The centre of the mining industry is the state of Minas Gerais, named after the large number of gold and precious stone mines discovered in colonial times. Minas Gerais is also Brazil's main producer of mica, beryl, talc, marble, dolomite, graphite, zirconium, bauxite and nickel. Novo Cruzeiro located in one of the poorest areas of Minas Gerais state in the northeastern region, has a population of 35,000, who live mainly in rural areas. This area was industrialized 30 years ago, but transition areas with rural characteristics persist in the peripheral area of its cities. Small amounts of alexandrite with distinctive color change and good clarity have been found there, but current poroduction of chrysoberyl is low.