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Christmas Holidays
12/16/2011 19:51:51
Posted by: Taomi
Dear friends and customers,
We will be on vacation in the period from December 23nd, 2011 to January 2nd, 2012
We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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Newspaper headlines
Tucson Show review
3/3/2011 11:52:58
Posted by: Taomi
As always I am incredibly amazed on how time flies while we are in Tucson. We have a marvelous time, enjoy reuniting will everybody, get proud of the way our exhibition space look year...and by the time is over we are already missing it so much.
To tell you the true the feeling I have when saying good bye through the airplane window, is of leaving our second home for an entire year!
The 2011 show was one of the best ever for us! This gives us new energy, filling us with new ideas and new ways of giving you the best offers throughout the year.
Here is a briefing of Lapidary Journal´s review of the Show... good to know the Show was a positive one for so many!
"My favorite question to ask of the promoters and vendors in Tucson is always “How’s the show going for you this year?” For the first time in a couple of years, the answer was generally “Great!” There was a greater sense of optimism among the vendors this year; even those vendors whose sales were not what they had been a few years ago believed that things are starting to look up. And more vendors that I talked to said that their sales were indeed up this year. Hopefully, that positive Tucson feeling will hold true for the rest of the year."
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Tucson 2010
Minec crystal journeys! New videos with great images!
9/3/2010 10:17:41
Posted by: Taomi
Fernando spent a few weeks travelling to far away lands, visiting incredible mines , check the videos on the links below and enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJXPhGxpYXs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wPSo1Qv6Rk
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Mine trips
Bringing home some treasures!
4/22/2010 12:48:36
Posted by: Taomi
One week in the countryside and we come back carrying over 1000 pounds in the car!
New trigonic record keepers
a beautiful manifestation crystal point - collection
miniature clusters
citrine,
lots and lots of new beauties!
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Mine trips
Happy Easter
3/31/2010 13:09:00
Posted by: Taomi
The spirit of easter
is all about Hope,
Love and Joyfull living.
Happy Easter!
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Special offers
More videos! - searching for crystals
3/4/2010 16:40:10
Posted by: Viviane
Click below to enjoy more of Fernando´s videos on the countryside!
Video1
Video2
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Mine trips
Chile
3/1/2010 10:57:55
Posted by: Taomi
Our prayers and thoughts for Chile and her people
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Newspaper headlines
Minec on Facebook!
2/23/2010 17:21:46
Posted by: Viviane
Find us on Facebook. Join the conversation!
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Suggestions
Minec in search of crystals - video
2/23/2010 13:13:57
Posted by: Viviane
Now you can travel with Fernando not only through his texts, but also through the videos!
Click here and join him in his latest mine trip adventure.
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Mine trips
Jequitinhonha Valley Trip - 22 days in the countryside
2/23/2010 13:06:52
Posted by: Fernando
During my stone-hunting through the Jequitinhonha Valley I met many interesting characters who play important roles in the mining universe. I believe it would be very worthy to use a post here to explain how these people are a part of the business and, therefore, part of Minec´s (and your!) story.
First, of course, there is the miner. He is generally a farmer who, in the drought periods makes his way to the mountains looking for clues of mineral´s presence, the so called “dog´s tooth”. When a hole is visible, it´s time for the miner to contact the supplier.
The Supplier takes care of the resources needed like explosives and tools in order to prepare for production. Besides, he prepares the camping in exchange of a 20% commission.
When the mine starts producing, the buyer shows up. The latter uses guides or informers who, for a percentage of the purchase, try to find out which areas are producing the most at that time.
Buyers are people who, exactly like me, wander through productive regions negotiating and acquiring the extracted minerals. And life is no easier on us!! Traveling through impassable areas, crossing rivers by feet or horse and facing the savage life becomes a routine.
Sometimes the effort doesn´t pay in discoveries but in relationships. In my way I have found camps that sold me worthless stones but, on the other hand, I gained the miners´ loyalty – and this is the most valuable “asset” a buyer can have, putting myself first in line for acquiring any other rare material they find.
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Mine trips
Holiday
2/13/2010 18:13:45
Posted by: Viviane
Minec will be closed until February 21st due to Carnival season!
Learning experience
2/2/2010 17:10:31
Posted by: Viviane Morgado
Most of the visitors go to the Tucson Show to find out the last novelties in the mineral world and get great deals on them. But you can leave the exposition with something extra that won´t weight on your hands or shoulders: knowledge!
Last week´s jewelry show guide opened our eyes to the several seminars during the show on jewelry-making, beading, gem identification, increasing your business, and much more!
Take a look at the Tucson Show Guide (Tucson Datebook section) for the list of the classes and events taking place in Tucson!
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Tucson 2010
On your marks....Ready? Go!!
1/29/2010 13:32:07
Posted by: Viviane
The Tucson Gem Show starts officially tomorrow and you are very welcome to visit us at:
Tucson Show La Quinta Inn
750 W. Starr Pass Blvd. , 85713
(I-10 & Starr Pass Blvd)
Lobby & Breakfast Room
Click Here for a detailed map!
See you there!!
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Tucson 2010
Tucson Warm up!
1/18/2010 15:13:49
Posted by: Viviane
The world´s largest gem & jewelry show is just around the corner and you must be getting as excited as we are!
As the date approaches, the online magazine Jewelry Show Guide came up with some very interesting tips for new comers as well as annual visitors of the show, for you to enjoy your visit.
First, you should plan your trip very carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises. It is advisable to create an ironclad shopping list and a “Slush Budget”. Also, never forget to eat a good breakfast - you will have long days and walks. And last but not least, enjoy the environment and fresh air of the city.
We hope you have a very pleasant stay and shopping!
For more tips, check out the online edition at: JewelryShowGuide.com
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Tucson 2010
Tucson Air Shipping - last call!
1/12/2010 10:53:26
Posted by: Taomi
Fernando brought home some many new treasures from his last trip to the Jequitinhonha Valley, that we couldn´t resist!
We are sending one more shipment to Tucson, this is one by air.
It´s leaving on monday so you still have a few more days to add any special requests and get a ride for your goodies!
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Tucson 2010
Happy Holidays!
12/21/2009 11:49:25
Posted by: Taomi
Our best wishes to all our friends , suppliers, clients, supporters, freight companies, brokers, jewelry makers, cutters, mail man, neighbors, show organizers, travel agent, accountant, bank staff, computer solutions staff, web designers, EVERYBODY! Thanks for being part of our world in 2009 hope we have lots to celebrate in 2010 too!
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Suggestions
Our friend João das Moças
12/4/2009 14:29:34
Posted by: Taomi
A tragic car accident has left family and friends of our old friend Joao das Mocas in indescribable pain as we mourn his sudden death. The accident happened yesterday between Teofilo Otoni and Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais.
We met with Joao a couple of weeks ago flying back from the Munich Show, and have the best memories of good times together.
"One doesn´t die, he becomes enchanted" Joao enchanted us during his life and will continue enchanting in the vast territory of minerals.
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Newspaper headlines
Precious Journeys
11/19/2009 08:47:14
Posted by: Taomi
Fernando is on a long journey this couple of weeks, checking out all the mountain range of the Diamantina area. By the excitement we hear on his voice over the phone, he must be finding very special crystals! We~ll publish them here - fresh fresh - as soon as they arrive.
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Mine trips
Precious Brazil
11/10/2009 13:17:51
Posted by: Taomi
Besides all the treasures we find underground, there is beauty all over!
Group of macaws flying the Minas Gerais sky
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Mine trips
Pre order for Tucson!
11/10/2009 10:00:37
Posted by: Viviane
Our shipment for the Tucson Gem Show leaves at the end of the month. Contact us to add your order for delivery at the show. (Check Calendar for specific dates)
Cacoxenite Pendulums!
11/9/2009 18:00:49
Posted by: Viviane
Check out our unique Cacoxenite pendulums! Pay attention to the colorful inclusions which makes it a very interesting piece.
http://www.minec.com.br/detalhe.asp?CT_ID=86&P_ID=1332
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New Arrivals
Exclusive Production!
11/9/2009 17:43:28
Posted by: Viviane
Due to the success of the rare batch of morganite spheres and pendulums, Minec is finalizing a new production (pendulums are already for sale! Go to the pendulum´s section). If you think the last batch was already eye candy, now we have brought these products to a new level: they are all made from a SUPER EXTRA grade of pink morganite. Don´t let shopping for later, the word is already out!
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New Arrivals
New batch of skulls!
11/9/2009 15:56:39
Posted by: Viviane
Minec has just launched online a brand new very clear Super Extra Skull Collection and a new collection of Citrine Skulls. Waste no time and go straight to the skulls section!!
http://www.minec.com.br/listaprod.asp?CT_ID=92
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New Arrivals
NEW!!
10/23/2009 10:09:07
Posted by: Viviane
We have a new stock of 50 mm spheres for only $30/kg! The spheres are available in crystal quartz, rose quartz and amethyst. Please check the spheres section for more details.
http://www.minec.com.br/detalhe.asp?CT_ID=63&P_ID=1330
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New Arrivals
Hot New Products!
10/7/2009 17:51:04
Posted by: Viviane
Check out Minec´s new UNIQUE products! Beautiful hand carved Tourmaline Butterfly pendants (jewelry section), a special selection of lemurian crystal wands (crystal quartz section) and a new batch of small dolphin carvings in assorted stones as clear quartz, rose quartz, amethyst and aventurine (gifts section). Also, take a look at our pink lemurian wand pendants and amethyst chevron pendants (jewelry section).
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New Arrivals
Jenipapo Mine Trip
9/23/2009 10:20:31
Posted by: Fernando Mascarenhas
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Trying to make the best of my trip in the diverse state of Minas Gerais, I also visited the Jenipapo Mine, separated from the Jenipapo river by a 30 km dirt road (it wouldn´t be fun if it was easy!)
Although the path is difficult, the landscape presents you with a pleasant view where the “Jenipapeiros” – tree that gives the mine its name – are a current spot. Jenipapo is actually a fruit that looks a lot like a fig, just a little bigger. Back in the day, it´s juice was used by the Indians as coloring to paint their bodies. Today, it´s common use is to prepare delicious liquors or dye fabrics.
The jenipapos were a pleasant finding, but it was the stones we were after - and the mine is known for being a very productive one. There, we were able to buy interesting items from miners like citrine cathedrals with blue tourmaline penetrating the stone. Sadly, the granite company who owns the whole land is closing the access to the mine, filling the galleries that had already been opened with old dirt and dump. Therefore, the unfortunate tendency is that the mine stops producing completely.
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Mine trips
Trip to Teófilo Otoni - part III
9/21/2009 09:07:58
Posted by: Fernando Mascarenhas
After meeting friends from the mines and hearing about the city´s unusual visitors, it was time to do some work!
In this trip I ran into many interesting high quality stones, as the rough Morganite which I chose to polish into spheres.
Another curious rare finding is a type of Amethyst that comes from the south of Minas Gerais, a region that has no record of producing Amethyst…ever!! This rough has a crystal cluster on the top which sometimes penetrates inside the stone like a phantom. Findings like these are what make my trips worthwhile and keep believing that in the mineral world there is always something new waiting to be found someday, somewhere.
* Both products are available at the Gallery section of our website: http://www.minec.com.br/detalhe.asp?CT_ID=83&P_ID=1305
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Mine trips
Trip to Teófilo Otoni - part II
9/16/2009 10:11:45
Posted by: Fernando Mascarenhas
In the exciting mineral world, you can expect the unexpected!! The Teófilo Otoni Show could not be any different. During the first days of the show the word quickly spread about a big buyer in a nearby small village, who wondered around with a black suitcase full of dollars. People said that the mysterious guy was carrying more than 100 thousand dollars cash!!
He bought many stones from different sellers and gave around many good tips. But the generous rich man turned out to be not so generous….neither so rich! Somebody rang the alarm that all the bills were fake. Some friends of mine were paid more than 15 thousand in fake dollars.
Fortunately, the fraud was discovered in time and the man now awaits his sentence in the Governador Valadares police station.
* To be continued....
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Mine trips
Trip to Teófilo Otoni - chapter 1
9/14/2009 09:41:34
Posted by: Fernando Mascarenhas
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After 8 hours of driving northeast direction, I finally arrived at the production and commercialization of Teófilo Otoni - a city of 130 thousand inhabitants in the rich state of Minas Gerais. Although we have our own mine in the State of Bahia, 16 hours drive from Rio de Janeiro (nevertheless our favorite trip destination!), we do find important that we travel all over Brazil to bring you the last findings.
The first day I got there I found myself in the middle of miners, land owners and local tv, to whom MINEC gave a very exciting interview. I was very happy and surprised to spot many foreign collectors wondering around the show hunting for stones.
Unfortunately, the production is very slow due to the very low conversion tax of the Real against the Dollar. All the prices are based on the American currency, which makes it less worth the investment in the mining field. Furthermore, the granite companies are closing the access to the areas that were once dedicated to the mining of precious stones.
Because of the relationship we have built with miners and families through the years, we are always able to get ahold of new and interesting minerals for our stock besides the roughs we get from our own mine.
To be continued....
TAGS:
Mine trips
Ferryboat with 35 tons of Amethyst sinks in Paraguai River
8/21/2009 11:23:46
Posted by: O GLOBO Newspaper
A Brazilian ferryboat loaded with 35 tons of rough Amethyst sank in the Paraguai River, on the border between Mato Grosso do Sul and Bolivia. The shipwreck happened on Sunday night, at the km 1743 of the Paraguai River, but the Brazilian Navy says that it has only been informed about the accident on Monday afternoon. Two vessels and a helicopter were sent to the region. The Navy’s teams affirm that nobody got hurt and that when they arrived at the scene the boat was completely submerged. According to the Navy, the accident didn’t cause damages to the Environment.
An inquiry was ordered to examine the causes of the accident. The Navy states that the boat “Uno Star” sank when it was being pushed by a Bolivian ship. The investigation is still trying to find out if the boat’s and the captain’s documents were legal. The Federal Force was called and should investigate the origin of the semi-precious stones.
The Navy isolated the shipwreck’s place to avoid accidents with other boats. The “Uno Star” owner should make arrangements for the boat’s rescue. In order to do so, he should hire a company specialized in such service. The Navy affirms that there isn’t a deadline for the service to be done, but it should be executed as soon as possible so the navigability of the passage is not compromised
Published by O GLOBO Newspaper 04/08/09
http://oglobo.globo.com/cidades/mat/2009/08/04/balsa-com-35-toneladas-de-ametistas-afunda-no-rio-paraguai-757104383.asp
TAGS:
Newspaper headlines
New collection of skulls!
8/18/2009 10:23:01
Posted by: Taomi
We received a beautiful collection of hand carved skulls, including gem grade amethyst, crystal with pyrite inclusion, tourmalated quartz, amazonite, aquamarine...
Check the Skulls section of the web site for more details.
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New Arrivals
New Arrivals! First week of July!!
7/7/2009 08:03:28
Posted by: Taomi
The list of new arrivals is exciting, a great variety of stones and many hand made carvings: New lot of skulls - includes tourmalated quartz, citrine, amethyst, many sizes available! Special price for complete collection! Rosen Quartz Clusters - after a few years of no production at all, we have in our hands a great collection of small and beautiful selected pieces. New lot of Cacoxenite in quartz (with goethite, lepidocrosite, amethyst and smoky). Extra grade, deep color and great contrast. New large size angels - clear quartz! These are always best sellers!!!
INATS
6/23/2009 07:55:28
Posted by: Taomi
Our shipment to the INATS has left already and we´ve prepared a great selection for the show! All hand picked pieces , beautiful pendants, a lot of lithium crystals, gift items, healing tools.
See you in a few days!
You can also reach me during the show at 928-300-0222
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INATS 2009
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