How Paraíba Tourmaline Became a Global Icon

Some gems sparkle. Others shine. And then there is Paraíba tourmaline, a gemstone that blazes with an inner fire so unbelievable, it seems like something out of a sci-fi movie. The name originates from a small state in northeastern Brazil, called Paraíba, where miner Heitor Dimas Barbosa discovered this rare gemstone in 1987. The intensity of its colour and the gem’s ability to transform—after heating—into a neon, turquoise-blue shade captivated the international gem market. Although this rare variety of tourmaline was later found in another location (Rio Grande de Norte) in Brazil, the name ‘Paraíba’ stuck, being the first place of discovery.

The Science Of Neon

Paraíba’s famed searing turquoise shade is not always present when the crystals emerge from the Earth. Many are purplish or greenish. The secret lies in copper, the element that imparts its luminous blue-green hues, often joined by manganese, which adds purplish overtones. Through heating (a stable and permanent treatment), the purples vanish, leaving behind the signature neon flame. It is this alchemy that makes Paraíba unique among tourmalines; its glow so vivid, it seems almost electric. Even stones smaller than one carat command attention, standing out in settings that would render other gems invisible.

From Brazil To Africa

The discovery of Paraíba in Brazil was only the beginning of its story. By the early 2000s, copper-bearing tourmalines surfaced in Nigeria and Mozambique, broadening the gem’s global legacy and proving that this neon phenomenon was not confined to one hillside in South America. Nigeria revealed a lively palette, while Mozambique stunned the trade with sizeable crystals that offered jewellers bold, creative opportunities. Rather than rivals, these origins became a part of the continuum of Paraíba, proving that geology writes its story across continents.

As I wrote in my book, No Stone Unturned: The Hunt for African Gems: “International manufacturers and merchants started aggressively buying the stones. Some would mix the tourmalines from Mozambique with those from Brazil, labelling the entire lot ‘Paraíba tourmaline’. Others would keep them separate, demanding a higher price for tourmalines from Brazil and positioning them as the superior variety. In December 2012, members of the Laboratory Manual Harmonisation Committee (LMHC), comprising representatives of the top gem labs in the world, defined Paraíba tourmaline as, ‘a blue (electric blue, neon blue, violet-blue), bluish-green to greenish-blue, green (or yellowish-green) tourmaline, of medium-light to high saturation and tone (relative to this variety of tourmaline), mainly because of the presence of copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn) of whatever geographical origin’. The note further explained, ‘This copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn) bearing tourmaline may also be called ‘Paraíba tourmaline’ in the trade’.

Newcomer To Icon

In less than four decades, Paraíba (from all origins) has leapt from obscurity to becoming a global icon. Auction houses present it as a highlight stone, dealers prize it as the cornerstone of modern collections, and gemmological institutions recognise it as one of the most collectable gemstones of our time.

A Market On Fire

Paraíba’s rise in value is nothing short of meteoric. In the early 1990s, when first introduced to the global market, fine stones fetched only a few hundred dollars per carat. By the 2000s, they were achieving $10,000–20,000 per carat. Today, top-quality Brazilian stones have shattered the $100,000-per-carat mark at auctions, while African Paraíbas of vivid colour often command five-figure sums. Few gems in history have been appreciated at such a pace.

The Jeweller's Muse

The world’s greatest jewellery houses have embraced its hypnotic glow. Tiffany & Co. unveiled entire collections centred on Paraíba’s neon light. Cartier and Bvlgari have woven it into oceanic creations, paired with diamonds and aquamarines. Van Cleef & Arpels has crafted ethereal one-of-a-kind jewels, while David Morris, Chopard, and Harry Winston each unveiled showpieces that spotlight their futuristic yet timeless appeal.

Celebrities In The Glow

Hollywood’s elite have also succumbed to its allure. Jennifer Lopez has dazzled in Paraíba earrings recalling Capri’s seas. Beyoncé has incorporated Paraíba jewels into her tour wardrobe, where their neon intensity magnifies her stage presence. Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and Charlize Theron have all stepped onto red carpets with Paraíba as their gemstone of choice, a modern emblem of glamour.

A Collectable For The Future

Paraíba is extraordinary not just for its beauty, but for its scarcity. Brazil’s original mines are nearly exhausted, and African sources, too, are dwindling. Between November 2024 and March 2025, many of the productive Paraíba tourmaline mines in Mozambique were attacked and looted by anti-social elements, destroying mining infrastructure and setting the industry back many years, adding to the reducing supply of this precious gemstone. For the modern collector, Paraíba represents a rare convergence: breathtaking beauty, a compelling discovery story, and a value trajectory as brilliant as its colour. It is the gemstone of our age— luminous, unforgettable, and destined to be treasured.