What makes Paraiba tourmaline one of the world’s most sought-after gems? With a neon glow unlike any other and extreme rarity, it’s a true phenomenon. Learn why this electric gem stands apart — and how to buy the right one before they’re gone from the market.
Paraiba Tourmaline: The Neon Gem Like No Other
Picture this: a gemstone that glows as if lit from within — a vivid, electric blue that seems almost unreal. You’re not imagining it. You’ve just discovered Paraiba tourmaline; a gemstone unlike anything else on earth.
“There’s no comparison,” says Matthew Ely. “No sapphire, no emerald, no other tourmaline comes close. That neon glow is in a league of its own.”
What is Paraiba Tourmaline?
First discovered in the late 1980s in Brazil’s Paraíba state, Paraiba tourmaline astonished the gem world with its vivid blue-green hues, coloured by traces of copper — a feature unique among gemstones. This copper content creates the unmistakable neon effect that sets Paraiba apart.
Key varieties of Paraiba tourmaline include:
Blue Paraiba Tourmaline: The signature vivid neon blue — the most prized by collectors.
Green Paraiba Tourmaline: Vibrant greens with that glowing neon undertone.
Bluish-Green Paraiba Tourmaline: A striking mix of blue and green, still carrying the unmistakable glow.
What is Paraiba tourmaline?
First discovered in the late 1980s in Brazil’s Paraíba state, Paraiba tourmaline astonished the gem world with its vivid blue-green hues, coloured by traces of copper — a feature unique among gemstones. This copper content creates the unmistakable neon effect that sets Paraiba apart.
Key varieties of Paraiba tourmaline include:
Blue Paraiba Tourmaline: The signature vivid neon blue — the most prized by collectors.
Green Paraiba Tourmaline: Vibrant greens with that glowing neon undertone.
Bluish-Green Paraiba Tourmaline: A striking mix of blue and green, still carrying the unmistakable glow.
Why is Paraiba Tourmaline So Special?
Unlike other coloured gemstones, which are sometimes compared to sapphire, emerald, or ruby (e.g. spinel and ruby, emerald and green tourmaline, sapphire and tanzanite), Paraiba tourmaline has no rival.
“You could line up every blue or green gemstone on the planet — sapphire, emerald, green tourmaline, even tanzanite — and Paraiba will always stand apart because of that neon intensity,” Matthew says.
With its electrifying colour and unique copper glow, Paraiba tourmaline isn’t just rare; it’s completely unparalleled.
How Rare is Paraiba Tourmaline?
Paraiba tourmaline is considered one of the rarest gemstones in the world. It is over 10,000 times rarer than diamond.
Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline: The original, and still the most coveted, with a supply so limited, it’s said the total amount ever mined could fit inside a single shoebox.
Mozambique Paraiba Tourmaline: Known for neon colours and strong copper content; highly collectible in fine quality.
Nigerian Paraiba Tourmaline: Rare in top grades but still desirable for collectors.
“Even in Mozambique, fine Paraibas are snapped up before they hit the market,” says Matthew.
How Rare is Paraiba Tourmaline?
Paraiba tourmaline is considered one of the rarest gemstones in the world — over 10,000 times rarer than diamond.
Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline: The original, and still the most coveted — with a supply so limited, it’s said the total amount ever mined could fit inside a single shoebox.
Mozambique Paraiba Tourmaline: Known for neon colours and strong copper content; highly collectible in fine quality.
Nigerian Paraiba Tourmaline: Rare in top grades but still desirable for collectors.
“Even in Mozambique, fine Paraibas are snapped up before they hit the market,” says Matthew.
How to Buy a Paraiba Tourmaline?
Prioritise Neon Colour
- The brighter, more electric, and more vivid the colour, the more valuable the
stone. - Colour trumps size — small, vivid stones often command higher prices than larger, duller ones.
Expect Inclusions
- Inclusions are common and often enhance the gemstone’s natural inner glow.
Check for Copper Content & Origin
- Only copper-bearing stones qualify as true Paraiba tourmaline.
- Always buy certified gems. Reputable gem labs can confirm copper content and origin.
Be Wary of Imitations
- Heat treatments are common; ensure full disclosure.
- Always purchase from trusted jewellers with documented certification.
