Paraiba tourmaline
Almost every color of tourmaline can be found in Brazil, especially in the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais and Bahia.
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Paraiba gemstone
In 1989, miners discovered a unique and brightly colored variety of tourmaline in the state of Paraiba. This new type of gemstone, which soon became known as Paraiba tourmaline, appeared in vibrant blue and green colors. Brazilian Paraiba tourmaline usually contains abundant inclusions.
A significant amount of the Paraiba tourmaline from Brazil actually comes from the neighboring state of Rio Grande do Norte. Material from Rio Grande do Norte is often somewhat less intense in color, but many fine gems are found there. The presence of copper is a key element in the coloration of the stone.
In the late 1990s, copper-containing tourmaline was found in Nigeria. The material was generally paler and less saturated than the Brazilian stones, although it typically had fewer inclusions. A more recent African discovery in Mozambique has also produced tourmalines colored by copper, similar to the Brazilian Paraiba. While its colors are less bright than the finest Brazilian material, Mozambique Paraiba often has fewer inclusions and is available in larger sizes.
Mozambique tourmalines usually have better colors than Nigerian stones. There is significant overlap in color and clarity between Mozambique and Brazilian stones, especially the material from Rio Grande do Norte. While they are less expensive than top-quality Brazilian Paraiba, Mozambique Paraiba tourmalines remain highly desirable.
Paraiba tourmaline price per carat
Some Mozambique material sells for well over US$5,000 per carat. Some Brazilian material sells for well over US$10,000 per carat and can fetch up to $100,000 per carat. It is the most expensive variety of tourmaline, far more valuable than other colors.
Paraiba stone
Paraiba is a state in Brazil, located in the northeastern region of the country. It borders Rio Grande do Norte to the north, Ceará to the west, Pernambuco to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
Paraiba is the third most populous state in the Northeast. João Pessoa, located along the coastline, is the state capital, while Campina Grande, in the interior, ranks among the fifteen largest municipalities in the Northeast of Brazil.
Paraiba tourmaline meaning and metaphysical properties
The following section is pseudoscientific and based on cultural beliefs.
Paraiba tourmaline clears up confusion and gives a strong sense of justice. In addition, this healing stone facilitates the making of difficult decisions and thereby promotes life experience. It can also intensify dreams.
It symbolizes wisdom, voice, insight, and creativity. It is associated with light, life, love, expression, and earth through its effects on the chakras. This beautiful stone is the birthstone for October.
FAQ
How much is a Paraiba tourmaline worth?
Prices for this exotic newcomer, especially top-quality stones in sizes between 3.00 and 5.00 carats, climbed rapidly to over $10,000 per carat. No tourmaline, not even prized rubellite reds or chrome greens, had ever achieved such heights in value. Its rarity undoubtedly contributes to its high prices.
What is a Paraiba tourmaline?
The gem is a type of tourmaline known for its bright neon colors. The color ranges from blue to green, each hue as bright as the last. Because of this, the color of the gemstone is crucial when determining its value. The stone was named after the Brazilian region where it was first discovered.
Why is Paraiba tourmaline so expensive?
The high cost of Paraiba tourmaline is due to its rarity. The copper traces in Paraiba tourmaline produce a blue or green color, but the deposits in Paraiba can yield almost any color. The difference is that the colors from this region tend to be much richer and deeper than elsewhere.
How do you know if a Paraiba tourmaline is real?
Look for a turquoise color with flashes of green. Paraiba tourmalines get their brilliant aqua color from copper, which also creates greenish flashes within a faceted stone when exposed to bright light. This is one of the best ways for a non-expert to identify the possibility that a stone is genuine.
What is the rarest color of tourmaline?
The rarest and most expensive tourmaline is the Paraiba variety, a neon-like blue or green that is colored by traces of copper. It was first discovered in the Brazilian state of Paraiba in 1989.
What is the best Paraiba tourmaline color?
The gemstone stands out because of its bright vivid blue color. The stone can be found in a range of hues, from neon blue and greenish blue to mint green and sometimes violet or purple. The most highly sought-after and best-known color is neon blue.
Is Paraiba tourmaline still being mined?
The stone is so rare it is only found in three mines in a remote area where a high copper content gives the stone its unusual neon bluish tone. Mining has faced legal and environmental challenges, leading to closures in some areas.
How rare is a Paraiba tourmaline?
To put its rarity into perspective, there is only one Paraiba tourmaline for every 10,000 diamonds. Good quality crystals from Brazil weighing over three carats are virtually unheard of.
Does Paraiba tourmaline change color?
The gem does not change color, but its blue may lighten over time to become almost colorless after prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Does Paraiba tourmaline glow?
While Paraiba tourmaline does not shine like a diamond, its charm lies in its unique neon-like colors, which seem to glow in bright light.
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