Tourmaline is a popular gemstone known for its wide range of colors, from deep blues and greens to bright pinks and oranges. However, not all colors of tourmaline are created equal when it comes to price. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different colors of tourmaline and explore which shades command the highest prices.
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Paraiba Tourmaline
Without a doubt, Paraiba tourmaline is the most expensive variety of tourmaline due to its unique neon-blue to green color. It is found only in Brazil and Mozambique and its price can easily exceed $10,000 per carat.
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Red Tourmaline
Red tourmaline, also known as rubellite, is another highly valued color variety of tourmaline. The most desirable rubellites have a pure red color without any brown or orange tones. They can command high prices, particularly in larger sizes.
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Green Tourmaline
Green tourmaline is a classic and popular color of tourmaline, and can range from a pale, minty green to a rich, forest green. The most valuable green tourmalines have a deep, rich color with good saturation, and may have a bluish tint.
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Blue Tourmaline
Blue tourmaline, also known as indicolite, is a rare and highly sought-after color of tourmaline. The most valuable blue tourmalines have a rich, deep blue color, and may have a green or violet secondary hue.
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Pink Tourmaline
Pink tourmaline is a popular and affordable color variety of tourmaline. The most valuable pink tourmalines have a bright, saturated color without any brown or orange tones. They are often used as a substitute for more expensive gemstones like ruby or pink sapphire.
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Black Tourmaline
Black tourmaline, also known as schorl, is a common color of tourmaline that is often used for its metaphysical properties. While it is not as valuable as other colors of tourmaline, it is still prized for its protective and grounding energy.
In conclusion, the most expensive color of tourmaline is Paraiba, with its unique neon-blue to green color. Other valuable colors include red, green, blue, and pink, depending on their saturation, clarity, and other factors. When purchasing tourmaline, it’s important to consider the color and its overall quality to ensure that you’re getting a gemstone that meets your needs and budget.
