Brazilian miners discover 3.6-ton precious jade block

A group of Brazilian miners found a giant, extremely rare jade block, weighing 363 kg and worth up to 305 million USD.

The giant jade block weighs 363 kg. Photo: TV Sao Francisco.

Miners discovered the dark green stone while digging at the Carnaiba mine in the small town of Pindobacu, Brazil, TV Sao Francisco reported yesterday. They had to carefully chisel away the surrounding rock so as not to damage the precious stone.

According to local authorities, the giant jade block was sold to the owner of a nearby mine. Marcio Jandir, the unnamed buyer's lawyer, said they had no intention of keeping the jade in their home.

"We have done all the necessary procedures to obtain 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 Brazilian territory. He wants to exhibit the jade block in museums and libraries," said Jandir.

The jade block can be cut and polished into 200,000 carat jade pieces.

According to VNE