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Tourmalines exhibit piezoelectricity and when these stones become warm they become
electrically charged – positively at one end and negatively at the other, acting
like a magnet and strong enough to attract small particles of dust or ash. It is
for this reason that the Dutch of old used Tourmalines to clean their pipes!
As with most gemstones, ancient civilizations credited Tourmaline gems with magical
and mystical powers, including having the power to guard against danger and misfortune.
Tourmalines are said to have an especially strong influence over friendship and
love, lending permanence and stability to both. Tourmaline gems help to amplify
psychic ability / energy and are an excellent aid to increasing self-confidence
and understanding. Tourmaline is believed to help assist with tranquil sleep, calm
nerves, improve concentration and creative processes and to be an aid to curing
cancer.
The discovery of Paraiba begins with a simple Brazilian man named Heitor Dimas Barbosa,
a man who dreamed of finding something completely different. Heitor was convinced
that something lay hidden deep in the Paraiba hill near his Brazilian home and in
1981 he began his hunt by excavating in the old mines in the area. It took five
and a half years of hard work in the labyrinths of passages in shafts that lay beneath
the Paraiba hill before Tourmaline deposits were found. The digging continued and
finally in the Autumn of 1989 a new Tourmaline treasure had been discovered, a brilliant
neon blue and green Tourmaline more vivid than ever seen before. Unfortunately Heitor
was recovering from an illness at the time and the stones were sold before he could
even set eyes on them. Soon after the amazing discovery mining operations skyrocketed
and after five and a half years of endless digging the Paraiba hill had almost been
left bare. The deposits now have been exhausted.
In 2001 similar turquoise colored Tourmalines were discovered in Nigeria. Though
the Nigeria stones tend to be slightly lighter then the Paraiba stones, it is hardly
noticeable. Studies conducted by scientists also have confirmed that their color
is also due to traces of Copper and Manganese. This find has created many discussions
regarding continental drift as the coastline of South America and Africa fit much
like a jigsaw puzzle, with Nigeria and north-east Brazil directly linked.
Availability:
The popularity of this rare and unique gemstone has sky-rocketed over the past decade,
with prices following. Paraiba gemstones are some of the most coveted and expensive stones in the world, with retail prices over $40,000 per carat for top quality specimens.
Sources:
The legendary Paraiba deposits were found near the village of Sao Jose de Batalha
in the state of Paraiba, Brazil. Recent deposits have been found in Nigeria though
some gem collectors and traders are uncertain of labeling them true Paraiba gemstones.
Evaluation:
Tourmaline (regardless of variety) is rated at 7 – 7.5 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness and as such is
suitable for all jewelry uses and is considered durable enough to
be worn everyday.
Found in an amazing variety, the sheer number of available Tourmaline colors is second to none and unmatched by any other gemstone. Tourmalines can be found in
shades of blue, black, brown, colorless, green, orange, pink, red, yellow and other
colors in varying shades and hues, varying from completely transparent to opaque.
In addition to this there are also known occurrences of bi-color, tri-color, multi-color
and “Cat's Eye” Tourmalines, ensuring that the Tourmaline truly is a gemstone that
is available in a color to suit all styles and tastes.
A Tourmaline gemstone viewed from different angles will result in differing color
intensities being visible. The only one thing that you can be sure of is that the
deepest coloration will always be shown along the stone's main axis. When selecting
a Tourmaline, go with the color that you like but generally try to steer clear of
any stone that is cut too dark.
When viewing a Paraiba, it is easy to understand the immense popularity that this
gemstone has received. Nature created a gemstone thats color, brilliance and luminosity
goes unrivaled. The combination of Copper and Manganese found within Paraiba creates
a vast array of remarkable colors including neon greens, turquoises, electric blues,
deep Sapphire blues, purple-blues, and reddish-purples. The Manganese causes the
reds and purple shades found in Paraiba whereas a higher concentration of Copper
causes the more sought after brilliant blues, greens, and turquoises. Fortunately
modern heat-treatments and experienced cutters can eliminate the undesired red-purple
traces.
The color of Paraiba has often been referred to as electric or neon due to the unique
brilliance and fire that is exhibited by these stones, causing them to brightly
shine even without a light source. This factor along with its vivid colors, popularity,
scarceness and legendary discovery makes it one of the most treasured gemstones
of all time.
Common Cuts:
Paraiba gemstones are most commonly and almost exclusively faceted as this will
best display their unique fire and brilliance.
Routine Enhancements:
Paraibas are often heat-treated in order to lighten colors and to remove “silk”
(a form of natural imperfection / inclusion).
Care & Cleaning:
Use warm,
soapy water and a soft brush to clean Tourmaline. Ultrasonic cleaners
are generally safe. Never use chemicals such as hydrofluoric acid or ammonium fluoride
to clean Tourmaline because it can erode the stone. Much like many gemstones, Tourmaline
should be kept away from prolonged exposure to extremes of heat and light as this
can cause permanent color change. Always keep your Paraiba Tourmaline jewelry in a fabric-lined box, away from other jewelry, in order to avoid damage / scratching.
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