Gemstone Spotlight: Paraiba Tourmaline
Paraiba tourmaline is a stunning gemstone that you don’t come across every day. We have them in our store from time and time and they always mesmerize our guests! Here is a brief overview of this amazing gemstone.
What is Paraiba Tourmaline?
Paraiba Tourmaline is an incredibly rare variety of tourmaline found in Brazil, Nigeria, and Mozambique. It is known for its vibrant blue color, although it can also be found with green, pink, purple, or violent hues.
The History of Paraiba Tourmaline
Paraiba tourmaline was discovered in 1989. It was first found in northeastern Brazil. They were later found in Nigeria and Mozambique in the early twenty-first century. Brazilian paraiba tourmalines typically have the most vibrant color, and therefore tend to demand the highest prices.
Quality Factors
Like other gemstones, tourmaline’s value is determined by its rarity and its demand. For tourmaline, color is extremely significant. The most valuable forms of paraiba tourmalines are a neon blue with a strong saturation and a medium tone. Green hues will generally result in a lower value. Paraibas in pink, purple, and violent hues are rarer than blue paraibas, but there is less demand, so they are generally priced lower.
How to Take Care of Paraiba Tourmaline Jewelry
Tourmaline is a stable gemstone, which means that it is generally not damaged by chemicals. However, take care not to expose your tourmaline jewelry to heat, which can alter its color and cause fracturing.
You can clean your tourmaline jewelry with warm water and soap. It is generally not recommended to clean tourmalines with ultrasonic or steam cleaning machines.
(If you are unsure about cleaning your jewelry yourself, stop by Koser Jewelers for a complimentary cleaning anytime!)
Interesting Facts about Paraiba Tourmaline
- Tourmaline is an alternate birthstone for October, as well as the gemstone of the 8th anniversary
- Tourmaline ranks as a 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale
- Tourmaline is both pyroelectric and piezoelectric (it becomes electrically charged when heated or squeezed)!
- Some people believe that tourmaline can assist with mental clarity, stress relief, and releasing negative energy.
