Tourmaline is a stunning gemstone that has captivated jewelry designers, collectors, and enthusiasts for centuries. Known for its wide range of colors, tourmaline is one of the most versatile gemstones available. Its unique ability to exhibit multiple hues in a single crystal makes it particularly attractive to jewelers. However, among the vast array of tourmaline colors, some are rarer and more sought after than others.
Understanding Tourmaline: A Gemstone of Many Colors
Tourmaline is a complex silicate mineral that comes in a variety of colors due to the presence of different trace elements. This gemstone is part of the silicate group and is composed of elements such as boron, aluminum, and various metals, all of which contribute to its color variations.
Some of the most common colors of tourmaline include pink, green, yellow, and blue. However, tourmaline’s ability to display multiple colors in a single crystal, known as a bi-colored or multi-colored tourmaline, makes it even more unique. The wide spectrum of colors gives jewelry designers plenty of options for creating beautiful and one-of-a-kind pieces.
While all colors of tourmaline are stunning, certain hues are considered rarer than others. These rare colors are highly valued in the jewelry market due to their scarcity and unique beauty. The rarest colors of tourmaline are typically those that are most difficult to find in nature or are produced by rare mineral compositions.
The Rarest Colour: Paraíba Tourmaline
Among the rarest of tourmaline colors, Paraíba tourmaline stands out as one of the most prized and valuable. This unique blue to greenish-blue variety of tourmaline is known for its vivid, neon-like glow. The striking color of Paraíba tourmaline is due to the presence of copper, a rare trace element that imparts the stone with its vivid hue.
Paraíba tourmaline was first discovered in the Brazilian state of Paraíba in the 1980s, and its extraordinary color quickly gained attention in the world of gemstones. Due to the limited supply of Paraíba tourmaline, the stone became highly sought after, with prices soaring as demand increased.
Today, Paraíba tourmaline is still considered one of the most expensive and rarest tourmaline varieties. The vivid, electric blue color combined with the rarity of the stone makes it a coveted choice for collectors and investors alike. However, it is important to note that Paraíba tourmaline is not only found in Brazil. In recent years, deposits have been discovered in Mozambique and Nigeria, but the stones from these regions are often considered less valuable than the Brazilian variety.
Why is Paraíba Tourmaline So Rare?
The rarity of Paraíba tourmaline can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, the specific combination of elements required to produce its distinct blue and greenish-blue color is rare in nature. Copper, the key element responsible for the stone’s vivid color, is not commonly found in tourmaline deposits. As a result, Paraíba tourmaline is relatively uncommon compared to other colors of the gemstone.
In addition to its rare chemical composition, Paraíba tourmaline is found in only a few specific locations around the world. The original discovery of Paraíba tourmaline in Brazil’s Paraíba state was a significant event in the gemological world, as it introduced a new level of beauty to the tourmaline family. However, deposits of Paraíba tourmaline are small, and most of the best-quality stones have already been mined. This scarcity, combined with the high demand for the gemstone, contributes to its rarity and high value.
Other Rare Tourmaline Colours
While Paraíba tourmaline holds the title of the rarest and most valuable color, other colors of tourmaline are also considered rare and highly prized in the jewelry market.
1. Pink Tourmaline
Pink tourmaline, while not as rare as Paraíba, is still a prized gemstone due to its delicate and romantic hue. The color of pink tourmaline can range from soft pastel pinks to deep, rich magentas. Some of the most sought-after pink tourmalines come from the Minas Gerais region of Brazil, known for producing some of the finest pink stones in the world.
2. Red Tourmaline (Rubellite)
Rubellite, a red to reddish-pink variety of tourmaline, is another rare and valuable color. Rubellite gets its rich red color from the presence of trace elements such as manganese. Although red tourmaline is not as rare as Paraíba, high-quality rubellite stones are still considered a rarity and can command high prices, especially when the color is deep and vivid.
3. Watermelon Tourmaline
Watermelon tourmaline is a unique variety that features a combination of green and pink colors, typically with a pink core surrounded by a green outer layer. This striking bi-colored gemstone is highly sought after for its eye-catching appearance. Watermelon tourmaline is considered rare, particularly in larger sizes, and is highly prized by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.
4. Siberian Tourmaline
Siberian tourmaline is another rare variety that is prized for its color-changing properties. When viewed under different light sources, Siberian tourmaline can shift from green to blue, making it a fascinating and unique gemstone. This variety of tourmaline is found in the Russian region of Siberia, and its rarity and unusual color-changing properties make it a highly valued gemstone in the jewelry world.
The Impact of Rarity on the Value of Tourmaline
The rarity of a gemstone plays a significant role in its value. In the case of tourmaline, the rarer colors, such as Paraíba, rubellite, and watermelon, are more expensive than the more common green and pink varieties. The quality of the stone, its color saturation, size, and clarity also affect its value, but rarity remains one of the most significant factors in determining a tourmaline’s price.
Paraíba tourmaline, for example, can command prices in the tens of thousands of dollars per carat, especially for stones with the most vivid colors and the highest clarity. On the other hand, less rare varieties of tourmaline, such as green or pink, are more affordable, but high-quality specimens can still be quite valuable.
Conclusion
Tourmaline is a gemstone that comes in a stunning array of colors, each more mesmerizing than the last. Among the many colors of tourmaline, Paraíba tourmaline stands out as the rarest and most sought after, thanks to its vibrant, neon-like glow and limited availability. However, other colors, such as rubellite and watermelon tourmaline, are also considered rare and highly valued in the gemstone market.
When purchasing tourmaline, it is important to consider the rarity of the color, as well as other factors such as quality and size. Whether you’re a jewelry designer, collector, or enthusiast, tourmaline offers an endless variety of hues and shades to suit any taste. Its rarity and beauty make it a gemstone worth admiring and cherishing for years to come.
Related topics:
- How Black Tourmaline is Formed?
- What Does Black Tourmaline Crystal Mean?
- Can Pink Tourmaline Go in the Sun?
