Discover the chocolates from Minas Gerais that reproduce valuable crystals

People from Minas Gerais have no trouble saying the name: lascou. That’s how owner Stella Campos introduces her business in Poços de Caldas , Minas Gerais. In fact, Lascaux Chocolates Rústicos got its name from the famous caves known for their cave paintings in southwestern France. This reference symbolizes the appreciation of rusticity. “Recovering the origin begins with simplicity,” says the owner.

What Stella, a journalist, master chocolatier and tea sommelier by training, and her husband, art director Pedro Campos, do is transform crystals into chocolate. Or chocolate into crystals. Coming from São Paulo, they arrived in the South of Minas Gerais with the intention of shaking up the coffee shop segment in the historic city.

They opened a tea house in 2019. Then came the pandemic, which, in a way, made the couple focus even more on researching artisanal and genuine chocolates. The cocoa used comes from Bahia and Pará.

Located in the Golden Hall of the historic Palace Hotel, built in 1930, a display case displays the chocolates like jewels . And they really are, including the price. One kilo costs R$560 . “I don’t know of any other place in the world that does this,” says Stella.

Valuable chocolates

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Inspired by the era of chipped stone and the power of the beauty of crystals and precious stones, each piece of chocolate is precious. There are 13 crystals faithfully reproduced in cocoa. In addition to the beauty, there is great care in seeking out elements in nature that bring color and textures that are as close as possible to stones.

Lascaux does not use dyes or chemical additives. “Energy is a vital force that drives us. So we also try to reproduce the properties of each crystal. If it is antioxidant or calming, the chocolate will be too,” he explains.

There is the option of a tasting menu , where you can try all the options and even take home the corresponding crystals for R$374 . Without the minerals, it costs R$260. The brand ships all over Brazil. For those in Poços de Caldas, the experience at a table for two people costs R$170.

Discover the 13 Lascaux chocolate crystals and their properties:

• Watermelon tourmaline : white chocolate, raspberry, pistachio and matcha. Revitalizing properties. “Helps in the perception of the positive side of situations. It is a powerful activator of the heart chakra. It teaches patience, tact and diplomacy, while strengthening inner security.”
• Blue Kyanite : white chocolate, blue lavender and coconut. Calming properties. “It works like a sword capable of cutting through negative influences. It calms, brings a sense of security, activates inner forces and relieves pain in general.”
• Yellow Calcite : white chocolate, passion fruit, banana, mango, pineapple and mustard. It has acidity and astringency. “It stimulates the higher mind, connects with our solar plexus, facilitates meditation and induces a deep state of relaxation and spirituality.”
• Onyx : 85% cocoa, cocoa nibs and activated charcoal. Antioxidant properties. “Helps us to be masters of our own destiny, providing confidence.”
• Tiger's eye : 70% cocoa, cocoa butter and caramel. Helps with balance. “Connection between the energies of the Earth and the Sun. Inspired by sunlight, which makes everything golden, shiny and reveals the brightness of life.”
• Orange Calcite : white chocolate, beetroot, annatto and black sesame. It is nutritious. “Balances emotions, eliminates fear and combats depression. Maximizes individual power. Combats laziness.”
• Amethyst : white chocolate, hibiscus, acai, blueberry. Antioxidant properties. “Symbol of protection. Calms emotions, heightens intuition, helps eliminate toxins and mental overload.”
• Amazonite : white chocolate, matcha. Antioxidant properties. “Attracts good luck, strengthens the mind and purifies energy. Calming, soothes the nervous system and improves sleep quality.”
• Rhodochrosite : white chocolate, red fruits, cocoa 42%. Brings energy. “Represents altruistic love and compassion. Expands consciousness and favors loving relationships.”
• Turritella Agate : 42% cocoa and white chocolate. Brings energy. “It acts as a portal between the old and the new, past and present. It retains information and helps connect with roots and overcome fears.”
• Leopard Jasper : white chocolate, red fruits, brown and golden flaxseeds, chia, cranberry and walnuts. It is functional. “Reduces insecurity. Protection to face challenges by releasing guilt and fear, bringing calm and tranquility.”
• Bronzite : 42% cocoa, coffee and Turkish dates. Anti-inflammatory properties. “Protective shield, makes negative energies return to their place of origin. Acts on psychosomatic problems and increases the vital energy of the physical body.”
• Quartz : white chocolate and nuts. It is nutritious. “Cleanses the energy field and frees it from all negativity. Realigns mind, body and spirit, intensifying well-being.”

Lascaux Chocolates Rústicos : Golden Room of the Palace Hotel, entrance via Parque José Affonso Junqueira (Light Fountain) – Centro, Poços de Caldas – MG. Store 23D / Tel.: (35) 99915-8888 / Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, from 11:30am to 7pm; Saturday, from 10am to 8pm; Sunday, from 10am to 7pm. Closed on Tuesdays.

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