What Is a Paraiba Tourmaline?

Paraiba tourmaline fetches a steep price because of its beauty and rarity. Originally found underneath a hill in an old mine, the source of Paraiba tourmaline has been exhausted, according to the International Colored Gemstone Association.

History

Heitor Damas Barbosa discovered this variety of tourmaline in the 1980s in Paraiba, a state in Brazil, according to the ICGA.

Color

Copper contributes to Paraiba tourmaline’s vivid color, which can range from blue to turquoise to green. Manganese contributes to the stone's red or violet tones.

Color Processing

Gemstone cutters burn the red undertones out of Paraiba tourmaline so that the stone retains only the more valuable blue and green characteristics.

Size

Paraiba tourmaline gemstones are normally small, less than a carat, because they come from small crystal fragments.

Cost

A 1-carat Paraiba tourmaline could sell for more than $10,000, according to the ICGA.

References

• International Colored Gemstone Association: Paraiba Tourmaline