In 1989, Brazilian miners discovered a unique and brightly
colored variety of
tourmaline in the state of Paraiba. The new type of
tourmaline, which soon became known as
Paraiba tourmaline, came in unusually vivid blues and greens. In no time at all they achieved great popularity, and today they are among the most sought-after and expensive colored gemstones in the world. Paraiba colors are often described as "neon" since they appeared to glow. It was determined that the element copper was important in the coloration of the stone, making
Paraiba Tourmaline defined as Cuprian or copper-bearing. A recent African discovery from Mozambique has produced beautiful loose tourmaline
colored by copper. This new source produces material which is virtually indistinguishable from
Paraiba Tourmaline from Brazil.
Paraiba Tourmaline gemstones from Mozambique is often less included than the Brazilian variety.
Paraiba tourmaline is one of the rarest and most popular gems in the
tourmaline gemstone family.
