Paraiba tourmaline: origin, price, colours and secrets

A stone born of a shovelful

The story of the discovery of Paraiba is well worth telling. It does not come from a centuries-old jewellery empire, nor from mines that have been exploited for millennia. No, it was found by chance in the 1980s in the Brazilian state of Paraíba - hence the name.

The man behind the find, Heitor Dimas Barbosa, was convinced that a treasure was buried in these hills. For years, He dug relentlessly, despite the sceptics and the sidelong glances of the local miners. Then, one day, the first stones appeared. Nobody really understood what they were looking at.

The first Paraibas were so different from classic tourmalines that some gemologists were slow to take them seriously. Too vibrant, too surreal. They were almost suspected of being doctored. But no, the colour was real.

When Paraíba tourmaline was officially recognised as a new gem category in 1989, prices soared instantly.

• In the space of a few months, a carat has risen from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
• The major jewellery houses (Tiffany, Bulgari, Cartier) are beginning to take an interest.
• Collectors snapped up the first specimens.

Barbosa became a pioneer. His name was mentioned in the world of gemology, and Paraíba became a coveted precious stone.

 The criteria that define the value of a Paraiba

Like all precious stones, Paraiba does not have a fixed price. Its cost depends on several factors:

• The intensity of colour The more saturated and brilliant it is, the more precious it is.
• Where it comes from As mentioned, Brazilian Paraibas are the most sought-after.
• Purity Inclusions are common, but a clear, bright stone will sell for much more.
• Carat weight Large Paraiba stones are extremely rare. A stone exceeding 5 carats is already an exception.

Note: 

Unlike other precious stones (such as diamonds), a Paraíba clean and free of inclusions is rare.

The characteristic inclusions of Paraíba tourmalines are a key element in their gemmological identification. These include whipworms, These are fine filamentary structures formed as the crystal grows. These inclusions, sometimes called «veil-like inclusions» because of their veiled appearance, are typical of tourmalines and may contribute to the slightly milky appearance of some stones.

Other common inclusions include healing imprints (healed fissures), of manganese oxide crystals, or tubular structures, These are often oriented parallel to the growth axes of the gem. Although high quality Paraíba are sought after for their transparency and brilliance, the presence of inclusions can be a major drawback. authenticity indicator, Too perfect stones are rarely natural in this variety.

Density and hardness

💎 Hardness (Mohs scale) : 7 – 7,5
Paraiba is fairly resistant to scratches, but can fracture on violent impact.

⚖️ Density : 2.82 - 3.10 g/cm³ of water
It is lighter than sapphire but denser than quartz.

💡 What you need to know The presence of copper has a slight influence on density. Brazilian Paraibas often have a slightly higher density than Mozambican Paraibas.

Crystal system and optical properties

Crystalline system : Trigonal
Birefringence : 0,014 – 0,040
Pleochroism : Fort (shades may vary depending on the angle of observation)
Refractive index : 1,614 – 1,666

Le pleochroism is a fascinating phenomenon in the Paraiba. Depending on how you look at it, it may appear lighter or more saturated.

Why is it so rare and precious?

The problem, or rather the reason for its cult status, is that Paraiba is extremely rare. It is often said that there is a Paraiba for 10,000 diamonds mined. And unlike diamonds, whose reserves seem inexhaustible with industrial exploitation, Paraiba is a shooting star. It was discovered only recently, its extraction is limited, and we know that one day there will be none left.

Tiffany, Cartier, Bulgari... all the big houses have taken over the Paraiba. And why is that? Because no other stone captures light in the same way.

In September 2022, a ring set with a 5.44-carat Brazilian Paraíba was sold for $533,900, or nearly $98,100 per carat. At the same auction, a pendant adorned with a 3.39-carat Paraíba fetched $373,000, or $110,000 per carat.

Even before that, in 2018, a pair of earrings set with 7.46 and 6.81 carat Paraíba tourmalines sold for a total of $2.7 million, fetching almost $200,000 per carat, an exceptional level.

These spectacular results underline the fact that when quality and size are combined, Paraíba reach stratospheric valuations, a direct reflection of the rarity of the stone and the fervour of buyers.

How can you recognise genuine Paraiba Tourmaline?

The success of the Paraiba has attracted many counterfeiters. Tinted stones, classic tourmalines heated to imitate the colour... On the market, caution is the order of the day.

Note: 

Heat treatment of Paraíba tourmalines :

• Objective: The aim of heating is to reduce undesirable nuances, such as violet or pinkish hues, by altering the oxidation state of the manganese present in the stone. This transformation accentuates the blue or green colours characteristic of Paraíba tourmaline.
• Procedure: The gems are heated to moderate temperatures, generally around 500°C. This is a delicate process, as excessive heat can alter or damage the stone.
• Result: After treatment, tourmaline can display a brighter, more homogenous colour, close to the «neon» shades popular on the market.

It is essential to note that heat treatment is a common and generally accepted practice in the gem trade. However, transparency is paramount: any treatment applied to a gem must be clearly disclosed to buyers and consumers.

🚫 Unnatural treatments to be avoided

• Dye (common on the fake Paraíba market).
• Non-cuprous tourmalines (copper-free) heated to resemble a Paraíba. A non-copper tourmaline, even a blue or green one, will never have the intense, luminous sparkle of a Paraíba.

An informed buyer will always ask for certification proving the presence of copper and the natural origin of the colour..

The concept of copper-bearing tourmaline

Copper-bearing tourmalines are mainly formed by in granitic pegmatites, which are igneous rocks rich in rare elements. These pegmatites develop at the end of magma crystallisation, when fluids highly concentrated in volatile elements (boron, lithium, fluorine, heavy metals) migrate into underground fractures and cavities.

Under these conditions, tourmaline begins to crystallise in association with other minerals such as quartz and feldspar. This process takes place over millions of years, several kilometres below the earth's surface.

The difference between copper tourmalines and other tourmalines is infiltration of specific metallic elements, in particular copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn).

These elements generally come from :

• Interaction with hydrothermal fluids rich in metals.

contamination of the pegmatites by neighbouring copper-rich rocks, such as certain schists and metamorphic formations

Metamorphism and crystallochemical transformations

Copper-bearing tourmalines can undergo a metamorphism over time, i.e. a change under the effect of high pressure and temperature. This process can :

• Slightly modify crystalline structure.
• Influencing distribution of chemical elements in the crystal.
• Accentuate luminescence and the intensity of the colour.

This phenomenon is particularly important in explaining the differences between Brazilian Paraíba and African Paraíba. Stones from Mozambique and Nigeria come from a more pronounced metamorphic environment, which can alter their colour intensity.

Paraïba tourmaline colours admitted to the market

Unlike coloured diamonds, Paraíba tourmaline does not follow a fixed GIA colour wheel. Laboratories assess its colours using precise descriptions such as «neon blue» or «turquoise green», taking into account its luminescence and saturation, which are essential distinguishing criteria.

As explained, the GIA doesn't use a fixed colour wheel to classify the Paraíba, but here's how it works market-recognised colours :

Neon blue → #1F75FE
Turquoise → #30D5C8
Deep blue-green → #0D98BA
Turquoise green → #008C8C

💡 Important point The lime green (lime green) is controversial. Some copper-rich stones tend towards this tone, but they are not always accepted as genuine Paraíba. Acceptance of these colours as genuine Paraíba varies among professionals. 

For example, in 2018, the laboratory SSEF published a report indicating that certain copper-bearing tourmalines from Mozambique did not exhibit the characteristic neon effect expected for classification as Paraíba

It is therefore advisable to consult recognised gemmological laboratories for an accurate assessment of the stone!

GIA vs SSEF position (for further information)

Both laboratories agree that the presence of copper and manganese, as well as the specific colour, are essential to define a «Paraíba» tourmaline. However, the SSEF points out that some stones, although containing copper, may have higher levels of iron, which affects their colour and may influence their classification as «Paraíba». This nuance is less explicitly addressed in the GIA definition. 

The main difference lies in the importance attached to detailed chemical composition and the effect on colour, with the SSEF being stricter on these specific criteria.

Such a precious stone deserves special care:

Protect it from shocks Less hard than a diamond, Paraíba can crack on impact. Handle with care.

Gentle cleaning Cleaning: Use a soft cloth and warm soapy water. Forget ultrasound and chemicals, which are far too aggressive.

A case just for her To avoid scratches, keep it away from other jewellery, ideally in a velvet-lined case.

Products to avoid

Strong acids and bases (vinegar, bleach, ammonia)
Risk: Chemical attack on the surface, loss of gloss.

Strong detergents (household products, industrial solvents)
→ Risk: Alteration of colour, weakening of natural inclusions.

Ultrasonic cleaners
→ Risk: Formation of microcracks, especially if the stone already has internal inclusions.

Steam baths
→ Risk: Thermal stress that can cause internal cracks.

Additional notes:

The information presented in this article is based on available data and current consensus in the gemmology sector. However, a number of points need to be clarified for an informed reading:

- Definition of “Paraíba”: the designation “Paraíba tourmaline” is not based on a universal standard. While the presence of copper is a necessary criterion, it is not sufficient. Some laboratories, such as the SSEF or Gübelin, also require marked neon saturation and a low iron content to grant this designation. Others, such as GIA, take a broader approach.

- Variability of permitted colours: lime green or overly pale colours are sometimes controversial, even if they come from natural copper-bearing stones. The “neon” effect remains at the heart of the debate.

- Production and rarity figures: estimates (e.g. “less than 1,000 carats per year” or “1 Paraíba per 10,000 diamonds”) are indicative. A large proportion of production is channelled through unofficial or private channels, making it difficult to quantify. The black market and direct sales to wealthy collectors largely escape the radar of the formal trade.

- Market prices: the values quoted reflect auctions or certified top-of-the-range items. Prices may vary considerably depending on the exact origin, transparency, treatment, cut and context of sale.

For any major acquisition, it is advisable to rely on a recognised gemological certification, and to seek independent advice in the case of exceptional pieces.