14 inch tall obelisk Aquamarine from Pedra Azul (Minas Gerais)

Amazing Pedra Azul´s aquamarine in the Washington’s Smithsonian museum!This is an article I found today in the www.theworld.org:

“Here’s a gem of a Geo Quiz: We're looking for the name of a state in Brazil that’s famous for its mines. In fact, the state’s name is a reference to mining. One of its biggest exports is iron ore. But some of the smaller mines in this state produce exquisite gemstones. Like aquamarine, a kind of crystal that can be cut into sparkling blue gems.

Legend has it that wearing aquamarine promises a happy marriage not to mention joy and wealth. Speaking of wealth, the world’s biggest aquamarine gem, nicknamed Dom Pedro, is about to go on display in Washington DC.

So can you name the Brazilian state where it was originally found?

It’s come along way. The aquamarine crystal was discovered in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais back in the 1980′s. It then made its way to Germany where it was sculpted into a 14 inch tall obelisk, then fell into private hands. Now the 10,363 carat gem will be permanently exhibited in the National Gem Collection Gallery at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. The gem nicknamed Dom Pedro (a Brazilian emperor) is expected to attract even more visitors than its neighbour in the gallery the Hope Diamond that draws 5 million visitors a year.”

Well, Dom Pedro was found in Pedra Azul - a very little village where my Dad was born in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Feeling very important today!