La filière brésilienne des pierres gemmes « de couleur

Despite the widespread dispersion of coloured gemstone exploitation in Brazil, two states remain by far the most important: Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul. Other activities than mining, such as the cutting and trading, have transformed these areas into the main production centers of the national gem industry. Polarization of activities is not due entirely to natural geographic or economic factors. They evolved in the past while there were different environments and therefore their development reflects these past contexts. Developing constantly since the 19th century, the gem exploitation industry in Brazil may recently experience some profound changes.