Paraiba tourmaline is a stunningly vivid green to blue gemstone that was discovered in 1981 by Heitor Dimas Barbosa in the remote Brazilian state of Paraiba. Owing it's fascinatingly beautiful color to to the combination of copper, paraiba tourmaline is one of the world's most beautiful gemstones (Please click on the links in this post to see this amazing gemstone). These beautiful stones exhibit extraordinary vivid scintilating color with a stunningly firy brilliance once they are skillfully cut. Today, these rare gemstones are highly sought after and are amoung the most expensive gemstones in the world with fine 1 carat stones often worth more than $10,000. Paraiba tourmalines are much rarer than diamonds. In 2001, additional deposits of paraiba tourmalines were discovered in Nigeria. Paraiba tourmalines are rated in a fashion similar to the 4Cs method used for diamonds (Rated for Carat Weight, Color, Clarity and Cut). The most prized stones have a neon blue color. When evaluating whether a stone is a paraiba tourmaline look for a turquoise color exhibiting flashes of green and brilliant fire from within the stone. The stone should appear to glow from a bright spot within the gem when it is in bright light. You can see this gemstone from across the room. Observe the stone in different lights. Paraiba tourmalines will sparkle even in dim light. If you are planning to purchase a Paraiba Tourmaline, seek the counsel of a certified gemonlogist. Since these stones are so rare and their price is so high, it is prudent to know what you are doing when you purchase one. If you purchase or own a piece of paraiba tourmaline jewelry, it should be stored in its own seperate bag within your jewelry chest to prevent it from being scratched by harder gemstones within your collection. Do not use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner on paraiba tourmaline. Use ionic cleaners or soapy water and a soft brush to clean paraiba tourmaline jewelry.