Mining is a large part of the country\u2019s economy, it is estimated that Brazil has 22 trillion US dollars of natural resources that have yet to be realised. As a country with significant exposure to the mining sector, a competent\u00a0 <\/span>and expansive legal framework regulates mining in Brazil. This has helped attract foreign investment, and the majority of the world\u2019s largest mining companies hold significant assets in the country.<\/p>\n<\/div> Brazil holds a prolific variety of gems\u00a0<\/span>within its borders, various Beryls (Aquamarine, Emerald,\u00a0<\/span>Morganite), Chrysoberyls (including Alexandrite),\u00a0<\/span>Tourmalines (Paraiba and Rubellite amongst others)\u00a0<\/span>and Diamonds (coloured and white) are amongst the gemstones commercially mined.<\/p>\n<\/div> Most gemstone mining activity is centred around the state of Minas Gerais, the third largest state in Brazil. In the 1690s the Brazilian gold rush centred around this area, bringing significant prospecting to the area. The focus remained on gold and diamond deposits until the arrival of German settlers from Idar Oberstein in the 1820s kick-started the development of the gem market.<\/p>\n<\/div> Beryls of the Emerald and Aquamarine variety were mined and polished in commercial quantities, but the first Emerald deposit of size in Minas Gerais did not emerge until the early 20th century. Later deposits at Itabira in 1977 and Nova Era in 1988 helped to propel Brazil to a top a three producer worldwide emerald producer.\u00a0<\/span>The Belmont mine has emerged as the largest enterprise in the Brazilian emerald market with over 40 years of production, they retain 50% of the production and cut and polish the gemstones locally ‘in house.<\/p>\n<\/div>The vast majority of emeralds mined require oiling. This process is often carried out to improve the clarity of the polished stones. Cedar oil is the preferred choice and the treatment that most high-end jewellers accept. The most sought-after emeralds are no oil stone.<\/h6><\/div><\/div><\/div>