Find your diamond
Find your jewelry
shape
carat
color
clarity

Are paraiba tourmalines actually rare?

mellowyellowgirl

mellowyellowgirl

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 17, 2014
Messages
7,685
I saw some posts discussing how rare paraibas are and how expensive they are yet I see them all over IG, in all kinds of large sizes.

Do people mainly refer to Brazilian copper bearing tourmaline when they say they are rare? Are the glowy tourmalines that look like paraiba (but are not from Brazil) rare? If they aren’t, why wouldn’t you just buy one of those since they look pretty similar anyway.

I had so much trouble (and still can’t find a second one) looking for big pinks but I’m seeing paraiba type stones on my feed regularly.

Am very curious!
 
In 2023 when I went to Tucson gem shows, the shows that I attended had a few Paraibas and they were VERY expensive for what they were.

Although colours were fine, they were heavily included.

I hate to think what the 'good stuff' would be like!

So yes, I believe they are rare.

DK :))
 
dk168 said:
In 2023 when I went to Tucson gem shows, the shows that I attended had a few Paraibas and they were VERY expensive for what they were.

Although colours were fine, they were heavily included.

I hate to think what the 'good stuff' would be like!

So yes, I believe they are rare.

DK :))
Click to expand...

Thanks so much DK! This is the kind of info I was hoping to unearth!

Were they all Brazilian or just from different places but with that glowing colour?
 
Paraiba is the name of a state in brazil where they come from. Paraiba Tourmalines mostly or all of them heat threated at low temperature.
It gives a few lighter saturated bluish green tourmalines from east africa they also sold as paraiba tourmaline.
Also from Afghanistan came very very nice bluish green tourmalines they are mostly very clean and in big sizes.
 
mellowyellowgirl said:
Thanks so much DK! This is the kind of info I was hoping to unearth!

Were they all Brazilian or just from different places but with that glowing colour?
Click to expand...

I did not ask about the details, sorry!

Saw the price tags and walked off!

DK :lol-2:
 
BTW, I asked Jeff W to look out for Paraibas at Tucson this and last year, and he said the same thing, anything decent = very expensive.

DK :confused2:
 
I was really curious about paraiba tourmaline one time.. I saw a big heart shaped stone on Ebay a couple years ago (that sold or was later taken down.) Can't remember the price but it wasn't cheap. Probably 3 carats. When I started reading online about how expensive they are, I was wondering how the Ebay one wasn't priced for waaaay more. But then realized the "neon" and very glowy looking ones cost the most, I guess? Whereas the Ebay heart (although SO beautiful) was more of an icy blue. Such a cool gemstone.
 
Star gazer said:
I was really curious about paraiba tourmaline one time.. I saw a big heart shaped stone on Ebay a couple years ago (that sold or was later taken down.) Can't remember the price but it wasn't cheap. Probably 3 carats. When I started reading online about how expensive they are, I was wondering how the Ebay one wasn't priced for waaaay more. But then realized the "neon" and very glowy looking ones cost the most, I guess? Whereas the Ebay heart (although SO beautiful) was more of an icy blue. Such a cool gemstone.
Click to expand...

Ooh did you happen to save a pic? Asking because sometimes PSers save things.

See it baffles me cuz this shop has tonnes for sale:


www.instagram.com

Instagram

Create an account or log in to Instagram - Share what you're into with the people who get you.
www.instagram.com www.instagram.com
 
mellowyellowgirl said:
Ooh did you happen to save a pic? Asking because sometimes PSers save things.

See it baffles me cuz this shop has tonnes for sale:


www.instagram.com

Instagram

Create an account or log in to Instagram - Share what you're into with the people who get you.
www.instagram.com www.instagram.com
Click to expand...

I wish I did, no!!! It was so pretty, I like that icy tone. It was icy but glowy! And I don't remember seeing inclusions or fissures.. I went back many times to search for it, even wishing at times that I had bought it (but not sure if I actually would have, just missing it a lot after). Ooh I will check that Instagram account now @mellowyellowgirl
 
Whenever a large Paraiba tourmaline is suspiciously well priced, it's not impossible that it is actually Apatite (a softer, much less expensive gem). The similarity can be remarkable and correct identification is not even that easy. Refractive indices are quite close together, the common telltale sign is double refraction (weak in Apatite, moderate in Tourmaline...still not easy to tell apart!).
 
Enhoerning said:
Whenever a large Paraiba tourmaline is suspiciously well priced, it's not impossible that it is actually Apatite (a softer, much less expensive gem). The similarity can be remarkable and correct identification is not even that easy. Refractive indices are quite close together, the common telltale sign is double refraction (weak in Apatite, moderate in Tourmaline...still not easy to tell apart!).
Click to expand...

May I pretty please pick your brain since you are in trade?

Is it acceptable to call copper bearing tourmaline “paraiba” or it actually has to have copper AND come from Paraiba Brazil?
 
not in trade nor expert, but it is my understanding that "cuprian" is the term used to refer to all copper-bearing tourmaline regardless of origin, and Paraiba Tourmaline more accurately refers to cuprian tourmaline from Paraiba, Brazil.

I have seen "Paraiba-like" and "Paraiba-type" used for non-Paraiba-origin copper-bearing tourmalines by vendors.

And I've seen vendors use "Paraiba Tourmaline" in listings for non-copper-bearing tourmaline, cuprian tourmaline not from Paraiba, etc.

If I were to be paying Paraiba Tourmaline price rates, I would want actual Paraiba origin and the neon/glow, myself.
 
mellowyellowgirl said:
May I pretty please pick your brain since you are in trade?

Is it acceptable to call copper bearing tourmaline “paraiba” or it actually has to have copper AND come from Paraiba Brazil?
Click to expand...

Yes, it is generally considered acceptable to call all blue to green tourmaline that is colored by copper and/or manganese "Paraiba", regardless of actual geographic origin. I'm not sure I necessarily agree with this, but this is how the term has evolved...it's used to refer to this specific variety of tourmaline (which, btw, is more often than not elbaite...but doesn't have to be in order to be considered Paraiba).

Most major labs routinely use the word Paraiba to describe the variety, including stones from Mozambique or Nigeria. Some will call it "Paraiba type" which I think is great because it is less likely to be misunderstood.

About rarity –

I think it also depends on what we are talking about. Highly included, medium-colored, heat-treated, possibly clarity-enhanced material? Not so rare probably, at least not in terms of market availability (might still be rarer than many other gem materials...but you can easily buy one if you want one).

Or strongly colored, eye-clean, unheated material of 1+ carat size? Exceedingly rare! In the course of my work, I see a lot of gems...yet only a handful of Paraiba tourmalines have ever struck me as ones I’d personally want to buy :)
 
Enhoerning said:
Yes, it is generally considered acceptable to call all blue to green tourmaline that is colored by copper and/or manganese "Paraiba", regardless of actual geographic origin. I'm not sure I necessarily agree with this, but this is how the term has evolved...it's used to refer to this specific variety of tourmaline (which, btw, is more often than not elbaite...but doesn't have to be in order to be considered Paraiba).

Most major labs routinely use the word Paraiba to describe the variety, including stones from Mozambique or Nigeria. Some will call it "Paraiba type" which I think is great because it is less likely to be misunderstood.

About rarity –

I think it also depends on what we are talking about. Highly included, medium-colored, heat-treated, possibly clarity-enhanced material? Not so rare probably, at least not in terms of market availability (might still be rarer than many other gem materials...but you can easily buy one if you want one).

Or strongly colored, eye-clean, unheated material of 1+ carat size? Exceedingly rare! In the course of my work, I see a lot of gems...yet only a handful of Paraiba tourmalines have ever struck me as ones I’d personally want to buy :)
Click to expand...

Great thread... came here to say this! Every corner jewelry store is filled with rubies, so how can they be rare? Fine rubies are rare. The same is true for paraiba. Also, be careful when shopping, mellow, because more and more of this material is being clarity enhanced without disclosure. And FYI, the AGL has indeed been known to certify paraiba as untreated.

My stone is 2ct from Mozambique, and I've never given it a second thought. It's all the same variety of tourmaline, just from different locales. Now, did the Brazilian mine produce especially fine material? Certainly. But not all Brazilian material is fine. My stone is not the impossibly neon, pure blue material (like the center stone below), but it's a vivid greenish-blue (like the one right-of-center) and eye clean.

SSEF's color guide:

Screenshot 2025-10-12 180038.jpg
 
Get what you’re saying Autumn although I don’t typically see 6+ carat rubies, even poorer quality ones whereas I feel like with the paraiba colour there’s quite a lot out there that looks ok. Definitely not fine but certainly nice enough.

Back on the pink journey I was looking for a nice big pink with enough faults to settle on and that took 5 years (it was either insanely expensive fine stuff or stuff that they sell for $500 cuz it was almost garden rock quality) whereas I clicked on a few things in my feed, and now decent enough paraiba types are popping up everywhere.

I can’t really get into the colour though (rather just get an emerald for a green glow) but it made me super curious!
 
It seems like a rock-collector thing… to find an eye-burning neon, high clarity, non-treated “paraiba from Brazil.” I would beware of the just-expensive-enough-to-make-you-think-you’re-getting-a-good-deal stuff. If you want a collector rock, buy from a trusted vendor and/or pay a lab to verify the purchase.

But if you want an eye-burning neon, high-clarity gem and you don’t care about treatments or origin or copper then there are plenty of cheap options. That might be what you are seeing online. And if they are saying “paraiba-like” or “paraiba-colored” then they are being honest, too.
 
I am not certain if I would spend $$$ for a Paraiba Tourmaline, probably the last on my CS wish list, as the cabs that I would like to have are 5-figure, more than twice my near 40ct blue green Tourmaline which is my most expensive single stone, diamonds included, to date!

DK :lol-2:
 
Just about every single one I’ve seen is heated and they’ve been all over my feed the last few days so I’m going assume heat is not that bad.

Surprisingly more than half that I’ve seen have GIA reports. I dunno if it’s a thing or the algorithm is throwing certain things at me. This and mahenge garnets I can’t seem to escape from. I’m seeing as many of them as mahenge garnets which is why I’m like: I thought this stuff was rare???

Hehe speak of the devil this just showed up! Very clean but don’t you think it looks like blue zircon???

 
mellowyellowgirl said:
Just about every single one I’ve seen is heated and they’ve been all over my feed the last few days so I’m going assume heat is not that bad.

Surprisingly more than half that I’ve seen have GIA reports. I dunno if it’s a thing or the algorithm is throwing certain things at me. This and mahenge garnets I can’t seem to escape from. I’m seeing as many of them as mahenge garnets which is why I’m like: I thought this stuff was rare???

Hehe speak of the devil this just showed up! Very clean but don’t you think it looks like blue zircon???

Click to expand...

Hmmm, I know it is a HW, however, I am not keen as it resembles a blue Zircon and not that glowy in the photo.

When I went to Chopard's flagship store in London to purchase my bracelet, they kindly showed me their high jewellery collection, including a large oval Paraiba set in a ring, and the colour just popped at me being very glowy and clean.

And no, I did not ask about the price!

DK :lol-2:
 
@mellowyellowgirl have you checked the listings at Paraiba International as they have quite a few, and have been recommended by other PSers in the past?

I vaguely remember the contact person is Adam.

DK :))
 
dk168 said:
@mellowyellowgirl have you checked the listings at Paraiba International as they have quite a few, and have been recommended by other PSers in the past?

I vaguely remember the contact person is Adam.

DK :))
Click to expand...

I did! Interesting!

The pricing perplexes me but maybe I just have bad taste :lol:
 
This! I don’t understand this!

www.paraibainternational.com

"AGL Certified" Paraiba Tourmaline 1.45 Carats

At Paraiba International, we offer the most Exquisite Paraiba Tourmaline Gemstones from Brazil and Mozambique. This is a stunning Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline 1.45 Carat Round, guaranteed to impress all. Browse our selection of Brazilian and Mozambique Paraiba Tourmaline today!
www.paraibainternational.com www.paraibainternational.com

No glow! What’s with the price, it looks like a zircon? I’m guessing it’s because it’s from Brazil? But they assume heating so it’s very “meh” for that money.

Now this, this is paraiba proper in my eyes!

www.paraibainternational.com

Paraiba Tourmaline 0.88 Carats

At Paraiba International, we offer the most Exquisite Paraiba Tourmaline Gemstones from Brazil and Mozambique. This is a stunning Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline 0.88 Carat Oval, guaranteed to impress all. Browse our selection of Brazilian and Mozambique Paraiba Tourmaline today!
www.paraibainternational.com www.paraibainternational.com

But it’s tragically tiny!
 
mellowyellowgirl said:
I did! Interesting!

The pric
Click to expand...

mellowyellowgirl said:
This! I don’t understand this!

www.paraibainternational.com

"AGL Certified" Paraiba Tourmaline 1.45 Carats

At Paraiba International, we offer the most Exquisite Paraiba Tourmaline Gemstones from Brazil and Mozambique. This is a stunning Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline 1.45 Carat Round, guaranteed to impress all. Browse our selection of Brazilian and Mozambique Paraiba Tourmaline today!
www.paraibainternational.com www.paraibainternational.com

No glow! What’s with the price, it looks like a zircon? I’m guessing it’s because it’s from Brazil? But they assume heating so it’s very “meh” for that money.

Now this, this is paraiba proper in my eyes!

www.paraibainternational.com

Paraiba Tourmaline 0.88 Carats

At Paraiba International, we offer the most Exquisite Paraiba Tourmaline Gemstones from Brazil and Mozambique. This is a stunning Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline 0.88 Carat Oval, guaranteed to impress all. Browse our selection of Brazilian and Mozambique Paraiba Tourmaline today!
www.paraibainternational.com www.paraibainternational.com

But it’s tragically tiny!
Click to expand...

The first one is a lot cleaning than the smaller stone, and bigger in size too?

It's the near 20k USD cab that I am lusting after! :lol-2:

DK :))
 
dk168 said:
The first one is a lot cleaning than the smaller stone, and bigger in size too?

It's the near 20k USD cab that I am lusting after! :lol-2:

DK :))
Click to expand...

Oooh which one can you show me?

Objectively I get that the first stone is clean but it looks like a zircon to me with no glow. I guess that’s why we don’t invest in these gems! They are so subjective but yet priced by some set defined standards. If I was given that tiny thing I’d use it as a rummage ring!
 
mellowyellowgirl said:
If I was given that tiny thing I’d use it as a rummage ring!
Click to expand...

I would set that in a paved diamond heart shaped pendant about 1in/25mm for it to glow in the middle.

DK :))
 
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP

Featured Topics

Jewelry Blog
PriceScope-Concierge-Ad
Find prime cuts.
Top