What element colors Paraiba tourmaline?

Paraiba tourmaline derives its vivid and bright color primarily from the presence of copper. This element is responsible for imparting the striking neon blue and green hues that are characteristic of Paraiba tourmaline. The copper content interacts with the crystal structure of the tourmaline, enhancing its color intensity.

While indicolite, a form of blue tourmaline, is also comprised of boron and aluminum, it is not the coloring agent for Paraiba tourmaline. Instead, indicolite gets its blue color from iron and the absence of copper. This distinction is crucial, as it highlights how different minerals and elements lead to various colorations within the tourmaline family. Manganese and iron, while important in other contexts of tourmaline colorations, do not play a role in the unique coloration of Paraiba tourmaline. Therefore, acknowledging copper as the primary coloring agent places the understanding of Paraiba tourmaline’s vibrant colors in proper context.