Pomba pit
Serra das Éguas, Brumado, Bahia, Brazil
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
Pomba pit is located in Serra das Éguas, Brumado, Bahia, Brazil, part of the ancient São Francisco Craton.
It is known for magnesite, quartz, svanbergite, uvite, and talc, with svanbergite and uvite being particularly rare and collectible.
The geological structure involves magnesium-rich sedimentary or metamorphic rocks, likely formed through alteration processes.
Mining began with Magnesita S.A. in 1939, and the pit was active until at least the 1980s, though its current status is unclear.
Bahia has a rich African-Brazilian culture, and Brumado’s climate is tropical with distinct wet and dry seasons, featuring Atlantic Forest and caatinga vegetation.
Geographic Location
Pomba pit is nestled in the Serra das Éguas district, within Brumado, a city in the southwest of Bahia state, Brazil. Brumado is about 555 km from Salvador, the state capital, and lies within the ancient São Francisco Craton, a significant geological formation. The Serra das Éguas itself spans roughly 142 km², known for its magnesite and talc mines, offering a rugged, mineral-rich landscape for enthusiasts to explore.
Minerals Produced
The Pomba pit is a treasure trove for mineral collectors, boasting magnesite in beautiful rhombohedral crystals, often pure white and sizable. Quartz is commonly found, sometimes with intriguing inclusions. More notably, it yields svanbergite, a rare phosphate mineral with yellowish-brown crystals, and uvite, a green tourmaline that adds vibrant color to collections. Talc, a soft magnesium-rich mineral, is also present, enhancing the locality’s appeal.
Geological Structure
The area’s geology is fascinating, characterized by magnesium-rich sedimentary or metamorphic rocks. These rocks have undergone alteration, likely through metamorphic processes, to form the magnesite and talc deposits. This makes Pomba pit a prime spot for studying how such minerals are created, offering insights into the Earth’s deep history.
Mining History
The mining history of Pomba pit is tied to Magnesita S.A., founded in 1939 after discovering magnesite in Brumado. This company has been central to extracting refractory materials, vital for industries like steelmaking. The pit was actively mined at least until the 1980s, as shown by collector reports and photos, but its current operational status remains unclear, adding a layer of mystery for visitors.
Local Culture and Characteristics
Beyond the minerals, the region is steeped in culture. Bahia state is renowned for its African-Brazilian heritage, with vibrant music, dance, and religious traditions. Brumado, while primarily known for mining, shares in this cultural richness, offering a glimpse into local life that complements the geological wonders.
Climate and Ecology
The climate here is tropical, with distinct wet and dry seasons, providing a dynamic environment for exploration. The vegetation includes Atlantic Forest and caatinga, offering a diverse ecological backdrop that enhances the experience for nature-loving mineral enthusiasts.