Ilha claim

Taquaral, Itinga, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Lavra da Ilha

Key Information

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The Ilha claim is located on a small island in the Jequitinhonha River, near Taquaral, Itinga, in northeast Minas Gerais, Brazil, known for its mineral richness.
It produces a variety of minerals, including rare ones like eosphorite, beryllonite, and type localities for whiteite-(CaFeMg), whiteite-(MnFeMg), and zanazziite.
The geological structure is a granite pegmatite, formed from slow-cooling magma, rich in diverse minerals.
Mining began in 1969, lasted about 30 years, and was likely done by local miners, with the claim now surrendered.
The local culture features traditional Brazilian cuisine and riverine activities, influenced by indigenous and colonial history.
The climate is tropical, with wet seasons from November to March and dry seasons from April to October, supporting diverse ecosystems.

Geographic Location

The Ilha claim sits on a small island in the Jequitinhonha River, 3 km north of Taquaral, within Itinga, a city in northeast Minas Gerais, Brazil. This state, meaning "General Mines" in Portuguese, is renowned for its mineral deposits and is part of the Jequitinhonha River valley, known for its natural beauty and historical mining activities.

Minerals Produced

The Ilha claim is notable for its diverse mineral output, including common ones like apatite and quartz (including rose quartz), and rarer specimens such as eosphorite, beryllonite, and footemineite. It is particularly significant as the type locality for whiteite-(CaFeMg), whiteite-(MnFeMg), and zanazziite, meaning these minerals were first identified here, making it a hotspot for collectors and researchers.

Geological Structure

The locality is a granite pegmatite, a type of igneous rock formed from the slow cooling of magma, leading to large crystal sizes. This pegmatite is zoned, with a quartz core surrounded by feldspathic zones, and is part of the mineral-rich Brazilian Highlands, known for such formations.

Mining History

Discovered in 1969 by Lúcio, the Ilha claim was mined for about 30 years, involving an excavation of roughly 70 x 10 meters and over 15 meters deep. It was likely operated by local miners and has since been surrendered, leaving behind a legacy of fine mineral specimens studied by figures like Professor Jacques Cassedanne.

Local Culture and Characteristics

Itinga, meaning "white water" in Tupi, reflects its indigenous roots, with a culture shaped by colonial history and mining. The area is famous for "comida mineira," a traditional cuisine using local ingredients, and cachaça production. The riverine setting likely includes fishing and boating, adding to the local lifestyle.

Climate and Ecology

The climate is tropical, with a wet season from November to March bringing heavy rainfall and a dry season from April to October with less precipitation. Temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C, with hotter summers. The ecology features riverine forests and savanna, supporting diverse flora and fauna, potentially influencing mineral formation processes.