Brazil is currently the leader in overall production of amethyst. This article describes the author's visits to three of Brazil’s most important mining areas: Marabá, Pau d’Arco, and Rio Grande do Sul. Each represents a different geologic environment and, therefore, a variety of mining methods are used. In Marabá and Rio Grande do Sul, much of the amethyst is heat treated to become citrine.
Brazil is currently the leader in overall production of amethyst. This article describes the author's visits to three of Brazil’s most important mining areas: Marabá, Pau d’Arco, and Rio Grande do Sul. Each represents a different geologic environment and, therefore, a variety of mining methods are used. In Marabá and Rio Grande do Sul, much of the amethyst is heat treated to become citrine.