Gems and GemologyGems and Gemology
Home
Thursday, December 4, 2008Printer-Friendly Page
Service Center
Search
My GIA
Back Issue

Spring 1994, Volume 30, Issue 1

Click to Print
The Indaia Sapphire Deposits of Minas Gerais, Brazil
David S. Epstein, Warren Brennan, and Julio C. Mendes


The discovery of significant quantities of gem-quality sapphire in Minas Gerais could add corundum to the formidable list of gem species already commercially produced in Brazil. The presence of sapphire has been confirmed over a wide area within a 42-km2 mining claim, and exploration has yielded over 500 ct of corundum per square meter from alluvium in a small section of the claim. Faceting-quality stones typically range from 0.5 to 2 ct; some are purple or violet, and many show a color change. Future production will depend primarily on the results of ongoing exploration and the feasibility of mechanizing an area of difficult access.



Appears on pages 24-32

Back to Table of Contents

Click Here to Buy This Issue or to Subscribe to Gems & Gemology

Home | About GIA | Ethics Helpline | Education | Laboratory | GIA Reports | Research | Instruments & Books | Alumni Association
Gems & Gemology | Employment at GIA | Careers Available | Newsroom | Publications | Library | Events & Trade Shows | Support GIA | GIA History | How to Buy a Diamond
Contact | Search | Site Map | Help
This page was last updated 08/15/05 09:08 AM
Use of this site signifies your agreement to its terms of use.
©2002 - 2008 Gemological Institute of America Inc.
GIA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
All rights reserved.
World Headquarters and Robert Mouawad Campus
5345 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, California 92008
Tel: 760-603-4000