Tourmaline is one of the world’s most fascinating and diverse gemstones, prized for its extraordinary range of colours. From deep greens to electric blues and vivid pinks, each shade tells a story about its origins and mineral composition. But among this rainbow of beauty, a few colours stand out as exceptionally rare—and highly valuable. In this guide, we’ll explore the rarest colours of tourmaline, why they’re so prized, how they form, and where you can find them. This article is designed to help readers who want to understand the real value of tourmaline stones and make informed buying decisions.
What Are the Rarest Colours of Tourmaline?
Tourmaline comes in more than 30 recognised varieties, each with unique hues caused by trace elements like iron, manganese, or copper. But not all colours are created equal. Some are so rare that they can cost thousands of pounds per carat, rivalling even diamonds and emeralds.
Paraíba Tourmaline (Neon Blue-Green)
The Paraíba tourmaline (my second favourite) is widely considered the rarest and most valuable colour variety. Its glowing neon blue-green hue is caused by traces of copper and manganese. First discovered in the 1980s in Paraíba, Brazil, this gemstone is so scarce that a single carat can sell for over £10,000 depending on clarity and size.
Due to limited deposits, Paraíba tourmalines are now also sourced from Mozambique and Nigeria. However, Brazilian-origin stones remain the most prized because of their vivid saturation and electric brightness.
Chrome Tourmaline (Intense Green)
Chrome tourmaline, found mainly in Tanzania and Kenya, is another highly sought-after type. Its rich green colour comes from chromium or vanadium—the same elements that give emeralds their deep green tones. Unlike standard green tourmaline (known as verdelite), chrome tourmaline has a richer, almost forest-green hue. Stones with high clarity can reach £1,000 to £2,000 per carat.
Watermelon Tourmaline (Pink and Green)
Watermelon tourmaline (my favourite colour) displays a natural gradient of pink in the centre and green on the outside, resembling the fruit it’s named after. The dual colouring occurs during crystal growth when different elements enter the crystal at various stages. Large, high-quality specimens with a distinct colour separation are rare and can fetch £500 to £1,500 per carat.
Rubellite Tourmaline (Vivid Pink to Red)
Rubellite tourmaline ranges from hot pink to deep red and often rivals ruby in colour intensity. What makes rubellite rare is its ability to retain vibrant colour under different lighting conditions. Many pink tourmalines fade or shift hue under artificial light, but true rubellite does not. These gems are mainly mined in Brazil, Nigeria, and Madagascar.
Why Are These Tourmaline Colours So Rare?
The rarity of certain tourmaline colours depends on their chemical composition, geological conditions, and availability.
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Unique Elemental Combinations – Elements like copper and chromium are rarely found in high enough concentrations to produce neon or deep hues, making these stones naturally scarce.
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Geological Constraints – Certain colour types, such as Paraíba, occur only in small deposits formed under unique temperature and pressure conditions.
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Limited Supply and High Demand – As fashion and gemstone collectors seek more distinctive stones, rare-colour tourmalines have seen prices rise by over 30% in the last decade.
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Mining Challenges – Many rare tourmaline sources are found in remote or politically unstable regions, which limits extraction and contributes to their exclusivity.
Where Are the Rarest Colours of Tourmaline Sold?
If you are considering buying a rare tourmaline, sourcing it from trusted sellers is crucial. Because of their high value, rare-coloured tourmalines are often targeted by counterfeiters or treated to enhance colour.
High-End Jewellers
Luxury brands such as Cartier, Bvlgari, and Tiffany & Co. occasionally feature Paraíba or Rubellite tourmalines in exclusive collections. These pieces are fully certified and guaranteed for authenticity.
Reputable Gem Dealers
Professional gem marketplaces like GemSelect, Gem Rock Auctions, and The Natural Gem offer certified tourmalines with transparent origin details.
Auction Houses
Prestigious auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s regularly feature rare tourmalines in their gemstone auctions. Collectors often bid thousands for exceptional specimens, especially Paraíba stones.
Always ensure the gem comes with certification from recognised gemmological institutions such as the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute). This guarantees authenticity, clarity grading, and source verification.
How Are These Tourmaline Stones Formed?
Tourmaline forms deep within the Earth in pegmatite veins, which are large pockets of molten rock that cool slowly, allowing minerals to crystallise. During this cooling process, elements like lithium, iron, and copper bond with boron and aluminium to form tourmaline crystals.
The colour variations occur when trace elements are introduced:
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Copper gives Paraíba its neon blue-green glow.
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Chromium or vanadium creates the intense greens of chrome tourmaline.
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Manganese results in the rich pinks and reds of rubellite.
These conditions are rare and require millions of years to develop. It’s estimated that only one in every 10,000 tourmaline formations yields gem-quality stones in rare colours.
Conclusion
Tourmaline’s breathtaking spectrum of colours is what makes it one of the most captivating gemstones in the world. While all tourmaline stones are beautiful, Paraíba, Chrome, Watermelon, and Rubellite tourmalines stand out as the rarest and most valuable. Their scarcity, geological uniqueness, and striking appearance make them highly sought after by jewellers, collectors, and investors alike.
If you’re planning to buy one, always choose certified sellers and understand the stone’s origin. Owning a rare tourmaline isn’t just about beauty—it’s about possessing a piece of Earth’s geological wonder, shaped over millions of years.
FAQ’S
What is the rarest colour of tourmaline?
The rarest and most valuable colour of tourmaline is Paraíba blue-green, due to its copper content and glowing neon hue.
Is Paraíba tourmaline more expensive than diamonds?
In some cases, yes. Fine-quality Paraíba stones can reach over £10,000 per carat, surpassing diamond prices of similar weight.
Why do some tourmalines have two colours?
Bicolour or “watermelon” tourmalines form when the chemical environment changes during crystal growth, resulting in two or more colours within one stone.
Can rare tourmalines be used in everyday jewellery?
Yes, but because of their high value, they’re best suited for occasional wear or protected settings like pendants rather than rings.
How can I tell if my tourmaline is real?
Always buy from certified sellers and ask for gemmological certificates from institutes such as GIA or IGI. Genuine tourmalines have natural inclusions and strong colour zoning.