Journey through Brazil Mines ～Hometown of “Paraíba” Tourmaline 2

♦Rio Grande do Norte♦
Mulung Mine
This mine is located at the base of a mountain 5 kilometres north-northeast to Parelhas, and copper-bearing elbaite tourmaline was found here in 1991. The mine is now owned by MINERAÇÃO TERRA BRANCA. According to the director Mr. Daylor-Addario, over 100 staff is working at the mine. Thse author took a quick glance to see more than 60 female staff busily sorting “Paraíba” tourmaline. Pegmatite in this area consists of feldspar that is mostly of albite, quartz, muscovite and tourmaline. Many pieces of muscovite were scattered in the field on the mountain, reflecting sunlight. A shaft is deeper than 20 meters and many caves are running from the shaft. The bedrock is quite hard and a rock drill is used as cutting roll for the shaft, or dynamite is occasionally used. Red lepidolite is said to be an indication of existence of “Paraíba” tourmaline, so that when it occurs mining operation become very cautious.
This mine has been producing many small pebbles under 1 carat. Its monthly production is about 300 carats and it can be assumed that most of small pebbles sold in the Japanese domestic market are supplied with them. According to staff of the mine, these stones show vivid neon blue colour at the time of their excavation and do not need to be heat-treated.