Brazilian Paraiba

 
 

The Brazilian Paraiba tourmaline is extremely rare, famous, and sought after stone. This is due to several reasons.

Firstly, its intense neon blue-green color, which is caused by the presence of copper and manganese in the crystal, is highly coveted and unique. The vivid and bright hue of the Paraiba tourmaline is unlike any other gemstone, making it highly desirable among collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.

Secondly, the Paraiba tourmaline is rare because it is found only in a specific region of Brazil, in the state of Paraiba, which makes it highly exclusive. Additionally, it is a relatively new discovery, having been found only in the late 1980s, which also adds to its allure.

Finally, the limited supply of Paraiba tourmaline is also a factor that contributes to its high value and sought-after status. The gemstones are mined in small quantities, and it can take several tons of ore to produce just a few carats of gem-quality Paraiba tourmaline, making it highly prized among collectors and Jewelry buyers.

Brazilian Paraiba tourmaline is found only in a specific region of Brazil, in the state of Paraiba, which is located in the northeastern part of the country. The tourmaline was first discovered in the late 1980s by Heitor Dimas Barbosa, a miner who noticed unusual blue-green tourmaline crystals in the soil while digging for other minerals. The deposit where the Paraiba tourmaline was found is located near the town of Sao Jose da Batalha, in the state of Paraiba. Other deposits have since been discovered in nearby states, including Rio Grande do Norte and Minas Gerais, but the Paraiba tourmaline from the original deposit in Paraiba remains the most highly priced.

The chemical composition of Brazilian Paraiba tourmaline is a complex mineral that belongs to the group of silicate minerals. The general chemical formula for tourmaline is (Na,Ca)(Mg,Li,Al,Fe)_3Al_6(BO_3)_3Si_6O_18(OH,F)_4.

However, what makes the Paraiba tourmaline unique is its trace element composition, which includes copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn). The presence of these elements is responsible for the stone's vivid blue-green color. Generally, the copper content in Paraiba tourmaline ranges from 0.1% to 3% by weight, while the manganese content ranges from 0.2% to 1.4%. Other trace elements that may be present include titanium, vanadium, and chromium.

Brazil Paraiba tourmaline is also known for its fluorescent and sometimes phosphorescent properties, which give it a remarkable glow under certain lighting conditions. The cause of this glow is due to the presence of copper within the crystal structure of the gemstone.
In the case of Brazil Paraiba, the copper is thought to be present in small quantities in the form of copper oxide minerals. Under ultraviolet light, these copper ions absorb the energy and become excited, leading to the emission of visible light and creating the gemstone's unique glow.
The specific color and intensity of the glow can vary depending on several factors, including the concentration of copper within the crystal and the specific conditions under which the gemstone is viewed. Nonetheless, the neon-like glow of Brazil Paraiba is one of its most prized and sought-after features, adding to its overall value and beauty.

Here are some of the most famous Brazilian Paraiba tourmalines:

  1. The "Elizabeth Taylor" Paraiba - This 8.81-carat cushion-cut Paraiba tourmaline was owned by the late actress Elizabeth Taylor and was part of her famous jewelry collection. The gemstone is known for its intense blue-green color and is considered one of the finest examples of Paraiba tourmaline in the world.

  2. The "Golden Eye" Paraiba - This 43.56-carat Paraiba tourmaline is named after the James Bond film "GoldenEye" and is considered one of the largest and finest examples of the gemstone. It was discovered in Brazil in the 1990s and sold at auction in 2018 for over $16 million.

  3. The "Ethereal Carolina Divine Paraiba" - This 191.87-carat Paraiba tourmaline is considered one of the largest and most valuable of its kind. It was discovered in Brazil in the early 2000s and is known for its intense blue-green color and exceptional clarity.

  4. The "Marie Antoinette" Paraiba - This 10.05-carat Paraiba tourmaline was owned by the French queen Marie Antoinette and is believed to have been part of her personal jewelry collection. The gemstone was sold at auction in 2018 for over $1.6 million.

  5. The "Aurora do Brasil" Paraiba - This 29.60-carat Paraiba tourmaline was discovered in Brazil in the 1990s and is known for its vivid blue-green color and exceptional clarity. It was named after the Aurora mine in Brazil where it was found, and is considered one of the finest examples of Paraiba tourmaline in the world.