Paraíba tourmaline

Paraíba tourmaline is one of the rarest and most extraordinary varieties of tourmaline. It is famous for its electric neon blue, green, and turquoise colors that appear to glow from within.

What Makes It Special?

• Color: Intense neon blue, green, or blue-green

• Cause of Color: Trace amounts of copper (and sometimes manganese)

• Discovery: First found in 1989 in the Brazilian state of Paraíba

• Rarity: Extremely rare, especially stones with vivid saturation

The copper content gives Paraíba tourmaline its signature “neon” glow, which distinguishes it from all other tourmalines.

Sources

Although originally discovered in Brazil, Paraíba-type tourmalines are also mined in:

• Brazil (original source)

• Mozambique

• Nigeria

Brazilian stones are historically significant because they were the first discovered.

Physical Properties

• Hardness: 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale

• Crystal system: Trigonal

• Transparency: Transparent to translucent

• Often contains natural inclusions

Why It Is So Desired

• Unique electric glow

• Exceptional rarity

• Highly sought after for luxury jewelry

• Striking appearance even in small sizes