MISTER PARAIBA

ABOUT PARAIBA

Everything you need to know about this stunning gemstone
Tourmaline Paraiba
Certain gemstones possess their own unique charm — and the Paraiba tourmaline is certainly one of them. Renowned for its rarity and striking color, this precious stone immediately distinguishes itself from commonly known gemstones. As part of the Tourmaline family, the Paraiba Tourmaline features a captivating neon blue hue — just one glance at the stone, and you'll be captivated by its natural brilliance.

Would you like to learn more about this gemstone? This article covers everything you need to know about the Paraiba Tourmaline, so continue reading for more details about this fascinating gem.
The Paraiba is a copper-rich variety of tourmaline celebrated for its vivid neon blue, green, and turquoise hues. Its vibrant radiance is due to trace amounts of copper (Cu²⁺), and in certain specimens, manganese (Mn) is also present within its crystal structure. This unique combination of elements imparts Paraíba tourmaline with its remarkable brilliance, distinguishing it from other types of tourmaline and ranking it among the most prized gemstones in the world.

Paraíba tourmaline was first discovered in 1989 at the Mina da Batalha in São José da Batalha, located in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, by miner Heitor Dimas Barbosa. Since then, similar copper-bearing tourmalines have been found in Nigeria, Mozambique, and the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Norte. Although these stones share the same striking copper-induced glow, collectors and enthusiasts typically reserve the term "Paraíba tourmaline" for gems from Brazil, particularly those originating from the original Paraíba locality.
Today, Paraíba tourmaline is considered one of the most valuable gemstones globally. High-quality specimens can command prices equal to or even higher than those of top-tier diamonds and rubies, making them highly prized by jewelers, collectors, and gem enthusiasts around the world.

Paraiba Properties

  • Hardness

    7-7.5 on the Mohs scale (moderately hard, can scratch glass).
  • Density

    2.84-3.10 g/cm³ (moderately heavy).
  • Transparency

    Transparent to translucent.
  • Color

    boast vibrant neon shades of blue and green, with occasional turquoise hues.
  • Luminescence

    Weak fluorescence may be present in some specimens.
  • Refractive Index

    1.603-1.655.
  • Dispersion

    high (creates lively fire).
Paraiba Rarity
Paraiba tourmaline is among the rarest gemstones in the world, with an estimated ratio of approximately one Paraiba mined for every 10,000 diamonds. Its main source is Brazil, specifically in the states of Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte. Although smaller deposits are found in Mozambique, Nigeria, and Namibia, these are less extensive and yield fewer high-quality stones.
"Kissing Diamond Ring" by Boghossian.
Paraiba and Diamond embracing one another the result is enchanting
Paraiba Price
The extraordinary price of Paraiba tourmaline is driven by its rarity, surpassing that of even diamonds. Its vivid neon colors, unparalleled in intensity, combined with strong investment appeal, make it highly desirable among collectors. Each stone, a natural masterpiece, commands a premium due to its limited availability, captivating hue, and potential for appreciation in value.

As a result, this gemstone has become a symbol of luxury and exclusivity in the world of fine jewelry.
Brazilian Paraiba price changes
Pricing for Brazil Paraiba depends directly on the stone's clarity, color, and treatment.
"Heitorita" color will be always be more expensive and may exceed the chart's value.
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Mozambique Paraiba price changes
More about Mozambique Paraiba
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