Brazilian Aquamarine & Topaz
World-renowned Brazilian aquamarine including Santa Maria quality, and exclusive imperial topaz from Ouro Preto.
brazil aquamarine imperial-topaz beryl topaz
Introduction
Brazil produces world-class aquamarine and holds exclusive rights to
imperial topaz. The "Santa Maria" colour designation for finest blue
aquamarine originated here, and Brazilian material has set quality
standards for over a century.
Brazilian Aquamarine
Premier aquamarine production:
Sources
- Minas Gerais: Primary source; multiple deposits
- Santa Maria de Itabira: Famous intense blue origin
- Bahia: Additional production
- History: Major source since 1910
Characteristics
- Colour: Light to medium blue; some greenish
- Santa Maria: Term for finest deep blue
- Clarity: Often excellent
- Sizes: Notable for large crystals
Santa Maria Quality
Famous Aquamarines
Notable Brazilian specimens:
- Dom Pedro: 10,363 carat carved obelisk (Smithsonian)
- Hirsch Aquamarine: 109.9 carat faceted gem
- Marta Rocha: 134,000 carat rough crystal
- Many museum-quality crystals from Minas Gerais
Aquamarine Treatment
Enhancement considerations:
- Heat treatment: Common; removes green modifier
- Purpose: Produces purer blue colour
- Acceptance: Generally accepted practice
- Detection: Difficult to determine
- Disclosure: Variable in trade
Imperial Topaz
Brazil's exclusive variety:
Ouro Preto Source
- Location: Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais
- Exclusivity: Only commercial source worldwide
- Geology: Weathered deposits in clay
- Character: Unique formation conditions
Colour Range
- Orange: Most common imperial colour
- Sherry: Reddish-orange ideal
- Pink: Most valuable; very rare
- Red: Extremely rare; highest values
Characteristics
- Pleochroism: Shows colour variation with direction
- Clarity: Typically eye-clean
- Hardness: 8 (excellent for jewellery)
- Lustre: Vitreous; excellent brilliance
Imperial Topaz Rarity
Imperial Topaz Value
Market position:
Pricing
- Premium over other topaz colours
- Orange: $500-2,000/ct for fine stones
- Sherry: $1,000-5,000/ct range
- Pink: $2,000-10,000+/ct
Value Factors
- Colour saturation most important
- Pink tones add significant value
- Clean material preferred
- Origin documentation adds confidence
Other Topaz
Beyond imperial:
Blue Topaz
- Colourless topaz commonly irradiated/heated
- "London Blue", "Swiss Blue" created
- Lower value than natural colours
- Major production for treatment
Treatment Note
- Most blue topaz is treated
- Pink topaz may be heated from yellow/orange
- Imperial colour generally natural
- Disclosure required for treated material