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What Is a Paraiba Tourmaline?

Paraiba tourmaline fetches a steep price because of its beauty and rarity. Originally found underneath a hill in an old mine, the source of Paraiba tourmaline has been exhausted, according to the International Colored Gemstone Association.

History
- Heitor Damas Barbosa discovered this variety of tourmaline in the 1980s in Paraiba, a state in Brazil, according to the ICGA.
Color
- Copper contributes to Paraiba tourmaline̵7;s vivid color, which can range from blue to turquoise to green. Manganese contributes to the stone's red or violet tones.
Color Processing
- Gemstone cutters burn the red undertones out of Paraiba tourmaline so that the stone retains only the more valuable blue and green characteristics.
Size
- Paraiba tourmaline gemstones are normally small, less than a carat, because they come from small crystal fragments.
Cost
- A 1-carat Paraiba tourmaline could sell for more than $10,000, according to the ICGA.

Rocks & Minerals