Brazilianite
Brazilianite is phosphate, NaAl₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₄. In the hand, it rates 5.5 on the Mohs scale, and it runs yellow-green and chartreuse. Chartreuse spear-point crystals with glassy faces, a yellow-green no common gem quite matches, softer than the beryls it resembles. Phosphate pegmatites; classic: Conselheiro Pena and Linópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil; minor New Hampshire (USA).
The geology.
Brazilianite carries the formula NaAl₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₄. It belongs to the monoclinic system. Catalogues list it as phosphate.
It sits at 5.5 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads vitreous. Light behaviour is transparent to translucent. Specific gravity runs 2.98. The streak is white. It breaks with good cleavage; conchoidal fracture; brittle.
Chartreuse spear-point crystals with glassy faces, a yellow-green no common gem quite matches, softer than the beryls it resembles.
It reaches buyers as spear-shaped crystals, clusters on muscovite or faceted.
The origins.
Phosphate pegmatites; classic: Conselheiro Pena and Linópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil; minor New Hampshire (USA).
On value, the database notes: mid-range collector gem; sharp clusters are prized.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, brazilianite has little established lore; modern writers link it with creative willpower.
We keep this section because people ask. It sits below the geology on purpose, and none of it describes something the stone does.
Spotting the real thing.
Chartreuse spear-point crystals with glassy faces, a yellow-green no common gem quite matches, softer than the beryls it resembles.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Heliodor (golden beryl) | Beryl is harder (7.5+) and forms hexagonal prisms; brazilianite forms wedge-spears and a knife can just scratch it |
| Apatite | Apatite comes in similar tones but forms hexagonal barrels |
| Citrine | Quartz is harder with no cleavage |
At-home tests.
Before anyone talks you into a lab report, these are the checks worth doing yourself on brazilianite.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| Scratch check | Knife scratches it with effort (Mohs 5.5) |
| By eye | Spear/wedge crystal shape |
| By eye | Brittle, edges chip easily |
Destructive tests belong to a gemologist, not a kitchen table. If a piece matters to you, pay for an appraisal before you take a file to it.
Care & handling.
At 5.5 on the Mohs scale it handles careful wear but scratches against quartz and dust. Store it separately and take rings off before rough work.
It breaks with good cleavage; conchoidal fracture; brittle, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Clean it by hand, dry it properly, and keep it away from ultrasonic cleaners and hot steam.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is NaAl₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₄. Crystal system: Monoclinic. Specific gravity: 2.98. Streak: White. Cleavage and fracture: Good cleavage; conchoidal fracture; brittle.
How it reaches the market
Phosphate pegmatites; classic: Conselheiro Pena and Linópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil; minor New Hampshire (USA).
What it gets confused with
Heliodor (golden beryl): Beryl is harder (7.5+) and forms hexagonal prisms; brazilianite forms wedge-spears and a knife can just scratch it. Apatite: Apatite comes in similar tones but forms hexagonal barrels. Citrine: Quartz is harder with no cleavage.
What it is worth
Mid-range collector gem; sharp clusters are prized.
One more thing
Discovered only in 1944, brazilianite was one of the 20th century's few brand-new gem species, named for its homeland.
An education-first guide.
We do not stock brazilianite. Writing it up regardless is the point of a reference library.
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