What is copper-bearing Paraiba tourmaline?
What is copper-bearing Paraiba tourmaline?
Elbaite Tourmalines whose colors are influenced by copper impurities are referred to in the trade as Paraiba Tourmalines, cuprian Tourmalines or copper-bearing Tourmalines. Copper imparts blue color. Paraibas are rare.
How much is Paraiba tourmaline worth?
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.
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.
Why is Paraiba tourmaline so expensive?
Why Paraiba Tourmaline Is More Expensive The difference is that the colors tend to be much richer and deeper than elsewhere. That’s not to say that deep color, high-quality stones only come from Paraiba, but the frequency is much greater.
Is Paraiba tourmaline treated?
Most ‘Paraiba-type’ tourmalines from this source are declared to be heat-treated stones, especially those having purplish blue shade.
Is tourmaline more expensive than emerald?
Can it be expensive? Green tourmaline is most expensive when it has some blue in it or appears more like emerald as in the Chrome Tourmaline.
Can Paraiba tourmaline be lab created?
What is Lab Created Paraiba Tourmaline? 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.
What is the world’s most expensive gemstone?
Top 15 Most Expensive Gemstones In The World
- Blue Diamond – $3.93 million per carat.
- Jadeite – $3 million per carat.
- Pink Diamond – $1.19 million per carat.
- Red Diamond – $1,000,000 per carat.
- Emerald – $305,000 per carat.
- Taaffeite – $35,000 per carat.
- Grandidierite – $20,000 per carat.
- Serendibite – $18,000 per carat.
What is the best cut for Paraiba tourmaline?
Paraiba Tourmaline. The colors, from blue green to crystal clear turquoise, are reminiscent of this paradise’s waters. Consumers want to dive in. These stones are exceedingly rare and valuable, especially pure blues. Oval, round, pear, and emerald cuts will especially entice high-end buyers.
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 rarest color of tourmaline?
blue
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.
Should the term ‘paraiba’ be used for African copper-bearing tourmaline?
The new finds of copper-bearing tourmaline led to a vigorous debate in the gemstone community about whether the term “Paraiba” should be used for the African copper-bearing tourmaline. Some argued that the Brazilian and African material were chemically similar, if not identical.
Is there copper in tourmaline from Mozambique?
Copper-Bearing (Paraíba-Type) Tourmaline from Mozambique. Copper-bearing tourmaline from Mozambique was first recovered in 2001, but its Cu content was not recognized until 2003, and it was not widely sold with its Mozambique origin disclosed until 2005.
What is paraiba tourmaline and how much is it worth?
The Paraiba tourmaline was first introduced to the gemstone world at the annual Tucson gem show in early 1990. It caused an immediate sensation. Top specimens sold for as much as $3,000 per carat.
What makes paraiba tourmaline glow with a neon glow?
They appeared to glow with a neon or electric-like quality, even in the rough stone. Analysis showed that this unique effect was due to the presence of copper and manganese. The Paraiba tourmaline was first introduced to the gemstone world at the annual Tucson gem show in early 1990. It caused an immediate sensation.
