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Aquamarines, tourmalines, topazes, amethysts, citrines, emeralds, and diamonds are found in Brazil's earth. During the 1940s, H.Stern ignited an advertising campaign to highlight the beauty of colored gems. At that time, only sapphires, rubies, diamonds, and emeralds were considered precious stones, while all others were termed semiprecious. Determined to eradicate this prejudice, Hans Stern coined what would become a very famous phrase, indeed: "There are no semiprecious gemstones, as there is no semi-pregnant woman or semi-honest man." As a result of Hans' perspective, all gemstones now are equally valued internationally. Among the Brazilian colored gems, the aquamarine, with its 35 shades of blue, is the most popular. The tourmaline is found in shades of green, red and pink, and is also highly appreciated. One of the topaz varieties, the imperial, is very rare. Only one mine in the world, located in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, yields this stone. Brazil is also the world's most important producer of amethysts, whose color can vary from purple to violet. The citrine, whose yellow tone can vary from canary to cognac, is appreciated as a reflection of the warmth and glow of Brazil's tropical sun.
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