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Brazilianite

Curated by Maggie Liu · Updated:

Crystal system · Monoclinic

Brazilianite is a phosphate mineral recognized among collectors for its crystal form and distribution, with known Chinese sources.

Brazilianite specimen
Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

About Brazilianiteextended article

Market availability: Rare
Sought after; limited supply. Major shows and specialist dealers only.
Collector tier: Solid Display
Reliable mid-tier display species. Easy to find in well-formed examples; broad locality diversity.
Geological setting
Pegmatite
Crystal system
Monoclinic

Brazilianite is a sodium-aluminum phosphate of the type pegmatite mineral, named for its country of discovery and best occurrence. Its bright yellow-green prismatic crystals from Minas Gerais are highly prized by phosphate-mineral specialists and gem collectors alike.

Occurrence

Type locality: Córrego Frio Mine (Minas Gerais, Brazil). Best modern source: Linópolis pegmatites (Minas Gerais) — sharp yellow-green prismatic crystals to 10 cm. Also small crystals from New Hampshire pegmatites (USA).

Identification

Bright chartreuse-yellow prismatic crystals + association with muscovite/feldspar in pegmatites + Brazilian pedigree. Distinguish from beryl (hexagonal, different habit) and apatite (hexagonal, lower hardness).

Collector Notes

Linópolis brazilianite is one of the great pegmatite phosphate species. Faceted gem brazilianite is rare due to cleavage but exists for connoisseurs.

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Published: May 6, 2026 · Last reviewed: May 6, 2026
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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.

Frequently asked questions

What is Brazilianite?

Brazilianite crystallises in the Monoclinic system. Brazilianite is a phosphate mineral recognized among collectors for its crystal form and distribution, with known Chinese sources.

What crystal system does Brazilianite belong to?

Brazilianite crystallises in the Monoclinic crystal system.

Is Brazilianite rare?

As a collector mineral, Brazilianite is generally considered rare.

Related minerals

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