Taking the World by Storm
Paraiba tourmaline is a rare and precious gemstone that has taken the world by storm in recent years. It is known for its brilliant neon-blue to green colors, which are not found in any other gemstone.
Where Did It Come From?
The story of Paraiba tourmaline began in 1989. A man named Heitor Dimas Barbosa stumbled upon a small deposit of blue-green tourmaline in the Brazilian state of Paraíba. At first, he thought the stones were worthless, but he soon realized their unique beauty and potential value. The discovery was kept quiet for several years until other miners began to find similar stones in the region. Word of the new gem spread.
Paraiba Today
What makes Paraiba tourmaline so special is its unusual composition. It contains copper, which gives it its distinctive blue-green color. The copper content in Paraiba tourmaline is relatively high compared to other tourmaline varieties, making the stone’s color unique and vivid.
Paraiba tourmaline is exceptionally rare. It is found in only a few places in the world, including Brazil, Nigeria, and Mozambique. The Brazilian mines are the most significant source of Paraiba tourmaline, but the supply is limited because of their small size and the danger of mining stone in very deep mines.
Despite its rarity, Paraiba tourmaline has become increasingly popular over the years. Its unique color and scarcity have made it highly desirable among collectors and gem enthusiasts. In the early 2000s, a single Paraiba tourmaline stone sold for more than $10,000 per carat, making it one of the most expensive gemstones in the world. Today, a Paraiba tourmaline can fetch upwards of $50,000 per carat.
See below: Image 1: South Bay Jewelry, www.southbayjewelry.com Image 2: Diamond Buzz loose paraiba tourmaline, diamondbuzz.blog 
