paraiba tourmaline
Paraiba tourmaline has attractive blue to green neon colors. Although it is a relatively new gemstone discovered in the state of Paraiba, Brazil in 1987, it is highly popular worldwide. Currently, the main production areas are Brazil and Mozambique, and it is the most highly valued tourmaline. Tourmaline is the birthstone for October.
Carats Gem Magazine
" Paraiba tourmaline "
Paraiba tourmaline is one of the varieties of tourmaline, and refers to blue to green with a neon feel.
Generally, there are many inclusions and scratches, and it is often produced in small grains.
It is highly popular among tourmalines, and is valued as a rarity due to its low production volume.
In addition to the color, the content of copper is also one of the conditions for being called Paraiba tourmaline.
The mineral information of tourmaline is as follows.
English name | tourmaline |
Japanese name | Tourmaline |
classification | silicate minerals |
crystal system | Hexagonal system (trigonal system) |
mohs hardness | 7 - 7.5 |
specific gravity | 3.03 - 3.31 *Varies greatly depending on type |
refractive index | 1.61 - 1.64 *Varies depending on type |
Blue to green with a neon feel
Brazil, Nigeria, Mozambique
◇Paraiba tourmaline from Brazil
・High copper content compared to African ・Relatively dark color ・Many inclusions ・Gem quality and large grains are difficult to produce ・Natural copper may be included as inclusions
◇Paraiba tourmaline from Mozaibique
・The copper content is lower than that produced in Brazil. ・There are many products with a lighter color. ・There are many products with fewer inclusions and higher transparency compared to those produced in Brazil. ・Items that are larger in size can sometimes be harvested.
・Things with a strong blue tinge ・Things with deep and vivid colors ・Things with high transparency ・Things that are large ・Things with beautiful cuts
receives high praise.
The price will be determined based on the overall evaluation above.
Recently, green Paraiba tourmaline has become increasingly popular among collectors, and its price has also increased.
Paraiba tourmaline was discovered in the Brazilian state of Paraiba in 1987. When it first appeared at the Tucson Mineral Show in 1990, it immediately became a hot topic, and its price is said to have increased during the show.
It is now extremely popular due to its unusual color and hardness that makes it suitable for everyday jewelry.