Ethiopia Identified as Emerging Source of Paraíba Tourmalines

The Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) has reported the discovery of a new deposit of copper-bearing tourmalines, commonly known as Paraíba tourmalines, in Ethiopia.

The finding follows the submission of several gemstones whose geographic origin could not be conclusively determined using current analytical techniques. Initial studies indicate that some of these stones may have originated from Ethiopia.

Renowned for their striking neon-blue and bluish-green hues, Paraíba tourmalines were first discovered in Brazil in the late 1980s. Their distinctive colour is attributed to the presence of copper in their crystal structure. Over the years, additional sources were identified in Nigeria and Mozambique, with Mozambique becoming one of the leading producers.

According to SSEF, the trace-element composition of the suspected Ethiopian tourmalines shows significant similarities to material from established sources, particularly Brazil, making origin identification more complex. The institute is continuing its research to better understand the characteristics of the Ethiopian material and develop more precise methods for distinguishing it from copper-bearing tourmalines from other regions.