Paraíba Tourmaline: The Blue-Green Treasure That's Making the Gem World Shudder

There are gemstones that shine with their beauty. And there are others, much rarer, that electrify with their unique brilliance, mystery, and rarity . Paraíba tourmaline , with its supernatural shades of neon blue, undoubtedly belongs to this second category.

A recent discovery… but already legendary

While most major gemstones have been known since ancient times, Paraíba tourmaline first appeared on the international scene in the late 1980s . It was in the state of Paraíba in northeastern Brazil that a man named Heitor Dimas Barbosa discovered, after years of relentless drilling, a variety of tourmaline with brilliant and unprecedented colors.

Its unique chemical composition—notably the presence of copper and manganese —gives it this almost unreal luminescence: an electric mixture of turquoise blue, lagoon green, or ocean blue , depending on the inclusions.

Why is Paraíba so special?

• Natural neon color : Unlike other gemstones, Paraíba does not owe its brilliance to heat treatment. Its "electric" color is of natural origin , which makes it even more coveted.

• Extreme rarity : Brazilian mines quickly became depleted. Today, new sources have been found in Mozambique and Nigeria , but Brazilian Paraíba remains the most sought-after, often selling for more than a diamond per carat .

• Exceptional play of light : Paraíba almost seems to emit light from within. This luminescence is due to the combination of copper and a specific crystalline structure that captures and reflects light in a unique way.

Prestigious houses such as Cartier , Chopard and Boucheron have incorporated Paraíba into their creations, often as a centerpiece . Due to its visual power, it stands alone in a minimalist design, or on the contrary, fits into flamboyant baroque compositions.

It appeals to enlightened amateurs, collectors... and major brands who see it as an aesthetic and heritage investment .

Due to its rarity, Paraíba is prone to imitations or misleading names. To guarantee the authenticity of a stone, it is necessary to:

• Request a gemological certificate (e.g. GIA, SSEF, Gübelin)

• Check the origin (Brazilian Paraíbas are the most valuable)

• Study its internal luminosity : a real Paraíba seems to vibrate, even in low light conditions

We are passionate about rare gems and pieces that tell a story. Paraíba embodies this quest for the unique, this dialogue between nature and art. It is more than a precious stone: it is a crystallized emotion .

We support our clients in:

• The acquisition of certified gems

• The expertise of rare pieces of jewelry

• Connecting with creators, designers or specialist houses

Contact our experts to learn more about its value, origins, and artistic potential. Because art sometimes begins where nature achieves perfection.