Brazilian miners have discovered a giant 800lb emerald worth an eye-watering £235million.

Digging in the Carnaiba mine, in the tiny Brazilian town of Pindobacu, was halted after they found a gigantic black rock which glinted green under the light.

They painstakingly carved around the precious stone to make sure they did not damage it.

Brazilian miners have discovered a giant 800lb emerald worth an eye-watering £235million

Local authorities said the gigantic precious stone was sold to a neighbouring mine who whose owner wished to stay anonymous.

But the buyer's lawyer Marcio Jandir claims they have no plans to lock the emerald behind closed doors.

He told G1 Globo: 'We have already done all the issuance of the certificate of origin, a requirement of DNPM [National Department of Mineral Production].

'The document has already been issued, and today the owner of the stone is authorized to transit with it in national territory.

'Obviously he wants to do exhibitions with the stone and present in museums and libraries.'

The stone could be cut and polished into 200,000 carats of emeralds, it has been claimed.