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 We had the good fortune to visit several mines while we were in Brazil. While in Teofilo Otoni, David Epstein arranged for us to visit aqamarine mines with Corrego deFogo. Corrego is a garimpeiro and also rents land to other garimpeiros to dig on. The first mine we went to was on the side of the road, and went a good way in to the side of the mountain. Here are a few photos of that mine:  The owner of the mine we will visit later in the day arranged for us to be able to walk into this aquamarine mine also. Lost in the excitement of the moment, we all went barreling in to the mine. We got a few yards in and realized flashlights might be a really good idea. We ended up going out and coming back in again, a little more prepared. That's Corrego closest to the front.  One of the miners offered to guide us with one of their oil lamps, and Dev & Beth had small mag lights in their packs.   David talks mining with the guys.  As you come out of the mine, you are greeted with this gorgeous view of the valley and river below. The second mine we visited was an alluvial aquamarine mine. We pulled off the side of the road, and Dev and Beth got out to take photos. This didn't sit to well with the miners and they all came out to see what we were up to.  The water in the pits is about two men deep according to the miners. After the rainy season they will pump the water out and look for more aqua there.    One of the miner's showed us the blisters on his hand. The next mine we visited was owned by one of the men who sold us rough in Teofilo. He was kind enough to no only let us see his mine, but to also share some of the fruit from his farm and to see where the garimpeiros lived while they were working a mine.   There were many hazards on the road to and from the mine. The sides of the roads were lined with deep gullies from the rainy season, and the animals would decide if and when you were allowed to pass.  This is one of the cottages where the garimpeiros live.    A traditional cooking stove in the garimpeiro's cottage.   David and Corrego discuss indicator minerals for aquamarine.   This garimpeiro is just getting started and has to build his hut before he can start digging.  See the dining section to see some of the less rock related adventures during this trip! Use the links below to check out other topics of interest from our trip to Brazil.
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