Colour science · Gemology & Science
What Causes the Colour of Paraíba Tourmaline?
Paraíba colour is the product of chemistry, optics and craftsmanship. Copper sets the hue; manganese, iron, heating and cutting decide how it reads.
- By
- Paraiba Ethiopia Editorial Team
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- Review pending
- Updated
What causes the neon colour?
Cu²⁺ absorption of red light produces blue to green colour. High saturation with good brightness — helped by low iron and skilled cutting — produces the “neon” appearance.
What role does manganese play?
Mn³⁺ absorbs in the green-yellow, adding a pink-violet component. Combined with copper it can produce violet-blue stones, which are often heated toward purer blue.
References
- Study of optical absorption spectroscopy of Cu, Mn and Fe in tourmaline. Peer-reviewed mineralogical journal.Citation to be verified
Author
Paraiba Ethiopia Editorial Team
The editorial team researches and writes Paraiba Ethiopia’s educational content on copper-bearing tourmaline, prioritising laboratory nomenclature and published gemological literature over trade claims.
Technical reviewer (assignment pending)
Independent gemological reviewer
Placeholder. A qualified gemologist will be named here once technical review of this page is complete. Until then, treat technical statements as editorially prepared but not yet independently reviewed.
First published 1 October 2026. Read our editorial policy
Continue reading
- Colour guideEthiopian Paraiba ColoursThe colour range of copper-bearing tourmaline — neon blue, greenish blue, bluish green, vivid green and mint — and the chemistry behind each.
- ChemistryThe Role of Copper in Paraíba TourmalineHow copper colours tourmaline, how it is detected and why its presence defines the Paraíba variety.
- ChemistryThe Role of Iron in Paraíba TourmalineHow iron affects the colour of copper-bearing tourmaline and why iron-coloured tourmaline can be mistaken for Paraíba.