Description: If light could be frozen at the very instant it turns electric, it would look like this. This Paraíba Tourmaline does not merely display blue; it emits it. The colour appears as though a filament of tropical lightning has been captured inside crystalline architecture, suspended in perfect stillness. It is that unmistakable Paraíba blue, vivid, saturated and internally alive, a chromatic phenomenon born not from surface reflection but from copper within the very atomic framework of the crystal. Formed within copper bearing pegmatitic systems, this elbaite prism carries the chemical signature that transformed modern gemology in the late twentieth century. The incorporation of copper into tourmaline chemistry is extraordinarily rare. When present in sufficient concentration, it produces a neon intensity unmatched by any other natural gemstone. This specimen expresses that effect with clarity and authenticity. Morphologically, the crystal presents a well defined prismatic habit with vertical growth striations running cleanly along the length of the prism. The axial structure is coherent and visually balanced, giving the piece architectural integrity despite its compact dimensions. The prism reads clearly from every angle, offering a complete mineralogical identity rather than the appearance of fragmented rough. Under neutral lighting, the body colour sits firmly within the Paraíba spectrum: a luminous electric blue with subtle aqua undertones. When illuminated from behind, the crystal reveals its internal glow, a vivid transmission of blue light that intensifies rather than washes out. The colour remains stable and expressive even without direct backlighting, confirming that the saturation is intrinsic rather than dependent on optical tricks. Internally, natural growth features and structural characteristics are visible, reinforcing the untreated state of the specimen. These inclusions do not diminish the visual impact; instead, they provide geological authenticity and depth. The interplay between transparency and neon colour creates a dynamic internal luminosity that feels almost self generated. Paraíba tourmalines remain among the rarest and most valuable members of the tourmaline family. Their significance is not driven by marketing but by chemistry. Copper bearing elbaite occurs in only a handful of geological environments worldwide, and original Brazilian material remains the historical benchmark against which all others are measured. The combination of rarity, colour intensity and scientific uniqueness places Paraíba in a category of its own. Despite its modest scale, this crystal carries that entire legacy within a compact and beautifully proportioned prism. It is complete, expressive and unmistakable. This is not simply a blue tourmaline. It is Paraíba: where colour, chemistry and rarity converge. Specifications: • Weight: 0.14 g • Weight in carats: 0.70 ct • Dimensions: 6 × 3.5 × 3.5 mm • Origin: Paraíba, Brazil • Mineral species: Elbaite Tourmaline • Variety: Paraíba Tourmaline • Crystal system: Trigonal • Chemical composition: Sodium lithium aluminium borosilicate hydroxide • Chromophore: Copper with possible manganese contribution • Crystal habit: Natural prismatic crystal with vertical striations • Colour: Electric Paraíba Blue with aqua nuances • Colour behaviour: Stable under neutral light, intensified under transmitted light • Transparency: Translucent to locally transparent • Lustre: Vitreous • Treatment: None • Condition: Natural, unpolished, untreated specimen Notable Points: • Authentic copper bearing Paraíba Tourmaline • Classic electric blue chromatic signature • Strong neon response under transmitted light • Well defined prismatic crystal habit • Clear vertical growth striations • Stable colour independent of lighting tricks • Intrinsic copper driven luminescence • Recognised Brazilian origin • Compact yet complete morphological identity • Natural internal growth features confirming authenticity • High chromatic saturation relative to size • Exceptional collector relevance within tourmaline family Collector’s Interest: Paraíba Tourmaline represents one of the most important gemological discoveries of the modern era. Since its emergence in Brazil during the late 1980s, it has redefined the upper limits of colour intensity in natural gemstones. Copper incorporation at the atomic level remains an extreme geological rarity, and authentic Brazilian material continues to command exceptional respect among collectors and connoisseurs. Specimens of this size that retain strong neon saturation and clear prismatic structure are increasingly scarce. This crystal offers both scientific significance and aesthetic impact, appealing equally to mineral collectors and high end gemstone enthusiasts. Its value lies not only in colour but in what that colour represents: one of nature’s rarest chemical accidents. Lapidary Potential: While the internal colour intensity suggests that selective faceting could yield a small but vivid gem, any cutting would erase the defining prismatic architecture and mineralogical integrity of the crystal. The highest long term value of this specimen lies in its preserved natural form, where its copper driven luminescence can be appreciated in its most authentic expression. ————- Shipping and Handling: All orders are shipped by Portuguese National Post and UOS • Dispatch time: within 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation to Catawiki • Transit time service: between 2 to 5 business days within europe and worldwide, depending on destination national post. • A tracking number is always provided Photography and transparency: All photographs are taken under controlled lighting conditions using a macro lens, carefully selected to present each specimen as accurately as possible. No filters, colour enhancement, or artificial saturation are applied. The lighting setup uses a calibrated 5500K light source, replicating neutral daylight to reveal natural tones, surface features, and internal characteristics. Under warmer or weaker indoor lighting, colours may appear slightly different, which is normal. The purpose of this photographic process is documentation and representation, not visual enhancement. Images are intended to reflect the specimen faithfully as it appears under balanced natural light conditions. Identification and ethics: All specimens offered are natural and described to the best of our knowledge, based on direct sourcing, professional experience, and information provided by trusted suppliers working at the origin. Every effort is made to ensure transparency and accuracy regarding identification, locality, and general characteristics, avoiding misleading statements about treatment, provenance, or nature. Customs and import taxes: Any customs duties, import fees, or local taxes applied by the destination country are entirely the responsibility of the winning bidder. These charges are not included in the auction price or shipping cost and are determined by the buyer’s local authorities. Guarantee and resolution: Customer satisfaction is important. In the unlikely event of an issue such as loss, damage, or discrepancy, please contact us promptly through Catawiki’s messaging system. Each case is handled individually and fairly, with appropriate solutions offered when justified. Appreciation and commitment: We sincerely thank you for your trust. Our work focuses on careful selection, accurate representation, and respectful presentation of mineral specimens with character and interest. Each piece is chosen for its individual qualities rather than speculative or financial considerations. We aim to provide a transparent, reliable, and consistent experience for collectors at all levels. With gratitude, GemPulse Minerals