What To Know
- If you’re lucky enough to find a piece of paraiba tourmaline, there are a few things you can do to identify it.
- Paraiba tourmaline is one of the most expensive gemstones in the world, so if you’re being offered a piece of paraiba tourmaline for a very low price, it’s probably fake.
Paraiba tourmaline is a rare and beautiful gemstone that is prized for its unique blue-green color. It was first discovered in Brazil in the 1980s, and it has since become one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. If you’re lucky enough to find a piece of paraiba tourmaline, there are a few things you can do to identify it.
1. Color
The most distinctive feature of paraiba tourmaline is its color. It is typically a bright, neon blue-green, but it can also be found in shades of turquoise, teal, and purple. The color of paraiba tourmaline is caused by the presence of copper and manganese impurities.
2. Clarity
Paraiba tourmaline is often very clean and eye-clean, with few inclusions. However, some pieces may contain inclusions of other minerals, such as quartz or feldspar. These inclusions can add character to the gemstone, but they can also reduce its value.
3. Cut
Paraiba tourmaline is typically cut into faceted gemstones, which helps to maximize its brilliance and fire. The most common cuts for paraiba tourmaline are the round brilliant, oval, and cushion cuts.
4. Carat Weight
Paraiba tourmaline is a relatively rare gemstone, so it is often found in smaller carat weights. The average carat weight for paraiba tourmaline is between 0.5 and 2 carats. However, larger pieces can be found, and they can command a significantly higher price.
5. Price
Paraiba tourmaline is one of the most expensive gemstones in the world. The price of paraiba tourmaline can vary depending on its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. A one-carat piece of paraiba tourmaline can sell for anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000.
6. Fluorescence
Paraiba tourmaline often exhibits fluorescence under ultraviolet light. This means that it will glow a bright blue or green color when exposed to UV light. Fluorescence can be a helpful way to identify paraiba tourmaline, but it is not a foolproof method. Some other gemstones, such as apatite and chrysoberyl, can also exhibit fluorescence.
7. Specific Gravity
Paraiba tourmaline has a specific gravity of 3.02 to 3.10. This means that it is denser than most other gemstones. You can use a specific gravity test to help identify paraiba tourmaline. To do this, weigh the gemstone in air and then weigh it again in water. The difference between the two weights is the gemstone’s specific gravity.
The Verdict: Identifying Paraiba Tourmaline
If you think you have found a piece of paraiba tourmaline, there are a few things you can do to confirm its identity. First, look at the gemstone’s color. Paraiba tourmaline is typically a bright, neon blue-green, but it can also be found in shades of turquoise, teal, and purple. Next, check the gemstone’s clarity. Paraiba tourmaline is often very clean and eye-clean, with few inclusions. However, some pieces may contain inclusions of other minerals, such as quartz or feldspar. Finally, consider the gemstone’s price. Paraiba tourmaline is one of the most expensive gemstones in the world, so if you’re being offered a piece of paraiba tourmaline for a very low price, it’s probably fake.
Information You Need to Know
Q: What is the difference between paraiba tourmaline and other types of tourmaline?
A: Paraiba tourmaline is a type of tourmaline that is characterized by its unique blue-green color. This color is caused by the presence of copper and manganese impurities. Other types of tourmaline can be found in a variety of colors, including pink, red, green, and black.
Q: How can I tell if a piece of paraiba tourmaline is real?
A: There are a few things you can look for to identify real paraiba tourmaline. First, look at the gemstone’s color. Paraiba tourmaline is typically a bright, neon blue-green, but it can also be found in shades of turquoise, teal, and purple. Next, check the gemstone’s clarity. Paraiba tourmaline is often very clean and eye-clean, with few inclusions. However, some pieces may contain inclusions of other minerals, such as quartz or feldspar. Finally, consider the gemstone’s price. Paraiba tourmaline is one of the most expensive gemstones in the world, so if you’re being offered a piece of paraiba tourmaline for a very low price, it’s probably fake.
Q: How much does paraiba tourmaline cost?
A: The price of paraiba tourmaline can vary depending on its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. A one-carat piece of paraiba tourmaline can sell for anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000.
