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Paraiba tourmaline is a rare and highly prized variety of tourmaline, known for its vivid, electric blue, greenish-blue, or green hues. This gemstone's unique color is due to the presence of copper and manganese. It was first discovered in the Paraíba state of Brazil in the late 1980s. Paraiba tourmalines are valued for their intense, neon-like colors and are considered one of the most desirable and expensive gemstones.

Key characteristics of Paraiba tourmaline:

Color: Vivid blue, greenish-blue, or green, often described as electric or neon due to its intense saturation.

Rarity: Extremely rare, especially in larger sizes.

Origin: Primarily found in Brazil, Nigeria, and Mozambique.

Chemical Composition: Contains copper and manganese, which contribute to its distinctive color.

Value: Highly valued for its rarity and vibrant color, with prices per carat often reaching into the five-figure range for the best examples, according to Paraiba International.

Clarity: While color is a primary factor in its value, clarity is also considered, though some inclusions are common in this variety.

Other properties: Hexagonal crystal structure, vitreous to resinous luster, translucent to transparent, and can exhibit pleochroism (changing colors when viewed from different angles).