A group of Brazilian miners found an extremely rare giant block of jade, weighing 363kg and worth up to 305 million USD.
The giant jade block weighs 363kg. (Photo: TV Sao Francisco).
Miners saw the dark green rock while digging at the Carnaiba mine in the small town of Pindobacu, Brazil, TV Sao Francisco reported yesterday. They had to carefully chisel out the surrounding rock so as not to damage the jewel block.
According to local authorities, the giant block of jade was sold to the owner of a nearby mine. Marcio Jandir, an attorney for the unnamed buyer, said they had no intention of keeping the jade block in the house.
“We have done all the necessary formalities to apply for a certificate of origin as required by the National Mining Ministry. We have received the certificate and the owner of the jade block is authorized to transport it within the territory. Brazilian territory. He wants to exhibit the jade block in museums and libraries,” Jandir said.
The jade block can be chopped and polished into 200,000 carat sapphires.