Paraiba Tourmaline, 0.73 cts., 9.4 x 6.0 mm, Fantasy Oval, Blue, Mozambique, Heated

Gem: Paraiba Tourmaline 
Weight: 0.73 cts. 
Size: 9.42 x 6.06 x 1.41 mm.  
Color: Blue 
Clarity: VS 
Cut: Fantasy Oval 
Locality: Mozambique 
Treatment: Heated 

In the gemstone world, there are a few highly sought after gemstones that have become household names.  They are, as a rule, extremely limited production.  A few of these are; Russian Demantoid Garnet, Alexandrite, Padparadscha Sapphire and Paraiba Tourmaline.  When we get a chance to offer any of these stones, we are thrilled and this is one of those special gems.  The color is caused by Copper inside of the Tourmaline, making them Cuprian Tourmaline.  The Brazilian material was found in the late 1980’s and has been sensational ever since.  In 2005 there was a find in Mozambique of Cuprian Tourmaline very similar to the Paraiba material.  However, there has been a running argument in the gem community that these Cuprian Tourmalines are not Paraiba Tourmalines, because they are not from Brazil.  It has just been quietly accepted that the Mozambique gems are called Paraiba, but the true stones come from the Batalha Mine in Paraiba.  This stone is a gorgeous Ocean blue color and is brilliant in had!  This stone will make a stunning piece of jewelry, particularly a center stone for a ring. Cut at Kosnar Gems, Colorado, USA.  Enjoy!