Paraiba Tourmaline is a rare and valuable gemstone known for its intense blue-green color. It was first discovered in the Brazilian state of Paraiba in 1989, and since then, it has become highly sought after by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts worldwide. However, not all Paraiba Tourmalines are created equal – their color can vary widely depending on a number of factors. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at what makes the best Paraiba Tourmaline color, including the factors that affect its hue, tone, and saturation.
What is Paraiba Tourmaline?
Before we delve into the factors that make up the best Paraiba Tourmaline color, let’s first define what exactly Paraiba Tourmaline is. Tourmaline is a mineral that comes in a variety of colors, ranging from pink and red to green and blue. The term “Paraiba Tourmaline” specifically refers to a type of tourmaline that is found in the Paraiba region of Brazil and exhibits a vibrant blue-green color.
The unique color of Paraiba Tourmaline is due to the presence of copper in its crystal structure. This gives the stone a neon-like glow that is unlike any other gemstone. However, not all Paraiba Tourmalines have the same color intensity or quality. Let’s explore the factors that influence the best Paraiba Tourmaline color.
Factors Affecting the Best Paraiba Tourmaline Color
1.Copper content
One of the most important factors affecting the best Paraiba Tourmaline color is the amount of copper present in the crystal structure. The more copper there is, the more intense the blue-green color will be. However, too much copper can create a blackish tone or even result in a completely black stone. Therefore, the ideal copper content must strike a balance between color intensity and saturation.
2.Manganese content
Manganese is another element that can impact the color of Paraiba Tourmaline. It can create a purplish hue in some stones, while in others, it may result in brown or gray tones that detract from the blue-green color. Therefore, manganese content must be carefully controlled to maintain the best Paraiba Tourmaline color.
3.Clarity
Paraiba Tourmalines are known for their clarity and transparency, which add to their beauty and value. However, not all stones have the same level of clarity. Some may have visible inclusions or blemishes that affect their appearance and reduce their value. The best Paraiba Tourmaline color is found in stones with minimal inclusions and high transparency.
4.Tone
Tone refers to the lightness or darkness of the color in a Paraiba Tourmaline. The ideal tone for the best Paraiba Tourmaline color is medium to dark. Stones that are too light can appear washed out, while those that are too dark can look blackish or overly saturated.
5.Saturation
Saturation refers to the strength or purity of the color in a Paraiba Tourmaline. The more saturated a stone is, the more intense and vivid its color will appear. The best Paraiba Tourmaline color has high saturation, which creates a rich, vibrant blue-green hue.
6.Cut
The cut of a Paraiba Tourmaline can also affect its color. A well-cut stone will maximize the intensity and saturation of its color, while a poorly cut stone may appear dull or lifeless. The best Paraiba Tourmaline color is found in stones that are cut to maximize their color and brilliance.
7.Lighting conditions
Finally, the lighting conditions under which a Paraiba Tourmaline is viewed can also impact its color. In natural daylight, the stone may appear bluer, while under incandescent or fluorescent lighting, it may appear greener. The best Paraiba Tourmaline color is one that maintains its vibrancy and intensity under a variety of lighting conditions.
Where do the best Paraiba tourmaline come from?
The best Paraiba tourmalines are known to come from the state of Paraiba in Brazil, where the gemstone was first discovered in 1989. The unique blue-green color of Paraiba tourmaline is due to the presence of copper in its crystal structure, and the specific combination of geological conditions found in this region of Brazil is what results in the stunning neon-like glow that makes these gemstones so highly prized. While other countries such as Mozambique and Nigeria have also produced Paraiba tourmalines in recent years, the finest and most valuable examples continue to come from the original source in Brazil.
Are all Paraiba tourmalines heated?
No, not all Paraiba tourmalines are heated. In fact, heating is not a common treatment for Paraiba tourmalines because the heat can alter or even destroy the valuable neon-like blue-green color that makes these gemstones so highly prized. Instead, most Paraiba tourmalines are treated with traditional methods such as cutting and polishing to enhance their natural beauty and maximize their value.
That being said, some Paraiba tourmalines may undergo minor heating or other treatments to improve their appearance or remove surface blemishes. However, any significant treatment that alters the color or transparency of the stone will reduce its value and should be disclosed by the seller. It is important to purchase Paraiba tourmalines from a reputable dealer who is transparent about any treatments that the stones may have undergone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best Paraiba Tourmaline color is one that exhibits a rich, vibrant blue-green hue with high saturation, minimal inclusions, and high transparency. It must strike the ideal balance of copper and manganese content to create the neon-like glow that this gemstone is known for. Additionally, the tone and cut must be carefully controlled to enhance the color and maximize brilliance. When considering a Paraiba Tourmaline, it’s important to evaluate all these factors to ensure that you are getting the best possible stone.
