Both are extremely beautiful especially the first - such a lovely blue - I have been watching bling channels for over two years but never seen a PT that colour - I seriously thought they were all that washed out blue - didnt really understand the 'hype' surrounding it either - but seeing the colour of yours again especially that blue one - I can now understand it. Very very beautiful stone. I am assuming from the posts now not obtainablewith such depth of colour - what gives it that beautiful colour ?
Thank you for your thoughts. It's interesting to hear from somebody who has only seen the Paraibas available for sale more recently. Copper and manganese are generally thought to be responsible for the "neon" and "glow" of these Tourmalines. Many many "paraiba" tourmalines that are sold today (by all vendors) are actually just Cuprian Tourmalines i.e. they don't have the neon/glow quality that separates a true Paraiba and that's the acid test - the colour - not the chemical content per se.
The Paraibas originally found in Brazil set the standard but of course there were good and bad (just as you get everywhere). When the same colour tourmalines (with the same chemical make-up) were found in Mozambique/Nigeria, there was an enormous broohahaa as to whether these new finds should be allowed to have the title "Paraiba". The resultant decision was yes, they should be but there are some who would still argue against! As you've probably noticed, it's only the Mozambique/Nigerian material that you see for sale now. A few years ago, GemsTV sold a few items with tiny tiny Brazilian Paraiba accents - I know a few on here got some of them and they weren't for sale for very long!
What is absolute however is that the finds of neon/glowing stones have been mined out and only relatively small amounts (when you compare to other gemstones) were found that would earn the title "Paraiba". Up until about 5 years ago or so, Paraibas were to be had at quite high prices but still relatively affordable. Nowadays, these gems are much more scarce and of course, where good ones are available, the prices are generally eye-wateringly high.
Unfortunately also, with the increase in treatments, Tourmalines are being treated and it won't be long (I suspect) before a treatment is developed that turns non-copper bearing tourmalines into Paraiba coloured gemstones. Thankfully we're not quite there yet but in the meantime, most of the Paraiba material for sale is dire when you compare to gems previously available.
If you see a pale or non-neon or non-glowy "Paraiba" give it a swerve! It will most certainly not qualify as such, despite being sold as one. A true Paraiba looks almost false in colour.
I hope I haven't bored you. It's the anorak in me and this, together with Alexandrite, is my very favourite!
