Science
Laboratories Confirm New Source of Paraíba Tourmaline in Ethiopia
Jeweller Magazine · 3 weeks ago · Read the Full Story on Jeweller Magazine
AI SUMMARY
Gemmological laboratories have confirmed that a newly discovered gemstone source in Ethiopia produces copper-bearing tourmaline meeting the definition of Paraíba tourmaline.
- The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the Gübelin Gem Lab concluded that a newly discovered gemstone source in Ethiopia produces copper-bearing tourmaline that qualifies as Paraíba tourmaline.
- Gübelin Gem Lab began analyzing roughly 300 gemstones in May after detecting chemical differences compared to reference data from Brazil, Mozambique, and Nigeria.
- GIA launched its investigation in June and examined over 100 gemstones sourced from the Ferreira Group in July.
- An earlier investigation by the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) found that the Ethiopian gemstones closely resembled Brazilian sources, making their origin difficult to determine initially.
- The Ethiopian tourmaline has a distinct chemical profile and ranges in color from blue and bluish-green to violet and purple.
- Both laboratories will continue studying the material as new samples emerge, with detailed findings set for publication in Gems & Gemology.