Are there any organisations or companies that organise 'mineral' or 'geological' trips to Brazil?

Question

I want to go dig myself some amethyst in a brazilian mine if possible.

I also realize that most mines are probably not set up to receive tourist with their picks but thought someone might know if there are 'adventure' style organised holidays where this would be part of the itenary. Or would it be something that i could organise myself once in Brazil? Any info appreciated.

Answer 1

I had never heard of "geoecotourism" until today! (thanks for the learning opportunity, hehe)

There actually is an organization in Brazil that promotes those trips. Their site is in Portuguese, but you can get in contact with them and ask them about their Geoecotourism Program:

Departamento de Gestão Territorial – DEGET (Department of Territory Management of the Brazilian Geological Service)

[e-mail]

Answer 2

A friend of mine was telling me just last week that Ouro Preto is a delightful little college town that used to be a huge mining center.  Apparently  they have several museums of minerology in town that my friend tells me are fantastic.