About
Mozambique Paraiba is a rare and exquisite gemstone that has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique composition and stunning beauty. This gemstone is named after its origin, Mozambique, which is located in southeast Africa.
Mozambique Paraiba is a type of tourmaline that belongs to the elbaite group. It is composed of sodium, lithium, aluminum, boron, oxygen, and other trace elements. The color of this gemstone is the result of copper and manganese impurities in the crystal structure. The blue-green color is the most prized and sought-after, but it can also occur in a range of colors, including yellow, pink, and red.
Mozambique Paraiba is a relatively new discovery and was first found in the 1960s . Mozambique Paraiba has a distinct vibrant blue-green color which is very saturated. This rarity and unique color have made Mozambique Paraiba a highly sought-after gemstone among collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.
Due to its rarity and high value, Mozambique Paraiba can be quite expensive. However, its popularity continues to grow, and many jewelers and designers are incorporating this gemstone into their collections.
Mozambique Paraiba is known for its rare and remarkable property of exhibiting a strong neon-like glow under certain lighting conditions. This phenomenon is often referred to as fluorescence or phosphorescence, and it is caused by the presence of trace elements within the crystal structure of the gemstone.
In the case of Mozambique Paraiba, the glowing effect is believed to be due to the presence of copper ions within the crystal lattice. When exposed to ultraviolet light, the copper ions absorb the energy and become excited. As they return to their ground state, they release this energy in the form of visible light, creating the vibrant glow that is characteristic of this gemstone.
The specific shade and intensity of the glow can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the amount and distribution of copper ions within the crystal, the type of ultraviolet light source used, and the conditions under which the gemstone is viewed. Nonetheless, the distinctive neon-like glow of Mozambique Paraiba is one of its most sought-after and distinguishing features, adding to the gemstone's overall beauty and value.
Paraiba tourmaline is also a popular choice for engagement rings, as its vibrant blue-green color is said to symbolize harmony, balance, and new beginnings.
One of the most famous Mozambique Paraiba gemstones is the "Martins Bartolomeu" Paraiba tourmaline. This exceptional gemstone weighs 191.87 carats and features a vivid blue-green color that is characteristic of the Mozambique Paraiba variety. It was discovered in the early 2000s in the Alto Ligonha district of Mozambique and is named after the miner who found it. It is notable for its exceptional clarity, brilliance, and color saturation, as well as its unique fluorescence properties that give it a remarkable neon-like glow under certain lighting conditions.
Other famous Mozambique Paraiba gemstones include the "Queen of Paraiba" and the "Sunrise Paraiba," both of which are renowned for their exceptional color and beauty. The popularity of Mozambique Paraiba continues to grow, and it remains one of the most highly prized and sought-after gemstones in the world of jewelry and gemstone collecting.