Paraiba Tourmaline
Last updated: April 2026
Paraiba tourmaline (elbaite) derives its neon blue-green to blue color from copper and manganese. Found in Paraíba, Brazil; Mozambique; and Nigeria — all localities accepted as 'Paraiba' if Cu-bearing. Cu content requires laboratory analysis (EDXRF or ICP-MS); standard gemological instruments cannot confirm it. Heat treatment to remove brownish Mn absorption is widely accepted.
Physical & Optical Properties
RI Range1.624–1.644
SG Range3.02–3.10
SG Typical3.06
Hardness (Mohs)7–7.5
Crystal SystemTrigonal
Optic CharacterDR Uniaxial (−)
Birefringence0.018
Dispersion0.017
Fluorescence LWInert
Fluorescence SWInert
Chelsea FilterGreen
PleochroismStrong Dichroic
ColorsBlue Violet, Green
SpeciesTourmaline
VarietyParaiba
Related: Tourmaline Varieties
Key Differentiators
- Electric neon blue-green — unmistakable when genuine
- Copper (Cu) + manganese (Mn) bearing — requires EDXRF or ICP-MS lab test to confirm
- Chelsea filter shows green — copper (Cu²⁺) causes green transmission; unlike emerald (red) or iron tourmaline (neutral)
- Three origins: Brazil (most prized), Mozambique, Nigeria — all accepted as Paraiba if Cu-bearing
Common Simulants
- Aquamarine: Aquamarine: uniaxial negative; RI 1.577–1.590; SG 2.72; lacks neon intensity; uniaxial character distinguishable with polariscope.
- Blue-green apatite: Apatite: uniaxial negative; RI 1.634–1.638; similar neon look but birefringence only 0.002–0.006; SG 3.17–3.23; softer (5 Mohs).
- Blue-green glass: Isotropic; gas bubbles under loupe; no dichroism; conchoidal fracture; no facet doubling.
Commonly Confused With
Commonly confused with: Aquamarine, Glass.
Treatments
- Heat Treatment (removes Mn-absorption brownish/greenish modifier — very common, universally accepted)
Price Context
Natural — low ($/ct)$3,000
Natural — high ($/ct)$50,000
NotePer carat; fine Brazilian neon blue under 1 ct can exceed $50,000/ct; Mozambique and Nigerian Cu-bearing material is significantly less (1/5 to 1/10 of Brazilian); heat treatment universally accepted, no discount
Price context is approximate. GemID is not an appraisal tool. Results are indicators, not certified valuations.
Measurement Guides
Identifying a paraiba tourmaline? GemID walks through these tests in order — RI, SG, fluorescence, and more.
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