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Purple copper tourmaline, also known as cuprian tourmaline, is a gemstone from the tourmaline family that gets its vibrant colors from the presence of both copper and manganese. Originating primarily from Mozambique and Nigeria, these stones can exhibit unique purple and pink hues that are highly valued. While some cuprian tourmalines can be heat-treated to produce a "Windex blue" color, unheated purple varieties are also rare and sought after by collectors.

Characteristics:

• Color:

  The colors can range from pink and violet to blue and green, with copper and manganese creating exciting variations in the purple range.

• Origin:

  Copper-bearing tourmalines that meet the specific criteria are sometimes called Paraíba tourmalines, but they are officially named for their origin, such as African Cuprian Tourmaline from Mozambique.

• Heat Treatment:

  Heat treatment is common in the trade and can alter the color, often by reducing absorption caused by the presence of manganese, which can result in a blue or green color. Unheated stones are considered particularly rare and valuable.

• Gemological Properties:

  These stones have typical gemological properties for tourmaline, often containing partially healed fractures and elongated hollow tubes as inclusions.

• Market Value:

  African cuprian tourmalines have seen increased recognition and rising prices, offering a more accessible alternative to Brazilian Paraíba tourmalines, which are more expensive but generally smaller and harder to find