, identifies quickly, and anchors a cabinet piece. Top Chinese specimens over the last two decades have reset the bar for what brazilianite looks like at collector grade.
What affects value
Value in Brazilianite is assessed, in typical order of weight, against: (1) locality provenance; (2) size relative to the species norm; (3) crystal form and termination sharpness; (4) color saturation and zoning; (5) transparency and internal clarity; (6) matrix quality and aesthetic balance; (7) condition (absence of damage, chips, or repair). Cleaning quality and verified locality documentation act as multipliers across the above.
Naming history
The name Brazilianite has a specific etymological and historical context — see Mindat's reference entry for provenance details. We have retained naming data at the record level; published prose is paraphrased from factual fields rather than copied from source.