Vibrant Blue-Green Paraiba Tourmaline Gemstones

Introduction to Paraiba Tourmaline

Paraiba tourmaline is a rare and valuable gemstone known for its brilliant neon blue-green colors. The stone was first discovered in 1989 in Paraiba, Brazil, which is where it gets its name. Paraiba tourmaline has since become one of the most prized gemstones in the world.

The vibrant blue-green hues of paraiba tourmaline are caused by trace amounts of copper in the gem. The copper impurities lead to strong absorption of the red and yellow portions of visible light, allowing the blue-green wavelengths to pass through resulting in the bright turquoise tones.

What Makes Paraiba Tourmaline Special

There are a few key factors that make paraiba tourmalines so exceptionally rare and desirable:

• Vivid Blue-Green Colors - The neon blue-green hues of fine paraiba tourmaline are unmatched by any other gemstone.
• Scarcity - Only a small number of copper-bearing tourmaline mines exist in the world, mainly in Brazil and Africa.
• Expensive Price - Top quality paraiba tourmaline can cost over $10,000 per carat due to high demand.

The combination of its arresting color, scarcity, and extremely high value make paraiba tourmaline one of the worlds most coveted gems.

Paraiba Tourmaline Mining Locations

Since that initial 1989 discovery, additional copper-bearing tourmaline deposits have been found in a couple other locales around the world. Here are the main places where paraiba tourmaline is mined:

Brazil

Paraiba, Brazil is still the premier location for mining fine paraiba tourmaline specimens. The original mine in Paraiba where the gem was first uncovered shut down in the 1990s after just a few years of mining this precious material. Other mines have since opened in northeastern Brazil with similar neon blue-green tourmaline crystals.

Africa

In the past decade, African nations like Mozambique and Nigeria have also begun producing some spectacular paraiba tourmalines. The African paraiba tourmalines tend to have a darker blue coloration than their Brazilian counterparts.

Other Small Deposits

Aside from Brazil and Africa, small quantities of copper-bearing paraiba tourmaline have been found in a couple other locales like Afghanistan and Pakistan. But Brazilian and African mines account for the vast majority of fine paraiba tourmaline gems circulating in the global marketplace.

Grading Factors for Paraiba Tourmaline

Like other colored gemstones, paraiba tourmalines are evaluated and graded based on certain key attributes. Here are the principal factors jewelers use to assess the quality of individual paraiba tourmaline specimens:

Color

The most important feature is the stones vividness and depth of color. Vibrant blueish-green stones command the highest prices. Medium tone greenish-blue paraibas are still valuable, while pale green paraibas lack desirability.

Clarity

Inclusions and flaws will decrease a paraibas value. Eye-Clean specimens are ideal, while heavier included stones trade at more reasonable price points.

Cut Quality

How well proportioned and finished the paraiba tourmaline is will also impact price. Finely cut gems have greater brilliance allowing the striking color to radiate beautifully.

Carat Weight

Bigger is generally better when shopping for paraiba tourmalines. Large size clean gems over 5 carats command sky high premiums. However smaller eye-clean specimens still make wonderful jewelry.

Jewelry Application of Paraiba Tourmalines

The captivating neon blue hue of fine paraiba tourmalines makes them perfectly suited for all types of jewelry designs. Here are some of the top ways jewelers like to showcase paraiba tourmaline gems:

Paraiba Tourmaline Engagement Rings

Set in white gold or platinum with diamond accents, paraiba tourmaline engagement rings make for breathtaking and unique statements. The mix of blues and white beautifully complements almost any skin tone.

Paraiba Earrings

Vivid drop paraiba tourmaline earrings set in precious metals create an eye catching look. The dangling glowing paraiba stones framed near the face is always an elegant sight.

Paraiba Pendants

Displaying a fine paraiba tourmaline in a precious metal pendant surrounded by smaller white diamonds allows the glowing blue stone to pop beautifully against the skin.

Investment Potential of Paraiba Tourmalines

Due to their extreme rarity and continually growing demand amongst jewelry connoisseurs and gem collectors, prices for fine quality paraiba tourmalines have skyrocketed over the past couple decades. In 2000 for example, top quality 2+ carat paraibas sold for around $2,000 per carat wholesale. Today similar quality specimens routinely sell for over $10,000 per carat and high-end auction records are exceeding $20,000 to $30,000+ per carat.

As supplies continue to tighten while more consumers discover these magical neon gems, prices for natural unheated copper-bearing paraiba tourmaline will likely continue rising substantially into the future. For investors and collectors, acquiring top grade pieces can be a sound long term strategy as this gemstone becomes more and more cherished globally.

FAQs

Where does the name "paraiba" tourmaline come from?

Paraiba tourmaline gets its name from the Brazilian state of Paraiba, where the gemstone was first discovered in 1989. The copper-bearing tourmaline mine in Paraiba produced neon blue-green tourmaline crystals that were unlike any gem previously seen.

What makes paraiba tourmaline so expensive?

The extreme rarity of natural copper-bearing tourmaline mines gives paraiba tourmaline an ultra high value. The unique vivid blueish-green colors also make fine paraibas highly coveted amongst jewelers and gem collectors, further elevating prices for top specimens.

Is African "paraiba" tourmaline as valuable as Brazilian?

African paraiba tourmalines can reach comparable value levels to fine Brazilian gems, but they tend to display darker blue rather than blue-green hues. Top neon blue-green Brazilian paraibas with superior transparency still command the highest prices at auction.

How should I store and care for paraiba tourmaline jewelry?

Always store paraiba jewelry in soft cloth bags away from other gems and metals. Avoid subjecting your paraiba tourmalines to sharp blows, pressure, or dramatic temperature changes. Use warm soapy water and a soft brush to gently clean your jewelry.

What is the best way to buy investment grade paraiba tourmaline?

Work directly with high-end reputable jewelers when buying fine paraiba tourmaline gems or jewelry. Request to view certified analysis reports from respected labs like GIA or AGL to verify natural copper-bearing status and superior quality factors before purchasing.