The present study aimed to identify and quantify, in an exploratory way, the visual aspects and defects found in the Brazilian pine seeds, in addition to testing the flotation method for the separation of healthy seeds. Many of the samples (26,5%) were damaged by the drill, however, 69% of them with no external signs, making separation only based on the external aspect very difficult. In the case of cooked seeds this is even more complicated considering the color change. Other seeds with greenish, pinkish, plastered and white/cream embryos were found. The most attacked seeds were those that floated, followed by those that remained in balance and, to a lesser extent, those that sank.