Why is Paraiba tourmaline so expensive?

The rarity of Paraiba Tourmalines - Paraiba Tourmalines are rare because they have, thus far, only been found in copper rich areas such as Brazil, Nigeria and Mozambique. Paraiba tourmalines from Brazil are among the rarest gems in the world.

Is Paraiba tourmaline more expensive than diamond?

Far rarer than diamonds, Paraiba tourmaline, discovered only in the 1980s, is treasured as much for its extraordinary color as its scarcity, both of which contribute to its high value. While diamonds generally sell for about $6,000 per carat, a carat of Paraiba tourmaline is likely to fetch about $16,000.

How do you know if a Paraiba tourmaline is real?

Look for a turquoise color with flashes of green. Paraiba tourmalines get their brilliant aqua color from copper, which also creates greenish flashes within a faceted stone when it is exposed to bright light. This is one of the best ways for a non-expert to identify the possibility that a stone is a Paraiba tourmaline.

How rare is a Paraiba tourmaline?

To put their rarity into perspective, there is only one Paraiba tourmaline mined for every 10,000 diamonds, and a good quality Paraiba from Brazil weighing over three carats is virtually unheard of. So rare are authentic Brazilian Paraiba tourmalines that it is not unusual for them to achieve five figures per carat.

What is the most expensive Paraiba tourmaline?

The Ethereal Carolina Divine Paraiba

This record-breaking tourmaline is nothing short of remarkable, and has been valued at up to $125 million. It has since been set into a necklace designed by Moneca Kaufman, named the Paraiba Star of the Ocean Jewels.

Unboxing $3,000,000 in Gemstones | Paraiba Tourmaline

Is Paraiba a good investment?

The Brazilian paraiba is still the most valuable, but color and clarity are more important than origin for these rare gems. Clean paraiba tourmalines with exceptionally vivid color are the most valuable. These are not the only investment grade gem varieties, by any means.

Is Paraiba tourmaline still being mined?

Since the initial discovery of this copper-bearing tourmaline in 1982, production has been sporadic and has not kept up with the strong market demand. Mining currently takes place at the original discovery—the Mina da Batalha—and at adjacent workings near São José da Batalha in Paraíba State.

What is the best color of Paraiba tourmaline?

Paraiba Tourmaline Color

Paraiba tourmaline stand out because of their bright vivid blue color. The stone can be found in a range of hues, from neon blue, greenish blue, to mint green and sometimes violet and purple. The most highly sought-after and the best-known Paraiba tourmaline color is neon blue.

How much is Paraiba per carat?

Quality Paraiba tourmalines range from $2,000 to $50,000 per carat. Because of the value and rarity of this stone, purchasing a larger number of small stones is often more feasible than finding a multi-carat, genuine Paraiba on the market.

What is the rarest color of tourmaline?

The rarest and most expensive tourmaline is the paraiba variety -- a neon-like blue or green that is colored by traces of copper. It was first discovered in the Brazilian state of Paraiba in 1989.

What is the rarest gem on earth?

Painite : Not just the rarest gemstone, but also the rarest mineral on earth, Painite holds the Guinness World Record for it. After its discovery in the year 1951, there existed only 2 specimens of Painite for the next many decades. By the year 2004, there were less than 2 dozens known gemstones.

Can Paraiba tourmaline be lab created?

Lab Created Paraiba Tourmaline (or Created Beryl Paraiba Color) is a Gemstone like many in the world today, that is synthetically grown through seed crystals of Natural Paraiba Tourmaline. This is done in a lab and takes time and effort to do.

Does Paraiba tourmaline glow in the dark?

A product of the trace element copper, colours range from startling turquoise to majestic blue-green, but it is the incandescent glow that appears to light up the stone from within that makes Paraiba tourmalines incomparable to any other gem.

What is the most expensive gemstone in the world 2021?

1. Blue Diamond – $3.93 million per carat. The most expensive gemstones in the world are colored diamonds. Not only are they rare, but they are also known to have a spectacular brilliance and are the hardest substance found on earth.

Where are Paraiba tourmalines found?

ABSTRACT. Vivid blue to green copper-bearing tourmalines, known as Paraíba tourmalines, are recovered from deposits in Brazil, Nigeria, and Mozambique. These tourmalines are sought after for their intense colors.

What does Paraiba tourmaline symbolize?

Paraíba tourmaline has often been described as "electric" for the way its vibrance strikes wonder into those who see it. Not only does this kind of tourmaline have unparalleled physical properties, but it also possesses a symbolism that is electric in its own right.

Is tourmaline more expensive than emerald?

Emerald is, carat-for-carat, much more expensive than tourmaline when both are of the same grade. What is this? And the truth is that lower grade tourmaline is most often sold as specimens to collectors, while even opaque emerald is usually cut to increase its value.

Is tourmaline a good investment?

Is Tourmaline a good investment stone? Tourmaline has great beauty and is in high demand so if you can buy high quality at a good price it has potential as an investment. Look for new discoveries that for a short period are often seen at lower prices due to large supply.

How do you identify Paraíba?

When identifying a paraiba tourmaline stone, you'll want to look for green hues within the faceted gemstone; these green flashes, often found within a lighter, blue body, are evidence of the gemstone's copper content.

Are all Paraiba tourmalines heated?

Paraiba tourmalines are commonly heat treated.

Are Paraiba tourmalines heated?

Please note that while Paraiba Tourmaline are usually treated by heat, this gem has NO TREATMENT whatsoever and is accompanied by more than one certification with that same finding. Armored & International Shipping Rates Available FOB, upon inquiry. All International sales are final.

Who discovered Paraiba tourmaline?

The world has one man and his unshakable belief to thank for the discovery of this unique gemstone: Heitor Dimas Barbosa. Tirelessly, he and his assistants spent years digging in the pegmatite galleries of some modest hills in the Federal Brazilian State of Paraiba.

Does Paraiba tourmaline change color?

The extraordinary vividness of the Paraiba Tourmaline does not reveal itself until the stone has been cut. When faceted, they scintillate an unusual 'fire' and appear to glow intensely even when there is very little light. For this reason, their color is often referred to as 'electric' or 'neon'.

Is Cuprian tourmaline the same as Paraíba?

Cuprian (copper-bearing) tourmaline, known as “Paraíba” tourmaline in the trade, has been an important gem since its discovery in 1989. Until now, almost all of the material reported has been classified as the elbaite species of the tourmaline supergroup.

How hard is Paraiba tourmaline?

Paraiba tourmaline gemstones are excellently suited for wearing and are uncomplicated to care for, since all green tourmalines have a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs' scale. Its lustre is vitreous, it ranges from transparent to opaque, and is doubly refractive to a high degree.