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Brazilianite

Chemical Formula

NaAl3(PO4)2(OH)4

Chemical Class

Phosphates

Properties

This mineral, gemological and collection species, brazilianite [NaAl3(PO4)2(OH)4] was initially described by Pough & Henderson (1945), from samples collected in Córrego Frio pegmatite, in Divino da Laranjeiras, Minas Gerais.

Origin

Inconfidentes – MG

Curiosities

It was named in 1945 by Pough & Henderson (North American mineralogists), as an homage to Brazilians), as it was in Brazil that Brazilianite was found for the first time in the world.

Use

Widely used as gemstones, comprising jewelry and ornaments. Photo credit: Leonardo Miranda

ABC of mining