Paraiba tourmaline is a highly coveted gemstone known for its rare and intense blue-green hue. In this blog post, we will explore the unique characteristics, origins, value, and care of Paraiba tourmaline, as well as tips for authenticating this precious gemstone.

What are Paraiba Tourmalines?

Paraiba tourmaline is a type of tourmaline first discovered in the late 1980s in the Brazilian state of Paraiba. This gemstone quickly gained popularity due to its striking blue-green color, which is caused by the presence of copper and manganese. Today, Paraiba tourmaline is considered one of the rarest and most valuable gemstones in the world, with prices often exceeding that of diamonds.

Characteristics of Paraiba Tourmaline

Paraiba tourmaline is a complex mineral with a chemical composition of sodium, lithium, aluminum, boron, silicon, oxygen, and several trace elements. It has a hardness of 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale, which makes it a durable gemstone suitable for daily wear.

The most striking characteristic of Paraiba tourmaline is its electric blue-green color, which ranges from bright turquoise to a deep teal hue. This color is due to the presence of copper ions in the crystal lattice, which absorbs yellow and red light and reflects blue and green wavelengths.

Another unique feature of Paraiba tourmaline is its fluorescence, which causes the gemstone to glow neon green under ultraviolet light. This fluorescence is due to the presence of manganese in the crystal lattice and is a key factor in distinguishing Paraiba tourmaline from other tourmaline varieties.

Origins and Mining of Paraiba Tourmaline

Paraiba tourmaline was first discovered in 1989 in the Brazilian state of Paraiba, specifically in the hills of the cities of Sao Jose da Batalha and Boqueirao. Since then, small deposits of Paraiba tourmaline have also been found in Mozambique and Nigeria.

The mining of Paraiba tourmaline is a challenging and time-consuming process due to the gemstone's rarity and the difficulty of extracting it from the host rock. Paraiba tourmaline is typically found in pegmatite formations, which are coarse-grained rocks that contain minerals such as feldspar, mica, and quartz. The pegmatites are often located in remote areas and require heavy machinery and skilled labor to extract the gemstones.

Value and Demand of Paraiba Tourmaline

Paraiba tourmaline is considered one of the most valuable gemstones in the world, with prices often exceeding $10,000 per carat. This high value is due to the rarity and scarcity of the gemstone, as well as its unique color and fluorescence.

Several factors can influence the value of the Paraiba tourmaline, including the color intensity, clarity, and size of the gemstone. The presence of inclusions or other imperfections can also affect the value, as can the origin of the gemstone. Brazilian Paraiba tourmaline is generally considered the most valuable and sought-after, followed by Mozambique and Nigerian Paraiba tourmaline.

The demand for Paraiba tourmaline has only increased over the years as its popularity has grown. However, the limited supply and difficulty in mining the gemstone mean that prices are expected to continue to rise.

The Main Characteristics of Paraiba Tourmaline

Why is the Paraiba tourmaline more expensive than other Tourmaline types

Paraiba tourmaline is significantly more expensive than other types of tourmaline due to its rarity and unique color.

The color of Paraiba tourmaline is neon blue or green, which is caused by the presence of copper and manganese in its crystal structure. These trace elements are found in very small amounts in the specific geological conditions where Paraiba tourmaline is formed, making it extremely rare. In fact, it is estimated that less than 1% of all tourmaline in the world is Paraiba tourmaline.

Furthermore, the mining of Paraiba tourmaline is often difficult and dangerous due to the remote locations where it is found and the challenging conditions under which it must be extracted. This adds to the cost of production and contributes to the overall high price of Paraiba tourmaline.

Overall, the rarity and unique color of Paraiba tourmaline, combined with the difficult and costly mining process, make it one of the most expensive and sought-after gemstones in the world.

Conclusion

Paraiba tourmaline is a breathtaking gemstone that has captivated the hearts of many gemstone enthusiasts. With its unique and vibrant color, it is no surprise that it has become highly sought after in the gemstone industry. Its rarity and value make it a precious gemstone that is worth investing in.

If you are looking for a gemstone that is as unique as it is beautiful, then Paraiba tourmaline is an excellent choice. With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy its brilliance and beauty for a lifetime. So why not add this stunning gemstone to your collection today?