First discovered in Paraiba, Brazil in 1989, Paraiba Tourmaline has become one of the most coveted gems on the planet. But a new source begs the question, is Paraiba in Africa? Well not today, but it was - 200 million years ago.

The earth was once dominated by a gigantic super-continent called Pangaea. Comparing the silhouettes of Africa and South America, this is apparent. Because they once belonged to a single land mass, similar geological conditions formed Paraiba Tourmaline that is found on both continents.

The first African Paraiba was discovered in 2001 in Nigeria and the second, more recently in Mozambique. Displaying the vivid colors and extreme brilliance to its Brazilian brother, African Paraiba features the characteristic electric swimming pool blues, neon peacocks, sizzling turquoise and twilights that have made this gem a sensation.

Interestingly, the GAAJ (Gemological Association of All Japan) research laboratory, recently determined that African and Brazilian Paraiba cannot be distinguished from each other by standard gemological tests. It’s all down to color, copper and manganese.

Morning Mist Jewelry and Fine Arts utilizes material that is natural and consistent with all the gemological characteristics of Paraiba Tourmaline. The stones that vary in the blues that are rare and widely desired are in our artwork. We utilize the finest material from the Earth.

All of our tourmaline - whether blues, greens, pinks, golden and watermelon - are indeed the finest we can find and are mined with all ethical protocols regarding human labor and the environment.

Tad S, Coffen
Morning Mist Jewelry and Fine Arts