What is a Cuprian tourmaline?

Cuprian Tourmaline is a variety of Tourmaline that has Copper as its trace element. This element of copper is responsible for the color. Many people are familiar with the highly sought Paraiba Tourmaline which is a vivid blue, green or purple-to-violet copper bearing Tourmaline from the state of Brazil.

Is Cuprian tourmaline the same as Paraiba?

Cuprian (copper-bearing) tourmaline, known as “Paraíba” tourmaline in the trade, has been an important gem since its discovery in 1989.

Where are Paraiba tourmalines found?

ABSTRACT. Vivid blue to green copper-bearing tourmalines, known as Paraíba tourmalines, are recovered from deposits in Brazil, Nigeria, and Mozambique. These tourmalines are sought after for their intense colors.

What is the value of Paraiba tourmaline?

$2,000 to $50,000 per carat
Quality Paraiba tourmalines range from $2,000 to $50,000 per carat. Because of the value and rarity of this stone, purchasing a larger number of small stones is often more feasible than finding a multi-carat, genuine Paraiba on the market.

Is Paraiba a good investment?

The Brazilian paraiba is still the most valuable, but color and clarity are more important than origin for these rare gems. Clean paraiba tourmalines with exceptionally vivid color are the most valuable. These are not the only investment grade gem varieties, by any means.

Is elbaite the same as tourmaline?

Elbaite is a colorful member of the tourmaline group of minerals. The name tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese word “turmali,” which applied to different gemstones found in Sri Lanka. Tourmaline gems cover the complete range of the color spectrum, but in exquisite shades unlike those of any other gem material.

What type of rock is elbaite?

Elbaite forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks and veins in association with lepidolite, microcline, and spodumene in granite pegmatites; with andalusite and biotite in schist; and with molybdenite and cassiterite in massive hydrothermal replacement deposits.