What is Brazilianite?
Brazilianite is a collector phosphate mineral named after Brazil, where its classic crystals were first recognised. It is especially valued for transparent yellow-green crystals with strong lustre and well-defined faces.
Mineralogy and structure
Brazilianite has the formula NaAl3(PO4)2(OH)4 and crystallises in the monoclinic system. Its hardness is about 5.5 and its specific gravity is close to 2.98.
Colour and appearance
The usual colours are pale yellow, chartreuse yellow, yellow-green and colourless. Short prismatic or spearhead-shaped crystals are typical, with vitreous to slightly greasy lustre.
Formation and localities
Brazilianite forms in late-stage cavities of granitic pegmatites, often with quartz, albite, muscovite, apatite and other phosphate minerals. The classic locality is the Corrego Frio pegmatite in Minas Gerais, Brazil; similar material is known from other Brazilian pegmatites and collector localities.
Collecting and care
Transparent crystals are brittle and should be protected from knocks. Locality, matrix and crystal shape are important because pale pegmatite phosphates can look similar in photographs.
Brazilianite and zodiac signs
Modern crystal lists sometimes associate Brazilianite with Taurus or Leo because of its warm yellow colour and pegmatite origin. These associations are symbolic and not mineralogical properties.
Symbolic and esoteric associations
Esoteric descriptions may use Brazilianite as a symbol of clarity, optimism and a bright beginning. This is cultural interpretation and should not be presented as a proven effect.
