Dumortierite in Quartz

specimen number:
2133208

location:
Vaca Morta Quarry, Macaubas, Bahia, Brazil

description:
A beautiful small but choice gem quartz crystal, this with pretty blue inclusions of dumortierite. In great condition.

The Vaca Morta Quarry, located near Oliveira dos Brejinhos in the state of Bahia, Brazil, is globally renowned for producing some of the finest specimens of dumortierite included in quartz. Geologically, the deposit is situated within the Boquira Formation, where Proterozoic metamorphic rocks underwent intense hydrothermal activity. This process allowed for the crystallization of needle-like blue dumortierite crystals within massive quartz veins, creating the striking "blue quartz" or "dumortierite quartz" highly prized by collectors and lapidaries. Historically, the site has been worked intermittently for several decades, with significant commercial activity peaking during the late 20th century and continuing into the early 2000s. While primarily an artisanal and small-scale mining operation rather than a large industrial complex, the quarry has gained international fame for providing a steady supply of high-quality material used for both ornamental carving and mineral specimens. Today, the Vaca Morta locality remains the primary global benchmark for this specific mineral combination, and although production levels fluctuate, it continues to be a source of world-class material for the gemstone market.

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