PARAIBA TOURMALINE
Tourmaline is a group of complex boron cyclosilicate minerals compounded with aluminum, iron, magnesium, lithium, sodium or potasium ((Ca,K,Na)(Al,Fe,Li,Mg,Mn)3(Al,Cr,Fe,V)6(BO3)(SiO3)6(OH,F)4). They all have the same crystal structure, but with a different complex mixture of other elements, resulting in different chemical and physical properties. Tourmaline's main species include Elbaite, Liddicoatite, Dravite, Uvite and Schorl.
Paraiba tourmaline is a Copper- and Manganese-bearing variety of tourmaline, displaying light-toned vividly-saturated greenish-Blue shade. They were first discovered in the 1980s in the Jose da Batalha mine in the State of Paraiba, Brazil, hence their name. Their unique colors are not found in any other gemstone in the world, therefore they continue to fetch the highest prices recorded for tourmalines of any color.
Although the Laboratory Manual Harmonization Committee (LMHC) agreed in 2006 that the term paraiba tourmaline could be used for the gems sourced from Brazil, Nigeria and Mozambique alike, the trade still prefers to differentiate between them by name, calling only the Brazilian gems paraibas and the African gems copper bearing, paraiba-like or African Paraiba.
LEGEND AND LORE
Tourmaline is the birthstone for the month of October and the gemstone representing the eighth wedding anniversary.
Blue tourmaline is said to symbolize the tranquility of water and as such it promotes internal peace and harmony. It is thought to relieve fears and to help treat paranoia, to heal sadness and grief and to instill a good night sleep without nightmares. It is alleged to facilitate open and honest communication and to embrace truth.
Blue tourmalines are believed to help in diagnosing the causes of diseases and illnesses, and to be useful for treating lung, throat and larynx issues, as well as headaches and migraines.
PARAIBA TOURMALINE COLORS
Paraiba tourmaline colors range from very strongly bluish Green (17) to violetish Blue (24) with low tone and high saturation. Once faceted, Paraibas tend to display an intense glow and strong scintillation of fire, even in very little light, which is why their color is often describes as neon-like. This is thought to be induced by mangenese that brighten the copper-induced color.
PARAIBA TOURMALINE SOURCES
The source for paraiba tourmalines is the state of Paraiba in Brazil.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Variety: Paraiba Tourmaline
Species/Series: Elbaite Tourmaline
Chemical Composition: Sodium lithium aluminum boron cyclosilicate (Na(Li1.5Al1.5)Al6(SiO3)6(BO3)3(OH)3(OH))
Crystal System: Hexagonal
Color: very strongly bluish Green to violetish Blue with low tone and high saturation
Hardness: 7.0 to 7.5
Refractive Index: 1.603 to 1.655
Specific Gravity: 3.05 (+0.05/-0.21)
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