Brazilian Tourmaline
Brazilian tourmaline varieties beyond Paraíba - rubellite, indicolite, chrome tourmaline, and other colours.
brazil tourmaline rubellite indicolite
Introduction
Beyond the famous Paraíba, Brazil produces an exceptional range of
tourmaline varieties and colours. From fine rubellite to indicolite
and chrome tourmaline, Brazilian tourmaline represents the full
spectrum of this versatile gemstone species.
Rubellite
Fine pink to red tourmaline:
Sources
- Minas Gerais: Primary source
- Multiple deposits: Various quality levels
- History: Long production history
- Status: Ongoing production
Characteristics
- Colour: Pink to red to purplish-red
- Best material: Saturated with minimal brown
- Clarity: Variable; clean stones premium
- Value: High for fine saturated reds
Definition Debate
- Some reserve "rubellite" for red only
- Others include saturated pink
- Trade usage varies
- Saturation more important than exact hue
Indicolite
Blue tourmaline variety:
Characteristics
- Colour: Blue to blue-green
- Best material: Saturated blue without green
- Rarity: Fine indicolite relatively scarce
- Value: Premium for pure blue
Sources
- Minas Gerais primary
- Various deposits across Brazil
- Quality material less common than green
Green & Chrome Tourmaline
Green varieties from Brazil:
Standard Green
- Most common tourmaline colour
- Wide range of qualities
- Iron-coloured typically
- Accessible price points
Chrome Tourmaline
- Source: Bahia primary
- Colour: Intense green (chromium)
- Character: Richer than iron-green
- Value: Premium for fine saturation
Bi-Colour & Watermelon
Multi-colour tourmaline:
Watermelon Tourmaline
- Pink center, green rim
- Cut to show colour zones
- Popular collector variety
- Good Brazilian production
Bi-Colour Varieties
- Various colour combinations
- Pink/green most classic
- Blue/green combinations
- Value depends on contrast and arrangement
Brazilian Citrine & Amethyst
Major quartz production:
Rio Grande do Sul
Natural Citrine
Other Brazilian Gems
| Gem | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandrite | Minas Gerais | Some fine material; rare |
| Kunzite | Minas Gerais | Good quality pink spodumene |
| Morganite | Minas Gerais | Fine pink beryl |
| Chrysoberyl cat's eye | Various | Good chatoyant material |
| Andalusite | Minas Gerais | Strong pleochroism |
| Spessartine garnet | Various | Orange variety |
Market Overview
Brazilian tourmaline in the trade:
- Variety: Full colour range available
- Quality: Commercial to exceptional
- Volume: Major world producer
- Value: Varies widely by variety and quality
- Cutting: Major domestic cutting industry