Major Paraiba Tourmaline Mining Areas
Paraiba Tourmaline is one of the most sought-after and rare gemstones in the world, renowned for its vivid colors, especially the electric blue and green hues. The discovery of this gemstone is relatively recent compared to other gemstones, but it has quickly gained popularity due to its unique and vibrant appearance. Understanding the major Paraiba Tourmaline mining areas is essential for appreciating the rarity and value of this gemstone. In this blog, we will explore the key regions where Paraiba Tourmaline is mined and what makes each area special.
Brazil: The Birthplace of Paraiba Tourmaline
The first and most famous major Paraiba Tourmaline mining area is in Brazil, specifically in the state of Paraíba, which gave the gemstone its name. The gemstone was first discovered in the late 1980s in the Mina da Batalha, located in the hills of the Paraíba state. The discovery of Paraiba Tourmaline in this region was a game-changer in the gemstone industry due to the gem’s intense neon colors, which are attributed to the presence of copper and manganese.
Brazil remains one of the primary sources of Paraiba Tourmaline, although the original mines are nearly exhausted. The stones from this region are highly prized for their unique color saturation and are considered the benchmark for Paraiba Tourmalines. Due to the limited supply, Paraiba Tourmalines from Brazil are often more expensive than those from other regions.
Mozambique: A New Source of Paraiba Tourmaline
In the early 2000s, a significant discovery of Paraiba-like Tourmaline was made in Mozambique, Africa. This region has since become one of the major Paraiba Tourmaline mining areas. The gemstones from Mozambique are chemically similar to those from Brazil, with high levels of copper and manganese that produce the characteristic neon blue and green colors. However, they are generally larger in size and more readily available than their Brazilian counterparts.
Mozambique has quickly become an essential player in the Paraiba Tourmaline market due to the higher availability of the stones. The quality of the gemstones from this region is excellent, and they are often more affordable than those from Brazil, making them a popular choice among collectors and jewelers.
Nigeria: Another African Source
Nigeria is another major Paraiba Tourmaline mining area, discovered shortly after the Mozambique deposits. The gemstones from Nigeria share similar properties with those from Brazil and Mozambique, with the same vivid colors resulting from copper and manganese content. Nigerian Paraiba Tourmalines are known for their clarity and size, making them highly desirable in the gemstone market.
The discovery of Paraiba Tourmaline in Nigeria further increased the availability of this rare gemstone, though the Nigerian stones are still less common than those from Mozambique. However, Nigerian Paraiba Tourmalines are often found in larger sizes and with fewer inclusions, which can add to their appeal.
The people of Idanre lived on these massive rocks for over a hundread year. Just under 30 kilometres southwest of Akure, Ondo State capital, the ancient Idanre Hills had been a home for the Idanre people for over 100 years.
The hills surround the town, envelope it and dominate life in the town. From any angle, one sees the hills and virtually every activity revolves round this collection of hills.
Conclusion
The major Paraiba Tourmaline mining areas in Brazil, Mozambique, and Nigeria each contribute to the supply of this extraordinary gemstone, though with distinct characteristics that make each region’s stones unique. Brazilian Paraiba Tourmalines are known for their historical significance and intense color saturation, while Mozambique and Nigeria offer larger stones with excellent clarity. Understanding these major Paraiba Tourmaline mining areas helps appreciate the rarity and value of this stunning gemstone, whether you’re a collector, jeweler, or enthusiast.
Discover the tiny natural features that add character to each stone in our guide on Inclusions in Paraiba Tourmaline.