The second largest (after Hematita) occurrence of alexandrite lies in Esmeraldas de Ferros. The area in very rugged and difficult to access. Mining is under primitive and dangerous conditions. Deposits of larger alexandrite are common although the majoritiy of the larger alexandrite is occluded and translucent rather than transparent. Very fine quality larger alexandrite have been mined in miniscule quantity. Some of the smaller alexandrite crystals, and sections of larger crystals, are gemquality, with excellent clarity and color. Many of the larger crystals show a regular pattern of cavities that likely represent inclusions that have weathered away. Others crystals appear to have grown across the foliation of the schist, as shown by trains of micaceous inclusions, which create parting planes and increase susceptibility to physical weathering.