Paraíba Tourmaline

Natural Paraíba Tourmaline burst onto the gem scene in the late 1980s as a newly discovered variety of tourmaline from Brazil with an intense neon blue-green color unlike anything seen before.

The excitement and demand sparked by early samples of these rare gemstones led to competitive mining efforts to unearth large specimens of "paraíba," as they became known.

Discovery and Early Finds

The Paraiba tourmaline was first discovered in 1987 in the city of Paraiba in Brazil. It is a very rare and limited resource due to its unique bright blue-green color, which is caused by the presence of copper in the mineral.

This has led to an increase in demand for the stone, with early finds including gems over 5 carats.

The "Ethereal Carolina Divine Paraíba"

In 1989, a significant discovery of tourmaline was made in Paraíba: The "Ethereal Carolina Divine Paraíba", weighing 191 grams and measuring 65 millimeters in length.

The stone was named in honor of Caroline, the daughter of the miner, and was registered by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest cut piece of tourmaline. It was valued at over $1.5 million but was stolen in 2008.

Its record didn't last long, however, as more deposits were uncovered.

The New Record-Holder was

In 2021, a new record holder was discovered in São José da Safira, Brazil. The stone weighs 192 grams and measures 39 mm x 62 mm. It is certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as the world's largest faceted tourmaline.

 In 2022, it was sold at auction for $1.8 million.

While these exceptional gems make headlines, most paraíba tourmalines found are under 3 carats. Yet their unmatched neon brilliance still captivates gem lovers, keeping demand and mining efforts ongoing even 35 years after their initial discovery.

Mining Locations and Methods for Natural Paraíba Tourmaline

While Brazil is the world's primary source of natural paraíba tourmaline, deposits have been found in a handful of other countries that also meet the unique geological conditions required for these gems to form.

Where Paraíba Is Found

Brazil. The deposits were first discovered here in 1987, but there are also significant deposits in Minas Gerais and Bahia states.

Mozambique. Deposits were found here in 2008, but the gems tend to be darker blue-green.

Nigeria. The deposits in this country were discovered in 2013, and the hue of the gems is more blue rather than green. However, the supply is limited.

Paraíba tourmaline forms in rare types of granite pegmatite and alluvial secondary deposits near these igneous rock formations. The trace element copper is required to produce the distinctive neon blue-green colors.

How Paraíba is Mined

• Artisanal mining. Individuals and families digging small tunnels by hand provide many paraíba gems
• Mechanized mining- Larger companies focused more on high-volume extraction of other pegmatite gems and minerals

While artisanal miners supply much of the world's limited paraíba output, larger operations have helped uncover exceptional gems like the 192-gram world record specimen unearthed in Brazil last year.

Yet whether using crude hand tools or advanced machinery, extracting these precious neon-hued treasures remains an arduous undertaking.

Color Variety and Market Value of Natural Paraíba Tourmaline

The spectacular blue-green hues of natural paraíba tourmaline gems captivate gem buyers in New York City and other locations. However, not all paraíba tourmalines exhibit the same vibrant glow. The color spectrum and what determines quality help assess the market price per carat for these treasured gemstones.

Captivating Hues

• Neon blue-green- Most desirable, highest value. Medium to dark-toned blues and greens.
• Blue- Deep sky blue gems. Often from Nigeria. Somewhat more available in stock.
• Green- Emerald and mint greens. Usually from Brazil. More affordable but still pricey.

While any hue of natural paraíba tourmaline stands out, the neon blue-green gems attract the highest prices and demand continues to exceed limited supply.

What Determines Value

• Color- Hue and saturation are very important. Vivid medium to dark tones are optimal for investing.
• Clarity- Very clean transparent gems are preferred but inclusions are tolerated.
• Cut quality- Excellent precision cuts maximize color display.
• Carat weight- Major price More carats equals a higher value

The radiance of paraíba tourmaline entrances gem lovers around the world. But obtaining these glorious neon slices of earth's treasure does not come cheap.

For the finest quality gems, expect to pay a premium. However, if you are enchanted by their glow and want to buy tourmalines for personal use, you can buy cheaper gemstones. They will retain their beauty in jewelry items even when treated or have some inclusions. Check the list of all tourmalines available in stock in our jewelry store vividcarat.com and pick the loose gem or jewelry item that suits your needs and fits into your budget.

Chemical Properties and Treatment of Natural Paraíba Tourmaline

The neon colors that make paraíba tourmalines so prized are the result of trace elements and minerals present in these phenomenal gems.

Chemical Composition of Paraíba

Copper is an essential element to produce the blue-green hues of this mineral.

Manganese contributes to the pink and purple undertones in the stone.

Other trace minerals influence the secondary colors of the stone

The concentration and interaction of copper, manganese, and other elements within the tourmaline crystal structure determine the final glow displayed.

Common Treatments

Most paraíba tourmalines undergo heat treatment to improve color and clarity by:

• Removing inclusions and fractures
• Intensifying saturation of hues
• Enhancing Gem's transparency

Treated stones sell for lower prices than comparable untreated paraíbas. Disclosure is mandatory. Our jewelry shop in New York City discloses all necessary data for loose gemstones and jewelry we sell.

Authenticity

Advanced testing by accredited gem laboratories, such as GIA, can easily identify:

• Natural vs synthetic origin
• Identity of specific gem type
• Clarity enhancement treatments
• Precision of cut quality
• Carat weight
• Geographic source
• Overall valuation

Insist on documentation of any paraíba tourmaline you purchase to ensure you get a genuinely precious neon slice of earth's natural beauty.

Vigilant authentication protects against costly scams and helps secure the true value inherent in these scintillating gems.

Certification and Investing in Natural Paraíba Tourmaline in New York City

With the high value of top-quality Natural Paraíba Tourmaline gems, confirmation from independent gemological laboratories provides essential authentication for serious buyers, collectors, and individuals considering these neon-hued sparklers as investments.

Importance of Certification

Respected certification bodies like GIA, AGL, SSEF, and GRS provide a comprehensive analysis of all factors impacting gem quality, beauty, rarity, and investment potential.

Investing in Natural Paraíba Tourmalines

As a newly discovered gem with an extremely limited supply, Natural Paraíba Tourmaline satisfies key criteria for a promising alternative investment:

• Scarcity- Production is very small, estimated at only 600 Kg total so far
• Increasing demand- Strong market among collectors, luxury designers
• Stability- Withstood volatility as a resilient asset class
• Portability- Easy to safely transport and store

While lower-quality specimens can be found for under $500 per carat, certified top neon blues over 5 carats routinely fetch over $10,000 per carat at fine jewel auctions. As mines become depleted, outstanding certificated paraíbas seem poised for steady long-term appreciation.

Insisting on respected grading reports provides the authentication and confirmation of attributes that underpin the exceptional quality, rarity, and resilience securing Natural Paraíba Tourmaline's powerful investment outlook.

Browse a wide variety of tourmalines on our website vividcarat.com. We have both treated and untreated gems to suit everyone's needs. We can also create customized jewelry sets with the gemstones you choose. We work in New York City.