Paraiba Tourmaline

Related: Tourmaline Varieties

Chrome TourmalineGreen TourmalineIndicoliteRubelliteTourmalineWatermelon Tourmaline

Key Differentiators

• Electric neon blue-green — unmistakable when genuine
• Copper (Cu) + manganese (Mn) bearing — requires EDXRF or ICP-MS lab test to confirm
• Chelsea filter shows green — copper (Cu²⁺) causes green transmission; unlike emerald (red) or iron tourmaline (neutral)
• Three origins: Brazil (most prized), Mozambique, Nigeria — all accepted as Paraiba if Cu-bearing

Common Simulants

• Aquamarine: Aquamarine: uniaxial negative; RI 1.577–1.590; SG 2.72; lacks neon intensity; uniaxial character distinguishable with polariscope.
• Blue-green apatite: Apatite: uniaxial negative; RI 1.634–1.638; similar neon look but birefringence only 0.002–0.006; SG 3.17–3.23; softer (5 Mohs).
• Blue-green glass: Isotropic; gas bubbles under loupe; no dichroism; conchoidal fracture; no facet doubling.

Commonly Confused With

Commonly confused with: Aquamarine, glass.

Treatments

• Heat Treatment (removes Mn-absorption brownish/greenish modifier — very common, universally accepted)

Price Context

Price context is approximate. GemID is not an appraisal tool. Results are indicators, not certified valuations.

About Paraiba Tourmaline

Paraiba tourmaline (elbaite) derives its neon blue-green to blue color from copper and manganese. Found in Paraíba, Brazil; Mozambique; and Nigeria — all localities accepted as 'Paraiba' if Cu-bearing. Cu content requires laboratory analysis (EDXRF or ICP-MS); standard gemological instruments cannot confirm it. Heat treatment to remove brownish Mn absorption is widely accepted.