Novo Horizonte

Novo Horizonte is located in Bahia, Brazil, in the North-East region, part of the Chapada Diamantina area. It sits at coordinates 12°48’30” S, 42°10’04” W, with an elevation of 835 meters and covers 613 km². Nearby municipalities include Ibitiara, Ibipitanga, and Seabra, making it a central point for mineral exploration in the region.

The locality is famous for its 17 valid minerals, including type localities almeidaite and parisite-(La). Standout minerals include rutilated quartz, known for golden rutile inclusions, and rutile on hematite, unique to this area. Other minerals like bastnäsite-(La), fluocerite-(Ce), and xenotime-(Y) attract mineralogists for their rarity and scientific value.

The geological setting is complex, likely involving pegmatitic and hydrothermal processes, given the presence of rare earth and titanium minerals. While detailed rock type data is limited, the region's connection to the Chapada Diamantina suggests a rich Precambrian formation history, ideal for mineral formation.

Mining in Novo Horizonte began in the late 18th century with gold, evolving to focus on quartz by the 20th century. Garimpeiros like Zé Salão played key roles in the 1930s, and the town became independent from Ibitiara in 1989, continuing as a hub for rutilated quartz mining.

The culture is deeply rooted in mining, with residents known as novo-horizontinos. The town, with a population of about 11,500, hosts a floating community of miners and collectors, especially for quartz. Historical events like the first feira livre in 1949 highlight its community spirit, and it has a municipal anthem reflecting its identity.

The climate is semi-arid, with a wet season from October to May and a dry season from June to September, typical of the Caatinga biome. Vegetation includes drought-resistant caatinga and chapadões, supporting a unique ecosystem adapted to the harsh conditions, which may influence mineral formation processes.