Paraíba Tourmaline (Cuprian Elbaite)

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Brazil
1.77 carats
© Palagems

The cuprian tourmaline from the Mina da Batalha in the Federal Brazilian State of Paraiba. An electrifying blue-to-green coloured, gemmy, variety of cuprian Elbaite.

Paraíba Tourmaline Gemstones by Colour

This table shows the variety of hues this gemstone can be found in. Click on a photo for more information.
 
 

Paraíba Tourmaline Gemstones by Size

This table shows distribution of Paraíba Tourmaline gemstone sizes that are listed on this site. This can give a good indication as to the general availability of this gemstone in different sizes.
Contributed photos
Lightest:0.15 cts
Heaviest:1.77 cts
Average:0.96 cts
Total photos:2
Do you have a larger Paraíba Tourmaline? Why not upload a photo?
0.15ct to 0.31ct0.31ct to 0.47ct0.47ct to 0.64ct0.64ct to 0.80ct0.80ct to 0.96ct0.96ct to 1.12ct1.12ct to 1.28ct1.28ct to 1.45ct1.45ct to 1.61ct1.61ct to 1.77ct
General Information
A variety or type of:Copper-bearing Elbaite, which is a variety of Elbaite, which is a variety of Tourmaline
Paraíba Tourmaline Treatments
Color is often improved or modified by heat-treatment, typically purplish-violet to intense blue-green - Blue Chart Gem Identification, Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, 2010, p 5
Paraíba Tourmaline Simulants
Beware of imitations such as synthetic hydrothermal beryl, apatite and assembled gems - Blue Chart Gem Identification, Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, 2010, p 5
Physical Properties of Paraíba Tourmaline
Mohs Hardness7 to 7.5
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
Specific Gravity3.04 to 3.13
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
Optical Properties of Paraíba Tourmaline
Refractive Index1.618 to 1.643
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
Optical CharacterUniaxial/-
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
Birefringence0.018 to 0.021
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
Colour
Colour (General)Intense "electrical" colors: typically mint-green to sky-blue, sapphire-blue, violet to purplish
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
Causes of ColourTraces of copper
Lapidary Journal (1999)
Crystallography of Paraíba Tourmaline
Crystal SystemTrigonal
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
Further Information
Mineral information:Paraíba Tourmaline information at mindat.org
Significant Gem Localities
Brazil
 
  • Paraíba
    • Salgadinho
      • São José da Batalha
Wilson, W. E. (2002): Cuprian elbaite from the Batalha Mine, Paraíba, Brazil. Mineralogical Record, 33: 127-137
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