History of the Paraiba Tourmaline

In just a few decades, Paraiba tourmalines have become one of the sought-after gemstones in the world, handcrafted into high jewellery collections and luxurious gifts. Paraiba tourmaline is a rare and vibrant gemstone renowned for its intense, neon-like blue-green hues. This stunning stone belongs to the tourmaline family but stands out due to its unique colouring.

Where does Paraiba Tourmaline come from?

The Paraiba Tourmaline was first discovered in the 1980s by a Brazilian miner named Heitor Dimas Barbosa. He spent many years digging in the hills of the Paraíba state in Brazil, adamant that something extraordinary lay beneath the surface. In 1989, he unearthed a unique and vivid blue-green tourmaline, unlike any other gem the world has seen, later named Paraiba Tourmaline after the state where it was found.

After the initial discovery in Brazil, demand for Paraiba tourmalines surged due to its unique, extraordinary appearance, and new sources were sought. In the early 2000s, similar copper-bearing tourmalines were found in Mozambique and Nigeria. While these African varieties share similar characteristics, purists still consider the original Brazilian gemstones to be the most valuable and desirable.

Key characteristics of a Paraiba Tourmaline

The Paraiba tourmaline is one of the most unique and stunning gemstones in the world. The most distinctive feature of the Paraiba tourmaline is its electric blue, greenish-blue, turquoise, or violet colours. These hues are incredibly vivid and seem to glow, even in low light, making them instantly recognisable. The biggest and most significant characteristic is that this gemstone is extremely rare, even rarer than diamonds. This rarity, combined with their unique beauty, means that those who have a Paraiba Tourmaline in their possession have something with the highest value.

The meanings behind the Paraiba Tourmaline

Not only does this form of tourmaline have unparalleled physical properties, but it also possesses a symbolism that is electric and powerful.

One of the most recent and significant meanings of the Paraiba Tourmaline is the concept of it being the October birthstone. Symbolically speaking, this precious gem represents wisdom, voice, perspicuity, and creativity. It is generally considered that gemstones with a blue hue are said to represent serenity, stability, and calmness whilst some have also connected this stone with metaphysical properties such as clarity of mind and a feeling of justice and power.

Formation and composition

Paraiba tourmaline is formed through a complex geological process that takes millions of years, involving specific conditions that make it one of the rarest gemstones in the world. It forms in special rocks called pegmatites, which are found deep within the Earth. These rocks have the right conditions of high heat and pressure needed for the tourmaline crystals to develop.

The bright, neon colours of Paraíba tourmaline come from two elements: copper and sometimes manganese. These elements are what give the gem its unique blue, green, or violet glow. These elements mix with the forming crystals through hot fluids that travel through cracks in the rocks, adding the necessary copper.

Paraiba Tourmaline Jewellery Handcrafted by the London Jeweller

Adorned in extravagant hues, Paraiba Tourmaline jewellery is like no other. Our luxurious collection includes Paraiba rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets, complete with premium precious metal and white diamonds.

David Morris’ exclusive jewellery has been delicately designed and crafted by our London atelier, finished in exquisite detail and adventurous silhouettes.

Paraiba Tourmaline Jewellery