Santa Teresa

Espírito Santo, Brazil

Key Information

Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.

Santa Teres, Espirito Santo, Brazil, is a city known for its mineral deposits, particularly chrysoberyl, attracting crystal enthusiasts.
It has a tropical climate with wet summers and dry winters, and is home to the Augusto Ruschi Biological Reserve, emphasizing conservation.
The area features the Várzea Alegre intrusive complex, likely composed of igneous rocks, with a history of small-scale mineral collection since the mid-20th century.
Local culture includes ties to nature, with the reserve named after a notable naturalist, and it's the birthplace of NBA player Anderson Varejão.

Geographic Location

Santa Teres is located in the state of Espirito Santo, in southeastern Brazil, covering 695 km² with a population of about 23,724. It's near cities like Santa Maria de Jetibá and Santa Leopoldina, making it a central point for regional exploration.

Minerals and Geology

The Várzea Alegre intrusive complex in Santa Teres is rich in minerals like chrysoberyl, known for its gemstone varieties, and others such as apatite and biotite. Research suggests this complex is an igneous rock formation, likely granitic, providing a fascinating study for geologists.

Mining and History

It seems likely that mining in Santa Teres has been small-scale, focusing on collecting chrysoberyl since the mid-20th century, with specimens noted from the 1940s and 1950s, appealing to collectors.

Culture and Climate

The city is home to the Augusto Ruschi Biological Reserve, named after a naturalist known for hummingbirds and orchids, reflecting a strong conservation focus. It has a tropical climate, with wet summers from December to March and dry winters from June to September, averaging temperatures from 53°F to 84°F.

Citations

Wikipedia