Paraiba Tourmaline - a beautiful stone with a neon glow

History and origin

The first deposits of a new variety of tourmaline were discovered by a Brazilian miner in a state called Paraiba. Finding a mine with precious minerals became the goal of Heitor Barbosa's life. The miner carefully explored the abandoned deposits, and in 1986 the search ended in success. A lucky miner finally found an unknown transparent mineral of a bright blue color with an unusual inner glow.

Mineral – Paraiba

Unfortunately, the new deposit turned out to be negligible; reserves were exhausted after just a week of active development. The joy of the discovery undermined the health of the discoverer, and Barbosa soon died, never having seen the sensation created by the luminous tourmaline.

A little later, the Paraiba deposit was found in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande Do Norte.

Until 2001, the mining of Paraiba was not mentioned, until a new deposit of a unique mineral was discovered in Nigeria. Although African stones were inferior in purity to Brazilian gems, they still quickly found recognition among jewelry connoisseurs.

Interesting! Already in 1990, the heavenly-colored mineral with an internal glow was compared in value to diamonds and awarded the highest rating at a jewelry exhibition held in one of the American states.

Dior

The flight of imagination of Dior creative director Victoire de Castellane is completely limitless, and she does not hesitate to bring to life the most daring ideas, styles and stones. It would seem that the more bright colors there are in one decoration, the greater the risk of turning it into a crazy fireworks display without meaning or form, but Victoire knows exactly how to keep all the components in harmony.

A living example of such a subtle and skillful play with colors is the yellow gold Exquise Tourmaline Paraïba ring. Its center was a magnificent Paraiba tourmaline, around which spessartines, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds were arranged as petals.

Physical properties

The uniqueness of the mineral lies in its color shades, which change depending on the lighting. The natural color of the gem is bright turquoise with a sky blue or greenish tint. When exposed to light, the stone glows from within, creating a bright blue halo around itself. For internal glow, the gem does not need sunlight; the stone can glow even in twilight conditions.

Important! Paraiba, mined in Brazil, is the only precious mineral on the planet that does not cast a shadow when exposed to sunlight.

Description and external signs

Paraiba is a rare crystal of extraordinary beauty, belonging to precious stones, one of the types of elbaite. Tourmaline is azure-colored, the mineral received its name from the place where it was discovered - the state of Paraiba (Brazil).

Physical properties

The crystal has a hard structure close to quartz (about 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale). The density of the mineral is 3 g/cm3. There are few massive gems left in nature; mostly small minerals from 1 to 5 carats are mined, and larger specimens are already considered unique.

The Paraiba tourmaline gemstone is compared to a layer of clear water, penetrated by the rays of the sun, due to its extraordinary bright glow and azure tints. The blue of the crystal is so pure that light passing through the thickness of the stone is scattered without weakening.
Interesting! Polished Paraiba tourmaline, illuminated by the sun's rays, has no shadow!
Instead, the space around the crystal is illuminated with a soft turquoise glow. The unusual effect is noticeable even in photographs. The stone is also amazing for its optical properties. When light refracts, the reflection inside the mineral becomes a rich greenish shade with a blurred shape. Gemologists call this feature neon glow. It is known that Paraiba tourmalines do not emit light at all, and the neon gas contained in the stones is bright red, not green.

Chemical composition

The chemical component of the Paraiba mineral includes up to 50 elements. The stone received its unusual blue color due to the copper it contains. It is believed that for the desired color saturation its content should be at least 1.2% of the total weight. Paraiba of other shades contains iron, vanadium, as well as chromium and manganese, which adds redness to the crystal. It is the only one in the world among precious stones that contains gold.

Types of stone

After the discovery of African deposits, luminous tourmaline was divided into subgroups.

Also read: Belomorite - the magical and healing capabilities of the mineral

The most valuable and pure stones are considered to be gems from Brazilian mines. These minerals are in demand in jewelry production and are valued at the highest category. The price for 1 carat of such a stone reaches 20 thousand US dollars.

Gems mined in African deposits were given the name Paraiba Type, which literally means “Paraiba Type”. To ensure blue tourmaline matches the Brazilian gem, African jewelers apply high temperatures to the stones. After this treatment, the mineral acquires a natural turquoise hue characteristic of Paraiba, but the internal glow of the stone disappears.

Reference! Modern technologies make it possible to create analogues of the Brazilian gem from various varieties of tourmaline. Most often, purple or green crystals are used to make fakes.

Getting to know the world

After the discovery, the mineral was presented to the general public at the Tucson International Stone Exhibition, which is held annually in the USA. The event participants were so amazed by the beauty of Paraiba tourmaline that in just a few hours its price jumped from $250 to $2,500 per carat!

After such a dizzying “career”, neon tourmaline gained a lot of fans and the mines were empty before our eyes. But in 2001, another deposit of stone was discovered in Africa. Interestingly, Brazilian and African crystals were practically the same in structure, properties and chemical composition. Scientists suggest that this is due to the separation of Africa from the South American continent, which occurred 300 million years ago.

Medicinal properties

Natural gems have been resting in the depths of the earth for thousands of years, accumulating energy within themselves. Therefore, natural minerals are used in both official and folk medicine. Since ancient times, with the help of precious stones, healers and healers have helped affected people get rid of many diseases and ailments.

Jewelry with a turquoise gem also has a positive effect on the functioning of the human body:

1. Blood pressure and the functioning of the cardiovascular system are normalized.
2. Immunity increases.
3. Metabolic processes are stabilized.
4. Products made from Brazilian gemstone restore the nervous system, relieve insomnia and depression. Using jewelry daily improves your mood.
5. Natural crystals are able to accumulate electrical energy within themselves. Thanks to this property, Paraiba helps with joint and rheumatic pain.
6. It is also recommended to wear jewelry with gemstones for people with problems with childbearing functions. The energy of the stone increases the reproductive capacity of the body, which helps in the treatment of infertility.

It is not recommended to use jewelry with luminous tourmaline for pregnant women, nursing mothers and people suffering from thyroid disorders.

Paraiba tourmaline jewelry

The Brazilian natural Paraibas are considered the most expensive and beautiful stones. Their sizes are not large: gems of 8 carats are considered large. Cutting is carried out by diamond, step and combined.

Price

When the newly discovered crystals were first brought to the exhibition, they were estimated at $100-200 per carat. Already at the exhibition, the cost increased 10 times, and later – another 10. Only very rich people can afford jewelry with them. They are used in fashion collections by famous fashion houses such as Karl Lagerfeld.

White gold and platinum are used to frame precious stones; diamonds accompany the paraibs.

These stones are also valued as financial investments, as their rating increases every year.

How to wear and care

Experts say that blue gems look more luxurious in the evening, in artificial light, at dusk, or by candlelight. Their specific radiance and magic are enhanced.

Important information

Unique jewelry should be stored only in special soft boxes, and cleaning should be entrusted to jewelers.

Leaving it in the bright sun is dangerous - the stones may fade and lose their neon glow. Jewelry can be washed independently under running water and gently wiped with flannel.

Magic properties

At all times, precious stones have been the main instrument of work and accumulation of energy for magicians and esotericists. According to experts in the magical world, the Paraiba gem has a powerful effect on the spiritual development of a person wearing jewelry with this precious stone.

1. The effect of the stone extends to protection from the evil eye, curses, and damage.
2. Helps cleanse the aura while simultaneously filling it with the necessary energy.
3. The stone helps men to assert themselves in life, acquiring missing qualities.
4. The mineral also has a positive effect on the mental activity of its owner. Negative thoughts go away. If a person has hitherto been characterized by lies, deceit and gossip, then the gem neutralizes attempts at such desires and opportunities.

Also read: Spinel is a rare semi-precious mineral

Turquoise tourmaline is an excellent amulet against slander, gossip and gossip. And a person who constantly uses jewelry with this stone is protected from deception and dishonest actions of competitors.

Jewelry with mineral

In jewelry production, the real Paraiba gem is used to create designer collections. The mineral looks great in gold or platinum rings, earrings, cufflinks, necklaces and rings.

The price of jewelry depends on the origin, quality of cut, clarity and weight of the stone itself.

Jewelry with stone

Thus, a ring with a Brazilian gem can cost up to several million US dollars. But the average price for rings with African analogues of the gem varies from 500 to several thousand dollars.

If artificial stones or fakes are used for jewelry, the price for such jewelry is much lower, ranging from 50 to 300 dollars.

How to spot a fake

A real Brazilian mineral is very rare in jewelry stores. Typically, unique stones are used to make custom jewelry.

But analogues of rare tourmaline from the African continent are almost always present in jewelry stores. Most jewelry uses crystals that are processed using a special method, after which they acquire a turquoise hue and an inner glow. It is by the glow that a fake gem is recognized. If the Brazilian tourmaline has a bluish light, the fake has greenish sparkles.

Artificial crystals do not emit an internal glow when light hits them. Therefore, such products can be recognized even by a beginner.

How to wear and care for products

Jewelry with rare precious stones emphasizes a high position in society, increases life status, and gives self-confidence. Such jewelry is not recommended for use during shopping trips, beach holidays or minor events. But at special events, jewelry with a sparkling stone will create a sensation.

A precious gem requires special care and storage:

1. Products with stone cannot be stored in stable sunlight. In this case, the crystal will quickly fade.
2. Also, products with minerals do not tolerate high temperatures.
3. After use, the stone is washed under clean water.
4. Treatment of the crystal with any chemical compounds is excluded.

Important! Products with Paraiba tourmaline are stored in special boxes with a velvet interior.

Lugano Diamonds

Southern California-based Lugano Diamonds definitely strives to make its beautiful clients stand out from the crowd. The earrings pictured here feature oval Paraiba tourmalines, each weighing an incredible 23 carats. They were set with 120 tiny diamonds and 112 of the same Paraiba tourmalines. The upper part of the earrings is also decorated with 2 cushion-cut diamonds of 0.28 carats each.

Compatibility with names and zodiac signs

Each zodiac sign is characterized by unique character and personality traits. But we will look further into how compatible Paraiba is with this or that sign.

1. For energetic and impulsive Aries, the gem will help them find restraint and calm.
2. For Taurus, the stone stimulates the development of patience and perseverance.
3. For Gemini, the mineral helps protect their health from various diseases.
4. The gem will help Cancers avoid depression and nervous disorders.
5. But the luminous mineral will protect Lviv from the negative effects of the environment.
6. For those born under the sign of Virgo, a turquoise gem is not suitable.
7. Libras with Paraiba jewelry will feel confident.
8. In the presence of such jewelry, Scorpios show attractiveness and sexuality.
9. For Sagittarius, the gem acts as a healer, replenishes energy, and supports the immune system.
10. For self-confident Capricorns, the Paraiba mineral will become a serious obstacle to achieving their goals.
11. Aquarians are by nature modest, insecure people. A precious crystal will help you reveal new abilities of your character.
12. But the mineral will protect Pisces from possible failures and troubles.

Also read: Opal – a stone of talent and charisma

Also, there are names on which the gem has the most positive effect:

1. Women with the names Sofia, Veronica, Yulia, Tatyana and Olga with jewelry from Paraiba will always be the center of attention.
2. For men with the names Andrey, Leonid, Vitaly or Eduard, cufflinks or rings with the mineral will help them achieve success in any area of ​​life.

Important! The gem is capable of both replenishing the energy of the human aura and absorbing it. Therefore, at the slightest discomfort, jewelry should be removed and washed in running water.

Ring with Paraib
Is this stone right for you?

Interesting things about the stone

To arouse even greater interest in the rare gem, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with interesting facts.

1. After the first jewelry exhibition, where a new type of gems was presented, the famous jewelry manufacturer TIFFANI offered the Brazilians a multi-year contract. The agreement for the exclusive purchase of minerals exceeding the 3-carat mark is still in effect.
2. According to statistics, for every 10-15 thousand diamonds there is one Paraiba gem exceeding 1 carat in size.
3. Paraiba is the only gem on the planet that contains gold particles.

The maximum size of the crystal found is more than 190 carats. The crystal was named Ethereal Carolina Divine, and was purchased by a famous jewelry company. Subsequently, the gem was included in the Guinness Book of Records and was used to create a necklace.

Production (field)

To understand how rare azure tourmaline is, statistics are enough: for every Paraiba mined there are 10 thousand diamonds. At the same time, the discovery of one stone originally from Brazil weighing at least 3 carats can only be compared to a miracle.

In 2003, interest in azure tourmalines increased due to the discovery of stone deposits in the copper-rich mountains of Mozambique and Nigeria. Outwardly similar to specimens from Brazil, however, the chemical composition of African stones is more complex: the amount of copper, magnesium, lead and bismuth differs from Brazilian ones. In addition, most of these tourmalines do not contain lead. Also, a distinctive feature of stones from the dark continent is their weight - many specimens were found weighing more than 5 carats.

Comparing the shape of the coastlines of South America and Africa, similar features can be seen, which is why it is believed that these continents were once connected, and the copper-rich mountains of Brazil were adjacent to the mountains of Mozambique and Nigeria. That is why only two deposits of azure tourmalines have been found in the world so far - in Brazil, Mozambique and Nigeria.

By the way, the discovered mineral deposits only confirm the scientific theory of continental drift.

For every Paraiba mined there are 10 thousand diamonds