Tourmaline occurs in nearly every color found in nature, yet none is more coveted than Paraíba tourmaline. First discovered in the Brazilian state of Paraíba in the late 1980s, these gems are prized for an intense neon blue-green saturation that seems to glow from within — holding its color even in low light.
That electric color comes from trace amounts of copper, an element almost never seen in tourmaline before this discovery. The unusual chemistry makes the stone extraordinarily scarce — the gem trade estimates only one Paraíba tourmaline is mined for every 10,000 diamonds. The original Brazilian mines are now largely depleted; today most copper-bearing tourmaline comes from Mozambique, with smaller production from Nigeria, and fine neon stones with true Brazilian-grade saturation remain especially rare.
Paraíba Tourmaline at Faye Kim Designs
Sourcing stones of this caliber is part of what we do. As a GIA Graduate Gemologist, Faye begins every piece with an exceptional stone — and with tourmaline, that trained eye for color and rarity makes all the difference.
