Ready to see more than museum specimens?

Governador Valadares, MG, Brazil

August 25, 2009 08:30 p.m. ( local time )

(August 25– Tuesday): Drive to Teófilo Otoni and en route visit dealers and producers still in Governador Valadares.

Our schedule today shows visits to warehouses and producers. Hard to decide where to go next though, as there are tens of huge warehouses in Governador Valadares. Many of them display pieces museums don’t have. We decided to stick with our friends’ warehouses and visit one carver producer.

First we went to Robert’s warehouse, which I’ve never been before actually. His warehouse is different than any other, as all his inventory is stocked inside his house. I was a little sceptical at first, but what a surprise! Robert has lots of small and high value specimens our guests and myself were very impressed. From aquamarines, rubelites, crystal, alexandrite, tourmaline, just to name a few. Moreover, the big stuff is kept outside in the backyard, and what a backyard. It is in a slope running down to Sweet River shoulder. Many, but many amazing specimens.

After we went to Leandro’s carving factory. Over there we learned all the processes of cutting and carving birds, animals, skulls, etc. There is video enclosed showing parts of it.

Next door to Leandro’s is Julio’s warehouse and we just walked to there. Even though he is moving, transfering stock to Soledade, in the South of Brazil, there were still many interesting for us to admire, and I also acquired some specimens: couldn’t resist.

Time to go, to hit the road towards Teófilo Otoni.

Tourmaline museum specimen

This quite unique tube of green tourmaline growing straight on a matrix.

Artistic Skull Carving

The carving is made after choosing the right elestial quartz that have previous indications to be a skull.

Carving Factory Overview

Leandros specializes in Skulls, however animals and other carvings are produced.

Artistic Skull Carving

The carving is made after choosing the right elestial quartz that have previous indications to be a skull.

Carving Manufacturing Demo

Leandros specializes in Skulls, however animals and other carvings are produced.

Brazilianite Cluster Specimen

It is only found in one mine in Governador Valadares

Carving Manufacturing Demo

Leandros specializes in Skulls, however animals and other carvings are produced.

Heliodor Beryl Cluster

Amazing cluster of a beryl.

Robert’s Warehouse Overlooking River

Robert’s inventory in the backyard overlooking the Sweet River.

Robert’s Warehouse Museum Specimen

This is an unusual tourmaline formation I was pleased and luck to hold in my hands.