Nomenclature · Ethiopian Paraiba
From Place Name to Variety: The History of “Paraíba”
Few gem names have travelled as far from their origin as Paraíba. Its history explains today’s laboratory practice and the questions raised by new sources such as Ethiopia.
- By
- Paraiba Ethiopia Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Review pending
- Updated
How did the name begin?
Copper-bearing tourmaline from the state of Paraíba, Brazil, reached the international market around 1989, and the place name became the trade name.
Why did the definition change?
When similar material was found in Nigeria and Mozambique, laboratories agreed that “Paraíba” should describe the copper-coloured variety, with geographic origin stated separately.
References
- LMHC information sheet on Paraíba tourmaline nomenclature. Laboratory Manual Harmonisation Committee (LMHC).Citation to be verifiedInsert the current information sheet number, revision date and URL.
- Peer-reviewed study of copper-bearing tourmaline from Paraíba / Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Peer-reviewed gemological or 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
- TerminologyWhat Is Paraíba Tourmaline?The definition of Paraíba tourmaline: a copper-bearing variety of elbaite-type tourmaline named after the Brazilian state where it was first found.
- Pillar guideEthiopian Paraiba TourmalineWhat “Ethiopian Paraiba” means, how copper-bearing tourmaline is identified, which colours occur, how treatment and certification work, and how Ethiopia compares with Brazil and Mozambique.