History · Geology
About Linópolis Pegmatites
The Linópolis pegmatite region in eastern Minas Gerais, Brazil is the world’s premier source of gem-grade brazilianite (sodium aluminum phosphate) and produces classic specimens of muscovite stars, tourmaline, beryl, and rare phosphate species.
Geology
The Linópolis pegmatites are part of the Borborema and São Francisco Craton pegmatite provinces, with Li-Be-rare-element-enriched pegmatites injected into Proterozoic schists.
Notable Minerals
Brazilianite (yellow-green prismatic crystals to 10 cm — world-best), muscovite (radiating “star” aggregates), albite/cleavelandite, tourmaline (multicolor elbaite), beryl, herderite, spodumene.
Collector Notes
Linópolis brazilianite is the species standard. Top crystals on quartz/muscovite matrix are among the great Brazilian phosphate specimens of the 20th century.
Minerals Produced Here
- Beryl (绿柱石)
- Brazilianite (磷铝钠石)
- Muscovite (白云母)
- Spodumene (锂辉石)
