What is this teal Paraiba gemstone?
Paraiba tourmaline is a rare and highly sought-after gemstone known for its vivid, neon-like blue to green hues, which are caused by traces of copper within the crystal structure. Discovered in the 1980s in the Brazilian state of Paraíba, this gemstone has since become one of the most valuable types of tourmaline. The rarity and intense color of Paraiba tourmaline make it extremely valuable, with prices varying widely depending on the quality, color, and size. High-quality Paraiba tourmaline can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 per carat, with some exceptional stones commanding even higher prices.
What we sell is lab grown Paraiba garnet, lab grown Paraiba Corundum and Paraiba quartz:
Paraiba Garent
Lab-grown Paraiba garnet is a synthetic gemstone created in a controlled environment to mimic the vivid blue-green hues of natural Paraiba tourmaline, but it is made of garnet material instead. Unlike the natural Paraiba tourmaline, which is known for its copper content and rarity, lab-grown Paraiba garnet offers a similar aesthetic appeal at a more affordable price. While natural Paraiba tourmalines can be extraordinarily expensive, lab-grown Paraiba garnets are much more accessible, typically ranging from $20 to $100 per carat depending on the quality and size. These lab-grown gems are popular for those who desire the striking appearance of Paraiba colors without the high cost associated with the natural stones. Garnet generally ranges between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale, depending on the specific variety. This makes garnet a durable gemstone.
Paraiba Corundum
Lab-grown Paraiba corundum is a synthetic gemstone designed to replicate the striking neon blue-green colors of the rare natural Paraiba tourmaline, but it is made from corundum, the mineral family that includes sapphires and rubies. This lab-created gem achieves its vibrant color through the addition of trace elements like copper during the growth process. While it offers a visually similar appearance to the coveted natural Paraiba tourmaline, lab-grown Paraiba corundum is much more affordable due to its synthetic origin. Its value typically ranges from $50 to $200 per carat, depending on quality and size, making it an attractive option for those seeking the beauty of Paraiba colors without the high price tag. Corundum is a 9 on the Mohs scale making it one of the hardest minerals, second only to diamonds.
Paraiba Quartz
Paraiba quartz is a type of quartz that has been treated to achieve a vivid blue-green color, reminiscent of the rare and valuable Paraiba tourmaline. This gemstone is created through a special process that enhances the quartz with the neon-like hues associated with Paraiba tourmaline, offering a visually stunning alternative at a much lower cost. The process typically involves heat treatment and irradiation. While it doesn't possess the same natural rarity or mineral composition as Paraiba tourmaline, Paraiba quartz is prized for its beauty and affordability. Its value typically ranges from $10 to $50 per carat, depending on the intensity of the color and the quality of the stone, making it a popular choice for jewelry enthusiasts seeking a striking look without the high price of natural Paraiba gemstones. 7 on the Mohs scale, quartz is a common and versatile mineral used in a wide range of jewelry and decorative objects, known for its reasonable hardness and durability.