Paraiba Tourmaline

Tourmaline comes in many colors of the rainbow but none of them are as vivid and mesmerizing as the deep, icy blue of Paraiba Tourmalines. While the exact color ranges, all Paraiba Tourmaline has one thing in common: it's hard to stop starring.

Paraiba 101

Paraiba Tourmaline is named after the mine in Brazil where this variety was first discovered in the late 1980s. The unique Tourmaline contains copper, which in combination with other elements, results in the signature colors ranging from a minty-emerald green, neon blue to indigo. However, the most desirable is the signature neon blue-green hue that is characteristic for Tourmalines from Brazil. Paraiba Tourmalines are commonly heat treated to enhance their color. Because it's a common treatment for this type of stone, it usually doesn't affect their value.

In the trade, any Tourmaline that has the neon greenish-blue color and is chemically identical to the ones found in Brazil can be called Paraiba. Paraiba Tourmaline can also be found in Nigeria or Mozambique. However, the most coveted stones are the original Brazilian ones!

What makes Paraiba Tourmaline special?

Their chemical composition makes the color of Paraiba Tourmalines uniquely intense. Copper is a key component of this gemstone. If tourmaline is similar in color but lacks copper, it can’t be classified as Paraiba. Even though there is a range of colors that make a stone Paraiba, all of them are hues that are mesmerizing. Combined with the limited availability of the stones, this is a truly special treat.

Is Paraiba Tourmaline rare?

Despite finding more deposits of Paraiba Tourmaline in Africa, the stones remain extremely rare. Especially for those who want true Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline, the sourcing can be challenging. On top of that, the gemstones are much smaller than other Tourmalines. Paraibas from Brazil are usually under one carat in size, making larger stones a pricey rarity.  Their scarcity is the reason for extremely high prices: some Paraiba Tourmalines can cost over five figures per carat - a steep increase compared to other varieties of Tourmaline.

What should I know before buying Paraiba jewelry?

Paraiba Tourmaline has the same hardness as other Tourmaline (7.0-7.5 on the Mohs Scale). This makes them pretty durable stones that can be used in any type of jewelry when treated with care. For cleaning, we always recommend a soft cloth, warm water and a gentle cleaner instead of ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals. Many stones can be damaged in ultrasonic cleaners and those damages can’t be fixed.

Our Constellation Studs feature special Paraiba Tourmalines from Brazil and we are looking forward to adding more of this enchanting gemstone to our Meluzza collection soon, so keep an eye out!