Paraíba Tourmalines – great value thanks to bright colors
In the 1980s and 1990s, tourmalines of extraordinary color were discovered in Paraíba, Brazil. These gemstones were named “Paraíba Tourmalines” after their place of discovery. Thanks to their bright color, they are considered the most valuable tourmalines.
The element copper is responsible for the vibrant colors. In addition to copper, Paraíbas also contain manganese. Depending on the ratio between copper and manganese, the color changes. If there is more copper, the hue turns turquoise. If, on the other hand, the manganese content predominates, the stones tend to be violet and bluish.
The color saturation differs depending on the place of origin. Particularly radiant tourmalines come from Brazil. Those from Nigeria are somewhat darker in comparison, and those from Mozambique are lighter than the Brazilian Paraíba tourmalines.
Controversial name
In the 2006/07 edition of the CIBJO Blue Books (Appendix B - Trade Names), the name Paraiba is used for any copper-colored green-blue tourmaline, regardless of country of origin.
Use
Paraiba tourmalines bought loose (or stones of the Paraiba type) can be made into different pieces of jewelry and given as gifts. Most often, these gemstones are made into rings. But the radiant stones also attract attention when worn on necklaces or bracelets.
If you want to give your beloved a gemstone for their birthday but can't decide on one, you can take advantage of the symbolism of birthstones. According to the American Gem Society, tourmalines are the birthstones of those born in October.
Origin & mining
The Paraíba region in Brazil has produced the world's best and most valuable examples of Paraíba tourmaline, including the largest, which weighs 191.87 carats. In general, however, the Paraíbas found in Brazil tend to be rather small, with stones over 3 carats being quite rare.
In Nigeria, Paraíba-type tourmalines of greater weight are also mined. Another mining site for these valuable tourmalines is Mozambique.
The stones are mined by hand, but sometimes with the help of machines.
Characteristics
The Paraiba tourmaline belongs to the elbaite subgroup of tourmalines. Other elbaite varieties include verdelite, rubellite, indigolite and watermelon tourmaline.
The Paraiba tourmaline differs from other tourmalines in its composition, as it contains the trace elements copper and manganese.
Like all tourmalines, Paraiba has a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the 10-point scale according to Friedrich Mohs.
Most popular cuts
faceted stones are more valuable than Paraiba Tourmalines in cabochon cut. Most commonly, this neon-colored tourmaline is found in an oval cut. But other cuts, such as the round brilliant cut or the step cut, also occur.
