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Discovery of the Largest Deposit of Crystal in a Brazilian City Visible from Space.
Goiás, a state known for its natural beauty, has just further highlighted itself on the world stage. The city of Cristalina, located 270 km from Brasília, holds the largest silicon reserve in the world, a discovery that is intriguing scientists and tourists.
The deposit extends over 40 km and has a depth of up to 100 meters, containing an impressive 800 thousand tons of crystal, and the most amazing part: it can be seen from space!
History and Economic Importance
This impressive reserve had its first signs revealed in 1920, when prospectors began to explore the Cristalina region.
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The city, which is now called the World Capital of Crystal, also holds one of the largest reserves of lemurian crystals in the world, a rare mineral found in South Africa, India, and Malaysia.
The true exploration of these crystals, however, only began after World War II. The mineral became essential in the manufacture of electronics, satellites, and medical instruments, consolidating Cristalina as a strategic hub in silicon production.
Silicon Crystal Production Worldwide
The global silicon production reaches around 8 million tons per year, and Brazil is responsible for approximately 15% of this production.
Brazil’s production is mainly focused on high-purity quartz crystal, which makes the country a crucial supplier in the global market. Despite this importance, the reserve is being gradually deactivated to preserve the site and promote tourism.
Tourist Attractions and Mysticism
Cristalina is not just a giant in mining. The city is famous for its mineral handicraft market, gems, and jewelry, including gold, silver, amethysts, aquamarines, topazes, rutiles, tourmalines, amazonites, and emeralds. Macramé and cabochon designs are also easily found in the city.
In addition to the charms of crystals, Cristalina offers many tourist attractions, such as ecotourism and ancient gemstone mines. The city is considered by many mystics to be the world’s balancing point due to the magnetism of its soil. It is the highest city in the state and has one of the clearest skies in Brazil, ideal for observing astronomical phenomena.
With the gradual deactivation of silicon exploration, Cristalina is reinventing itself. The city is focusing on tourism and environmental preservation, ensuring that its natural wealth can be enjoyed by future generations.
The discovery of the largest crystal deposit in the world in Cristalina has not only placed Brazil on the map of major mineral reserves but also highlights the importance of balancing economic exploration with environmental preservation and sustainable development.
