Paraíba tourmaline price: what it is worth per carat
The electric, neon blue-green of copper-bearing Paraíba tourmaline makes it one of the most expensive coloured gems per carat — especially from Brazil and in larger sizes.
What drives Paraíba price
Paraíba is copper- (and manganese-) bearing tourmaline with a glowing, almost backlit neon colour. Saturation and that "neon" glow are everything; the most prized hues run from vivid "electric blue" to intense blue-green ("turquoise").
Origin
- Brazil (the original Paraíba state material) — the strongest premium, often the most vivid.
- Mozambique & Nigeria — accepted as Paraíba-type; can be beautiful and somewhat more accessible, often available in larger sizes.
Size rarity
Brazilian Paraíba above 1–2 ct is extremely rare, so per-carat prices escalate dramatically with size. African material reaches larger sizes more readily.
Clarity & cut
Eye-clean is expected for fine stones, and a good cut is essential to show the neon glow. Heating is common and accepted.
Paraíba Tourmaline price — frequently asked questions
Why is Paraíba tourmaline so expensive?
Its copper-bearing neon blue-green colour is unique and rare, demand is intense, and fine Brazilian stones above a carat are scarce — together pushing per-carat prices to among the highest of any coloured gem.
Brazilian vs Mozambique Paraíba — does origin matter?
Yes. Brazilian (Paraíba-state) stones carry the strongest premium. Mozambique and Nigerian "Paraíba-type" tourmaline is accepted, often more affordable, and more available in larger sizes.
Is Paraíba tourmaline treated?
Most Paraíba is heated to optimise colour, which is standard and accepted. Copper is what creates the colour, not the heat.
How much does Paraíba cost per carat?
Fine stones command very high per-carat prices that rise steeply with size and saturation. Use the calculator to estimate a range for your specific stone.
Indicative trade information from the Gem Index universal pricing engine — not a formal appraisal or laboratory certificate. Wholesale, USD. Species, treatment and origin should be confirmed by an accredited gem laboratory before sale.