Urucum claim
Barra do Cuieté, Conselheiro Pena, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Lavra do Urucum
Key Information
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The Urucum claim is located in Barra do Cuité, Conselheiro Pena, Minas Gerais, Brazil, known for its pegmatite mines.
It produces morganite, kunzite, quartz, tourmaline, and is the type locality for Coutinhoite, a rare mineral.
The claim is a granite pegmatite, part of the Aimorés district, discovered in 1962 with significant morganite finds in the early 1970s.
Mining history suggests small-scale operations, possibly still active or dormant, in a region with a long gem-mining tradition.
The local culture is shaped by mining, with Conselheiro Pena formed alongside the Rio Doce, and the climate is tropical with wet and dry seasons.
Geographic Location
The Urucum claim is nestled in Barra do Cuité, a part of Conselheiro Pena, a town in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This area lies in the Rio Doce valley, about 400 kilometers east of the state capital, Belo Horizonte. Conselheiro Pena, with a population of around 22,892, is known for its pegmatite mines, which are central to its local economy and culture. Nearby towns include Divino das Laranjeiras, Mantenópolis, Resplendor, and Governador Valadares, making it a hub for mineral enthusiasts exploring the region.
Minerals Produced
The Urucum claim is renowned for its granite pegmatite, yielding large crystals of morganite (a pink variety of beryl) and kunzite (a pink variety of spodumene), alongside quartz, tourmaline, garnets, lepidolite, and columbite. Notably, it is the type locality for Coutinhoite, a rare mineral, adding to its allure for collectors. These gemstones are highly sought after, reflecting the claim's significance in the world of mineralogy.
Geological Structure and Mining History
Geologically, the Urucum claim is part of the Aimorés pegmatite district in the Eastern Brazilian pegmatite province, situated between granite and mica schist, and hosts a large geode with significant mineral specimens. Discovered in 1962 and previously known as the Tim mine, it saw a major morganite discovery in the early 1970s. The broader region has a rich mining history dating back to the 18th century, with gem mining being a cultural cornerstone. While specific details on current activity are limited, it seems likely that the claim is either still worked by local miners or preserved, following the area's tradition of small-scale operations.
Local Culture and Climate
Conselheiro Pena's culture is deeply influenced by its mining heritage, with gemstones playing a key role in the local economy and identity. The town, formed alongside the Rio Doce (Sweet River), reflects a community shaped by its natural resources. The climate is tropical, with hot temperatures year-round, featuring a wet season that is oppressive and mostly cloudy, and a dry season that is mostly clear, influencing the local ecology with flora and fauna adapted to these conditions.