gems, chrysoberyl, alexandrite, Brazil, Hematita, Minas Gerais

Two characteristic mineral inclusions observed in the alexandrites from the recent discovery at Hematita in Minas Gerais, Brazil (see the article by K. Proctor in this issue], have been identified by means of detailed chemical analysis. Dr. Henry Hanni found inclusions of fluorite (figure 7) in one of the alexandrites, and Dr. Karl Schmetzer and Mr. Charles Schiffmann confirmed the identification of apatite (figure 8). Dr. Edward Gübelin initiated the study and followed it through to completion. This is the first time that fluorite has been recognized as a mineral inclusion in chrysoberyl.