Brazilianite

Brazilianite

By Tim Matthews, JD, FGA, GG, DGA,
CEO and President of JTV (retired)
Published: June 2014
Modified: March 2022
Brazilianite Polished Brazilianite Rough

Brazilianite was discovered in Minas Gerais, Brazil in 1944 and was named in honor of its country of origin. It is very rare collectors stone because it is relatively soft, has perfect cleavage, and is brittle. Large specimens can be found but gemstones larger than 10cts are hard to find. It comes in yellow to yellowish green and colorless. The major source gem quality material is Minas Gerais and Paraíba, Brazil.

General Information

Common Name
Brazilianite
Species
Brazilianite
Transparency
Transparent - Translucent
Dispersion
Strength: Weak Fire Value: 0.014
Refractive Index
1.602-1.621
Tolerance:(+0.003/-0.003)
Birefringence
0.019-0.021
Optic Character
Biaxial
Optic Sign
Positive
Polariscope Reaction
Aggregate (AGG), Doubly Refractive (DR)
Fluorescence
SWUV: Inert
LWUV: Inert
Pleochroism
Unobservable
Hardness
5.5
Streak
White
Specific Gravity
2.940-3.000 Typical:2.970
Toughness
Varies
Inclusions
Brazilianite stones are rarely eye-clean and typically have natural inclusions.
Luster
Vitreous
Fracture
Conchoidal
Cleavage
Perfect, in one direction
Chemical Name
sodium aluminum phosphate hydroxide
Chemical Formula
NaAl3(PO4)2(OH)4
Crystal System
Monoclinic
Chemistry Classification
Phosphate

Brazilianite Colors

  • Colorless Brazilianite
    Colorless
  • Green Brazilianite
    Green
  • Yellow Brazilianite
    Yellow
  • Yellow Brazilianite
    Yellow

Countries of Origin

Argentina; Czechia; United States of America; Rwanda; Portugal; Spain; Canada; Austria; Unknown; China; Namibia; Finland; Brazil; Italy; South Africa; Zimbabwe; Australia; France; Germany

Care

Brazilianite is brittle and relatively soft so care must be taken when handling material. Stones will lose color if heated above 284oF.