Paraiba Education

Paraiba Tourmaline

Paraiba Tourmaline was introduced in the 1980’s and thus sparking the desire for Tourmaline gemstones. What sets this gemstone apart from other Tourmalines is its neon blue color. Paraiba Tourmalines are found in Brazil and Africa, however it is rarer and more valuable if found in Brazil.

Color

Paraiba Tourmaline is best known for their neon blue colors. The neon blue in Paraiba Tourmaline are normally highly saturated and medium in tone. Paraiba Tourmaline can have green hues; however the more visible green in the gemstone decreases the value. Paraiba Tourmaline can also be violet, however this color is extremely rare to find and has less of a value than the neon blue and green Paraiba Tourmaline gemstones.

Clarity

Paraiba Tourmaline normally contains eye visible inclusions; however, this does not diminish the beauty or value of the gemstones. Though, since there are normally inclusions finding a Paraiba Tourmaline without inclusions increase the value substantially. In very rare instances, Paraiba Tourmaline can have inclusions in the shape of hollow tubes showing chatoyancy (the cat’s eye effect).

Cut

Paraiba Tourmalines are best suited for custom cuts. Since they are not normally available in standardized sizes the best cut to use to show the stone’s color and brilliance would be the oval cut. However, this does not restrict the Paraiba Tourmaline to this cut only. For instance, if the gemstone were to contain any tube-like inclusions the best and only cut that will showcase its beauty would be the cabochon. Though the cut is not an important value factor in Paraiba Tourmalines, a well cut gemstone will be more attractive.

Carat

Paraiba Tourmaline can be very rare to find in larger sizes in Brazil, however if found in Africa the gemstone can be up to 20 carats. The price of Paraiba Tourmalines jumps at one, two, three, ten, and twenty carats.