Tourmaline
The rainbow gem. No other mineral occurs in as many colors.
Tourmaline is a boron silicate mineral group that occurs in virtually every color of the spectrum. Its extraordinary color range, from neon blue Paraíba to vivid pink rubellite to chrome green, makes it one of the most diverse and collectible gem families. Paraíba tourmaline, discovered in 1989 in Brazil, is among the most expensive gemstones per carat due to its electric neon blue-green color caused by copper. Tourmaline is also notable for its piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties. It generates an electric charge when heated or compressed.
What are the properties of tourmaline?
| Hardness (Mohs) | 7–7.5 |
| Refractive Index | 1.624–1.644 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.02–3.26 |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Chemical Formula | Complex borosilicate (variable) |
Color Varieties
Major Sources
Brazil · Mozambique · Nigeria · Afghanistan · Madagascar · USA (California, Maine) · Sri Lanka
What affects tourmaline price?
Variety
Paraíba tourmaline is the most expensive. Top stones exceed $50,000/carat. Chrome tourmaline and fine rubellite are also premium. Standard green and pink are more accessible.
Color Saturation
Vivid, saturated colors without dark or muddy tones command the highest prices within each variety.
Copper Content (Paraíba)
For Paraíba tourmaline, copper-bearing status must be confirmed by a gemological lab. The neon glow is the key indicator.
Clarity
Type II gem. Some inclusions are expected. Eye-clean stones command premiums, but rubellite is commonly included.
How much does tourmaline cost per carat?
Retail prices as of mid-2026. Actual cost depends on color, clarity, origin, and treatment.
| Quality | Price/ct | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Black schorl | $5–$20/ct | Opaque black, cabochon or beads, very affordable |
| Standard green/pink | $30–$150/ct | Eye-clean, commercial to good quality |
| Rubellite (red/pink) | $200–$1,500/ct | Vivid red-pink, inclusions common, fine stones premium |
| Chrome tourmaline | $500–$3,000/ct | Vivid green, no treatment, East African origin |
| Paraíba tourmaline | $5,000–$50,000+/ct | Copper-bearing neon blue-green, lab report required |
How to care for tourmaline
Do
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush
- Safe for everyday wear in most jewelry types
- Store separately to prevent scratching softer stones
Don't
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for included stones
- Don't expose to extreme heat
- Avoid steam cleaning
Cleaning Method
Warm soapy water is the safest method. Ultrasonic is acceptable for clean stones but avoid it for heavily included material.
How to buy tourmaline
Chrome tourmaline is the most undervalued green gemstone on the market. Vivid color, no treatment, excellent value.
Be extremely careful with 'Paraíba' claims. Demand a lab report confirming copper content from GIA, Gübelin, or GRS.
Watermelon tourmaline makes unique conversation-piece jewelry. Best displayed in slice form.
For rubellite, accept some inclusions. Eye-clean rubellite is rare and commands high premiums.
Afghan and Nigerian tourmaline offer excellent quality at lower prices than Brazilian material.
Did You Know?
Tourmaline was the first mineral to be recognized as having pyroelectric properties. The Dutch used it to pull ash from pipes.
Paraíba tourmaline was discovered by Heitor Dimas Barbosa, who spent years digging tunnels in the Brazilian hills based on a hunch.
A Chinese Empress used tourmaline as a pillow rest, believing it promoted good health.
Frequently asked questions
How much is tourmaline worth?
Tourmaline sells for $5 to $50,000+ per carat at retail in 2026. Black schorl and standard green or pink stones are affordable. Paraíba tourmaline with confirmed copper content sits at the extreme top. Variety and color saturation drive the spread more than size.
What color tourmaline is most valuable?
Neon blue-green Paraíba tourmaline is the most valuable tourmaline color, often exceeding $5,000 per carat for fine stones. Chrome green and vivid rubellite red follow at $500 to $3,000 per carat. Standard pink and green tourmaline is widely available at modest prices.
Is tourmaline a good gemstone?
Yes. Tourmaline scores 7 to 7.5 on Mohs, comes in more colors than any other gem, and most varieties need no treatment. It works well in rings, earrings, and pendants. Paraíba and rubellite are the varieties worth studying before you buy.
What is Paraiba tourmaline?
Paraíba tourmaline is a copper-bearing variety with an electric neon blue-green color, first found in Brazil in 1989. Similar material now comes from Mozambique and Nigeria. Top stones exceed $50,000 per carat. Always demand a lab report confirming copper content before paying Paraíba prices.
Related Resources
Related Gemstones
Emerald
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Garnet
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Sapphire
Corundum in every color except red, the most versatile precious stone.
Spinel
The great imposter, historically mistaken for ruby and sapphire, now prized in its own right.
Last updated: 2026-08-12