In 2006, emeralds were discovered in the Fazenda Bonfim region of northeastern Brazil. Emerald
mineralization occursin association with small recrystallized pegmatitic bodies hosted by metamorphosed
ultramafic rocks within the Santa Monica Shear Zone. Prospecting and exploration have
been carried out in a few small pits and tunnels, producing emerald crystals with transparent areas
that typically range between 2 and 5 mm. Polished samples typically show a saturated bluish green
color with a medium-light to medium tone. The most common internal features are partially healed
fissures with two-phase (liquid-gas) fluid inclusions and a variety of fine, parallel-oriented growth
tubes. The emeralds contain moderate amounts of the chromophore elements Cr and Fe, and traces
of V; they also show relatively high K and low Li. FTIR spectroscopic features are consistent with
alkali-bearing emeralds that contain considerable CO2 and a small amount of deuterated water.
Emeraldsfrom Fazenda Bonfim can be distinguished from those of otherschist- and pegmatite-related
commercial deposits.