Characteristics of Brazilianite:

Chemical Name: Sodium aluminum phosphate

Formula:

Colors: Yellow, green

Structure: Monoclinic

Hardness: 5.5

Specific Gravity: 3.0

Refractive Index: 1.60-1.62

Lustre: Vitreous

Streak: Colorless

Locations: Brazil, USA

What is Brazilianite? 

Brazilianite was only discovered and named- after the South American country of its discovery – 1945, making it a relatively “new” gemstone. Most Brazilianite is chartreuse – yellow to pale yellow in color, and it is relatively hard for a phosphate mineral; it is also brittle. It is scarce, and very little gem-grade material is found each year. Because of these factors, it is faceted only for collectors. Since Brazilianite was recognized, small amounts of the gem have also been found in Main and New Hampshire in USA.