Where are Paraiba tourmaline found?
Where are Paraíba tourmaline found?
ABSTRACT. Vivid blue to green copper-bearing tourmalines, known as Paraíba tourmalines, are recovered from deposits in Brazil, Nigeria, and Mozambique. These tourmalines are sought after for their intense colors.
What is the best Paraíba tourmaline color?
Paraiba Tourmaline Color Paraiba tourmaline stand out because of their bright vivid blue color. The stone can be found in a range of hues, from neon blue, greenish blue, to mint green and sometimes violet and purple. The most highly sought-after and the best-known Paraiba tourmaline color is neon blue.
Is Paraíba Tourmaline still being mined?
Since the initial discovery of this copper-bearing tourmaline in 1982, production has been sporadic and has not kept up with the strong market demand. Mining currently takes place at the original discovery—the Mina da Batalha—and at adjacent workings near São José da Batalha in Paraíba State.
Why is Paraíba tourmaline so expensive?
The rarity of Paraiba Tourmalines – Paraiba Tourmalines are rare because they have, thus far, only been found in copper rich areas such as Brazil, Nigeria and Mozambique. Paraiba tourmalines from Brazil are among the rarest gems in the world.
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.
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 it is exposed to bright light. This is one of the best ways for a non-expert to identify the possibility that a stone is a Paraiba tourmaline.
What is the most valuable tourmaline?
Paraiba Tourmaline
Tourmaline Prices The most expensive variety of Tourmaline – the beautiful, rare Paraiba Tourmaline can fetch $10,000 per carat and upwards depending on size and color saturation whilst smaller yellows may only command $50 per carat. The spectrum of prices is as wide as the color range in this amazing gem type.
What tourmaline is most valuable?
How much is a tourmaline worth?
Most expensive are the Paraíba tourmalines, which may reach tens of thousands of dollars per carat. Chrome tourmalines, rubellites and fine indicolites and bi-colors may sell for as much as $1000/ct. or more. Other varieties are available for prices between $50–750/ct., depending on the richness of the color.