Paraiba Tourmaline: Why This Neon Gemstone Is Among the Most Coveted in the World

Paraiba tourmaline is a stone that appears to be glowing from within. The glow is due to the presence of copper and manganese (elements which are very rare in tourmaline). It's that unusual combination of copper and manganese which gives the stone its spectacular neon colour which no other tourmaline can achieve.

 The initial stones were from Brazil, though those mines are now pretty much all but exhausted. Similar copper bearing tourmalines have since been found in Mozambique and Nigeria. The Brazilian stones are prized for their history and intensity; the African stones are generally larger and more affordable.

Many of the African stones are as good in appearance, but the Brazilian provenance commands a premium. Colour has a huge impact on value. The main shades are electric blue, neon turquoise and mint green. Electric blue is the most sought after, turquoise is the one you'll see most often in the day-to-day market and mint green is the most affordable of the three.

Prices are continuing to go up as supply is dwindling and demand is increasing. The same limited stones are being sought after by luxury jewellers, collectors and investors alike. Price is determined by origin, colour saturation, size, clarity and cut and the most desirable stones can command thousands of dollars per carat. For the buyer the key piece of advice is to insist on a certificate from a reputable lab (GIA, Gübelin or SSEF). The certificate should confirm the origin of the stone, the copper content and any treatment.

Most Paraiba stones on the market are heat treated and the trade will accept that. Unheated stones command a small premium. For anyone at all interested in rare gemstones whether that be in the collecting or investing arena the full guide goes into all of that in much more detail.

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