Our Mine
This is the first and, to date, the only legally registered vegetable fossil mine in Brazil. It is located in the State of Tocantins, in the town of Filadelfia.
The research of these minerals, as permitted by Brazilian law, began in 1996, after a Research Concession was acquired through an authorization issued by the DPNM. The exploration was done with a Utilization Permit, already issued by the above-mentioned organ.
The source of the mineral is the Pedra de Fogo (Firestone) Formation, dating back to the Permian Age (248 to 300 million years ago). It is located in the Maranhao Sedimentary Basin, also known as the Parnaiba, which extends over parts of the Brazilian North and Northeastern regions.
This formation consists of impure arenites, conglomerates and chemical sediments (limestone and gypsite) in its upper layer, and covers an area of 66,000 km2. The origin of petrified wood is discussed in the section "About Petrified Wood" on this site.
The ore, as well as its application, is quite varied. It consists mainly of silicified stalks and branches. The main vegetable matter is from the Psaronius fern group (Psaronius Brasiliensis).
The material's high degree of crystallization makes it excellent for polishing, and its colors range from black and white to red, yellow, and shades of blue and green, among others.
It is used in pebbles, thin or thick slices, and stalks. It can also be used in the manufacture of household utensils, bookends, ashtrays and soap dishes, as well as in ornamental objects such as balls, pyramids, obelisks, etc. Another popular material is classified as "little branches," either raw or with simple cuts at the base and upper "windows,” which show its internal structure. The main buyers are collectors and the aquarium and esoteric markets.
We estimate the life of the mine at more than twenty years based on current reserves.
Three different types of minerals have been identified:PRIMARY ORE – This ore is found in the sedimentary layer of rock. It is left unmined in order to preserve it for future studies.
RESIDUAL ORE - This mineral is found in the soil and is relatively undisturbed. It generally has well-preserved morphological characteristics. Since it has not been exposed to the elements for long, its coloring is less desirable.
DISPLACED ORE - Concentrations of this ore are found on inclines and in alluvia. Since it has had much exposure to surface waters it has lively colors. The internal structures and textures are apparent, but the external characteristics are not very well preserved.
