Massive emerald weighing 360 kgs found by Brazilian miners

A giant emerald measuring 1.3 metres (4.3 feet) and weighing a whopping 360 kgs (794 pounds) was discovered in April in the mining region of Carnaiba in the north of Brazil, says a report. Further the report states that the precious stone was found 200 metres (656 feet) below the surface of the Carnaiba mine in the Pindobacu district, by the Bahia Mineral Cooperative. The emerald was sold to an individual who refused to give an interview for security purposes, and did not reveal how much he had paid, says a report.

The owner’s lawyer, Marcio Jandir, said all the relevant documentation for the sale had been completed. He said the owner was authorised to travel with the stone throughout Brazilian territory as he intended to present it at museums and libraries. The emerald is the second of its kind found in the region, following another discovered in 2001 which weighed 20 kilograms (44 pounds) and was valued at 310 million U.S.-dollars. The emerald was transported to the United States illegally and became the subject of a legal dispute between Brazil and the United States until it was decided in 2015 it would remain in the United States.