From Mining to the Global Market: The Economic Power of Brazilian Gems

Brazil's history in the world of gemstones began during the colonial period, with the discovery of emeralds, topazes, and especially diamonds in Minas Gerais during the 18th century. These discoveries marked the beginning of an economic cycle that was fundamental to the Portuguese crown and to the consolidation of mining activity in the country. Cities such as Diamantina and Ouro Preto prospered thanks to the extraction of these riches.

Over the centuries, new deposits were discovered in different regions of the territory, such as in the state of Bahia, known for its Paraiba tourmalines and amethysts, and in Rio Grande do Sul, where important agate reserves were found.

Brazil is currently one of the world's largest producers of gemstones. Among the main stones mined in Brazil are:

• Paraiba tourmaline – famous for its neon blue color, discovered in the 1980s.
• Amethyst – found mainly in Rio Grande do Sul, with vibrant purple colors.
• Imperial topaz – exclusive to the Ouro Preto region in Minas Gerais.
• Agate and quartz – found mainly in the south of the country.
• Citrine, emerald, garnet, spinel, sapphire, and opal – mined in different Brazilian states.
• Aquamarine – a light blue variety of beryl, abundant in Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo.

This diversity of gems is directly related to the geological complexity of the territory, which offers unique conditions for the formation of these stones over millions of years.

The Brazilian gemstone industry is organized around a production chain that ranges from artisanal mining to cutting, jewelry design, export, and retail trade. The chain is decentralized, with a large presence of micro and small businesses, cooperatives, and mining operations.

According to data from IBRAM (Brazilian Mining Institute), the gemstone and jewelry production chain generates approximately 300,000 direct and indirect jobs in Brazil. The main production and cutting centers are located in:

• Teófilo Otoni (MG)
• Soledade (RS)
• Governador Valadares (MG)
• Campos Verdes (GO)
• Pindobaçu (BA)

These centers not only produce minerals, but also attract international buyers and promote mineral tourism, contributing significantly to the local economy.

The foreign market is one of the main destinations for Brazilian gems. Countries such as the United States, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, China, and India are major consumers of Brazilian stones, both raw and cut.

Paraiba tourmaline, for example, fetches extremely high prices on the international market and is considered one of the rarest and most valuable gems in the world. It is estimated that a single gram of this stone can exceed the value of gold.

This international recognition boosts the gemstone sector's trade balance and helps consolidate Brazil's position as a strategic player in the global jewelry industry.

In addition to their economic value, gemstones have strong symbolic and cultural appeal in Brazil. They are present in religious practices, indigenous rituals, fashion, art, and popular expressions.

Many stones are associated with mystical and energetic properties, such as protection, healing, and prosperity. Amethyst, for example, is considered a stone that promotes emotional and spiritual balance, while rose quartz is linked to love and harmony.

One of the major challenges facing the gemstone sector in Brazil is the regularization and sustainability of mining activities. Much of the extraction is still done by hand or by small-scale miners, often without environmental licensing or adequate labor guarantees.

In recent years, initiatives such as the CRAFT Code (for responsible artisanal production), Fairmined certification, and sustainable geological mapping projects have been promoting good practices in the sector. These actions aim to:

• Reduce environmental impacts
• Promote fair trade
• Ensure decent working conditions
• Increase the traceability of stones

The professionalization and regulation of this chain are essential to attract investment and expand Brazil's presence in international markets that are increasingly demanding in terms of the origin of mineral resources.

Another interesting aspect of Brazilian gems is their appeal to tourists. Cities such as Ametista do Sul (RS), Governador Valadares (MG), and Teófilo Otoni (MG) have developed geological and mineral tourism itineraries, which include:

• Visits to mines and prospecting sites
• Gem museums
• Fairs and exhibitions
• Gem cutting experiences
• Direct purchase of stones and jewelry

These experiences promote geological education, stimulate the creative economy, and contribute to the appreciation of local identity.

Despite its enormous potential, the Brazilian gemstone sector faces significant obstacles:

• Difficulty in formalizing mining operations
• Difficulty in accessing credit lines for small producers
• Low integration between links in the chain
• Lack of public policies aimed at technological development in the sector

On the other hand, there are promising opportunities, such as:

• Expansion of international certifications
• Adoption of technologies for tracking origin (blockchain, for example)
• Creation of innovation and design hubs in gemology
• Expansion of geological tourism
• Alliances with the sustainable fashion and jewelry sector

The training of skilled labor is essential for strengthening the sector. In Brazil, there are technical and higher education courses focused on gemology, geology, and jewelry design, as well as research centers and specialized laboratories, such as CETEM (Mineral Technology Center) and the Federal Institute of Education of Teófilo Otoni.

Investing in training is an important step toward adding value to domestic production, fostering innovation, and increasing the country's competitiveness in the global market.

Brazilian gems are much more than precious stones. They represent a vital part of our history, drive the economies of dozens of cities, inspire artists and designers, enchant the world with their beauty, and carry with them narratives about identity, territory, and potential.

Valuing them in a sustainable way, with respect for the communities involved, the environment, and the demands of the global market, is a way to strengthen one of Brazil's most promising sectors—both now and in the future.