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.