Paraiba Tourmaline

Paraiba stone

Paraiba is the rarest and most expensive variety of tourmaline. Some specimens can easily compete in value with large diamonds of the highest characteristics. Paraiba tourmaline is distinguished by the brightest color palette, varying from sky-blue and turquoise shades to light green rich tones. Paraiba crystals are recognized as the reference of neon-blue colors in the gemstone market. The presence of copper and manganese in the minerals determines the unique coloring of these tourmalines. It is necessary to note that not all blue and blue-colored tourmalines belong to the Paraiba species. The presence of copper ions is the main factor that allows us to call blue tourmaline a Paraiba tourmaline.

Origin

Brazil mines up to 80% of tourmalines of different kinds. This country is also home to the unique tourmaline Paraiba, which was named after the Brazilian state of Paraiba. In this state, the first samples of Paraiba were discovered in 1987. The unique sky-blue tourmalines were found by the local prospector Eitor Dimas Barbosa, who spent several years looking for these minerals. The stones he found were of such unseen color that they were immediately sold by the traders, who spread the word about the new type of tourmaline worldwide.

Almost till the end of the twentieth century, everybody was sure of the absolute uniqueness of the Brazilian deposit of this type of tourmaline. At the end of 2001, specialists were surprised to find neon-blue tourmalines from Nigeria in the Eduku deposit on the jewelry market. The analysis of the chemical composition of the stones showed the presence of copper and manganese admixtures, which determine the color shades. African samples tend to be less saturated compared to the Brazilian Paraiba.

Further, in 2003, analogs of the Brazilian tourmalines were found in Mozambique, in the region of Alto Ligonha at the Muyane mine. These stones also contain copper, slightly less manganese, and lead, beryllium, gallium, and bismuth impurities. Today the majority of copper-containing tourmalines on the market come from Mozambique. There are very few Brazilian stones on the market; as a rule, they only weigh up to 2-3 carats. It is essential to mention that the cost of Brazilian stones is several times higher than that of African stones. African stones may weigh up to ten carats.

Natural Paraiba from Brazil or Mozambique?

Despite the significant price difference, Paraiba tourmalines of high-quality jewelry from Mozambique can give beauty to Brazilian reference gems. Also, there is a misconception that the Paraiba from Mozambique cannot be called Paraiba, unlike the Brazilian, so it is important to note that African blue tourmaline that contains copper ions, officially recognized by the international Gemological community Paraiba tourmaline, along with samples from Brazil. In the expert reports of the world's most reputable laboratories, stones whose blue color is due to copper always state that the tourmaline in question is of the "Paraiba Tourmaline" type regardless of its region of origin.

Enhancements

Most Paraiba tourmalines undergo refinement by heat treatment to achieve a better color gamut. The natural coloring of Mozambican specimens usually has a palette of purple, pinkish, green, and yellowish-green hues. After the thermal treatment, the primary colors disappear, and the crystals acquire a noble neon-blue coloring. Brazilian Paraiba specimens initially have a sky-blue color. Heat treatment eliminates purple tints and improves the blue color saturation. It is important to note that heat treatment of the Paraiba tourmaline crystals is a common practice, and due to the incredible rarity of this gemstone, heat treatment of the top specimens practically does not affect the price.

Medium commercial quality tourmalines of Paraiba with lots of inclusions and cracks use different polymers to fill the cracks, thus improving the stone's clarity. Stones of this quality can often be faceted into cabochons. Of course, heat treatment and artificial clarity enhancement greatly decrease the stones' price. It would be best to look closely at the examination report on the tourmaline you purchased, issued by the gemological laboratory.

The price per carat of Paraiba tourmaline

Paraiba tourmalines from Brazilian deposits, like the Burmese rubies, are rare in the world jewelry market. The geographical origin here is the main pricing factor. The gems are supplied from Mozambique and have a lower cost relative to Brazilian. High-quality Brazilian tourmaline can have a much smaller mass than Mozambique but have several times more the price for 1 carat. The purest and high-quality Paraiba blue color is comparable to the price of good diamonds and is $20000-$30000 per carat. The cost of the Paraiba from Mozambique, depending on the purity and color saturation, is in the range of $1500-9000 per carat.

In recent years the price of Paraiba tourmalines on the market has been growing rapidly, sometimes 20-30% a year. Paraiba is often bypassing at a cost per carat non-heated sapphires and Colombian emeralds that translate these minerals into the highest price category. The price for one-carat tourmalines often exceeds several tens of thousands of dollars. Today the gem heads the list of most attractive investment gems.

Neon glow of Paraiba tourmaline

Tourmalines, as well as emeralds, are categorized as gems of the second clarity group. This means that they are permissible for a greater number of inclusions, and this has less effect on their value. Paraiba tourmalines are characterized by white or translucent gas and liquid veils. We should not be afraid of them because these very veils enhance the effect of neon blue glow thanks to the optical effect of iridescence (iridescent color glow in bright light) and may even increase the color saturation visually. This effect is more pronounced on stones with such inclusions than on pure specimens. Thus, Paraiba tourmalines with few inclusions can be more affordable and still have the same effect on others.

Interesting facts about Paraiba tourmaline

• The Arunashi mermaid brooch made of white gold is an actual work of art. 2.2 carats of Paraiba and 5.35 carats of exquisite diamonds were used to decorate the brooch. The ring from the Sutra brand is truly noble; it is decorated with six diamonds and seven pear-shaped tourmalines weighing 8 carats. This jewelry masterpiece is valued at $130,000.
• An outstanding work by the famous designer Giampiero Bodino is considered an amazing "Baroque" necklace. The ornament was made of white gold, decorated with African Paraiba stones weighing 326 carats, and encircled with numerous diamonds.
• A flight of fancy is called the golden ring by Dior with a magnificent giant crystal of Paraiba framed with spessartines, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds.

Natural Paraiba Tourmaline for sale

In our catalog, you will always find exceptional specimens of Paraiba tourmaline, enabling you to compare prices and estimate the likely budget of your future purchase. Our gemologists will assist you in circumventing any price speculation related to this stone, ensuring you make the right choice.

Beyond the stones in stock, our team is delighted to offer a custom order service. Considering your preferences and budget, we will select the best Paraiba tourmaline for you.

You can choose to have jewelry made with this beautiful stone, which can be delivered anywhere in the world. We currently have one of the most comprehensive jewelry stores with branches in Bangkok, Dubai, Moscow, Geneva, and Almaty.