Paraiba tourmaline is one of the rarest gemstones ever discovered. Its combination of rarity and unique beauty make this gemstone a highly desired piece for any gem connoisseur’s collection. This article examines the history behind these stones, as well as some of their distinctive features.
History of Paraiba Tourmaline Gemstone
Paraiba tourmaline was discovered in 1987 by Héctor Dimas Barbosa, an intrepid explorer of our days. Barbosa was convinced that something valuable was hidden under the Paraiba hill of Brazil, near a small town called Sao José da Batalha. Following their instincts, the team had begun excavations in 1981 and it took five and a half years to find the galleries, tunnels and shafts that distinguish the gem-laden areas. It took several more years before they could finally find tourmalines in shades and hues that had never been seen before in the world. Ironically, Barbossa was recovering from an illness and was not present when the first handful of these gems came to light. Even so, he became known as the discoverer of Paraiba tourmaline, a discovery that would send countless miners, jewelry collectors, and other enthusiasts to the mines in search of these brilliant and unique gemstones. Before long, the Paraiba mine ran out of tourmaline. However, more than a decade later, in 2001, the stone resurfaced, this time in Nigeria. Again, the area was quickly removed due to the small amounts of tourmaline in the veins. With no more known sources, to this day the Paraiba gemstone remains rare and unique.
The Brazil-Africa controversy
Stones resembling the Paraiba gemstone were later found at the Edouku mine in Nigeria. The amount of gemstones was also minimal and the colors were less bright. However, the resemblance of these tourmalines was close enough that they were also labeled Paraiba tourmalines by the AGTA Gem Testing Center and the other gemological laboratories, even though they did not come from Paraiba. According to these gemological laboratories, any tourmaline stone with the same colors as those of Paraíba will be known as such, regardless of where it is extracted.
This measure by AGTA’s Gem Testing Center has sparked protests that calling these tourmaline stones Paraíba will reduce the value of the gems that were actually from Paraíba. For one thing, the tourmalines found in Nigeria have less shine compared to those in Brazil. While most experts have adapted this precedent, some gemstone purists remain adamant in using Paraíba only when referring to gemstones from Paraíba, Brazil.
Distinctive Features of Paraiba Tourmaline Gemstone
– Color: Paraiba tourmalines are known for their vivid colors, ranging from blue to green and an almost unearthly neon glow.
– Shine: These stones are extremely bright, they glow in their unique colors even in low light.
– Cost: Because the stones are spectacularly rare, a single carat of this gem will generally fall somewhere in the five-digit range for US dollars ($ 10,000 +).
Paraiba tourmaline is now considered one of the most precious gemstones in the world, and it is even rarer than diamonds. Because the current known supply is close to being exhausted, while demand continues to rise, anyone serious about sourcing this incredible gem should make such an investment as soon as possible.