Rutile with Hematite

specimen number:
2072220

location:
Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil

description:
Golden acicular crystals of rutile across a bright platy lustrous metallic hematite crystal matrix. Minimal damage present, this still in good condition. Classic stuff for this locality.

The Diamantina district, situated in the Serra do Espinhaco range of Minas Gerais, Brazil, is a historic center for diamond and quartz production. Geologically, the area is famous for its diamond-bearing conglomerates of the Mesoproterozoic Sopa-Brumadinho Formation, where diamonds were deposited in ancient river channels and later uplifted. The region also hosts extensive quartz vein systems within the Itacolomi Group, producing world-class laser quartz and phantom quartz crystals. Historically, the town was founded as Arraial do Tijuco in 1713 following the discovery of diamonds, and for over a century, it was the world's leading diamond producer under strict Portuguese colonial control. While the peak of the diamond rush occurred in the 18th and 19th centuries, mining transitioned to a mix of industrial and artisanal "garimpo" methods in the 20th century. Today, while large-scale diamond mining has significantly declined, the area remains an active source for high-quality quartz specimens and serves as a UNESCO World Heritage site reflecting its rich colonial mining heritage.

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