If you think that diamond is the rarest gemstone in existence, you are wrong! Paraíba Tourmaline is only found in five mines around the world, of which three are in Brazil. With its unique, deep blue hue and its own glow that fascinates people everywhere on the planet, this scarce gem is extremely coveted for its added value. Get to know a little more about this gem now.
Origin of Paraiba Tourmaline
Discovered in the 1980s in the Northeast state, the Paraíba Tourmaline is almost extinct, a fact proven by the difficulty in finding it in nature. First seen in the city of São José da Batalha, the green tourmaline was already known, but this one, of a unique blue, had never been found before. Due to this characteristic of intensity, it was soon called neon blue.
Ten years later, two other mines were found in the region, but this time on the border with Rio Grande do Norte. There are also two others in Africa, one in Nigeria and the other in Mozambique. There is no record of any other location where Paraíba Tourmaline has been found.
The discovery of a new gem
What led experts to be certain that it was a stone never seen before was its chemical composition. In Paraíba Tourmaline, specifically, copper is found, responsible for its bluish tone and for conveying the idea that it expels light. This same unusual component has already been found in other African stones, but not in any other type of tourmaline.
According to history, Brazilians, at first, did not pay much attention to this gem. The Japanese were the first to fall in love with this beauty, looking for it in Brazil and reselling it at astronomical prices in Asia.
Differentials of Paraíba Tourmaline
The exclusivity of the beauty of this stone gives a unique value to jewels that receive it and, consequently, to the people who use them. It is precisely for this reason that they gain the status of an art object and are the target of collectors who wish to enhance their pieces and give them a special connotation.
English scholars use the criteria of the four Cs to calculate the quality of stones. They are: cutting (cut), carat (carat), purity (clarity) and color (color), the latter being the most important. The stone's rarity and the unique design of a jewel that contains it are also relevant factors in concluding its value.
Because they are rare, these precious stones are worked by many jewelers in their natural size, that is, the way they are found. This makes it difficult, for example, to make earrings, as it is necessary to find two similar stones to produce this accessory. As for the cut, the faceting of the gem is what gives it certain angles capable of receiving light and returning it brilliantly to our eyes. For all this exclusivity, specialized stores keep them under lock and key, as they carry countless value!
Now that you know a little more about Paraíba Tourmaline, tell us: what kind of jewelry would you like to have with this rare stone? Perhaps a necklace, ring, or bracelet? Share your wish by leaving a comment!
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10 Answers
What is the difference between Paraíba Tourmaline and other Tourmalines?
Because it's the only one in the world!
Paraíba Tourmaline is a variation of Tourmaline, but with some specificities that give it a unique color, in addition to the limited availability of mines in the world, which makes it a rare gem. You can read more about Paraíba Tourmaline here: //artouro.com.br/blog/pedras-preciosas-brasil-turmalinas-brasileiras/
I saw a ring with a lilac tourmaline in a jewelry store, I was in doubt of its authentication, does it exist?
Hello Maria, yes it is possible, tourmalines have a wide variety of colors, reaching a hundred different shades. In any case, demand the stone's certificate of authenticity!
Would it be possible to identify a true Paraiba tourmaline with the naked eye?
Hello Cinaldo, with the naked eye it is not possible. Only an expert can attest to the veracity of this stone. We suggest contacting, as well as obtaining the certificate of authenticity, through the GIA Institute, which does not have an office in Brazil, which does not prevent you from making direct contact with them and sending the material via Sedex. And in Brazil, we suggest the IBGM laboratory:
//www.gemologiaibgm.com.br/laboratorio/
I would like to know the carat value of the neon blue Paraíba Tourmaline because I have some stones and would like to sell
I have a neon blue Paraíba tourmaline stone from S. José Brazil with a green tone. 16.4 g. What will your selling price be?
I wanted to know who was the discoverer of this rare piece and how he managed to launch it on the market, considering that it was a jewel that had not been discovered for a long time, compared to the others.