A new deposit of one of the world's most beloved gemstones appears to have been discovered.
The Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) is currently investigating various copper-bearing tourmalines that may come from a newly discovered deposit in Ethiopia.
At this moment, a definitive origin determination is not yet possible.
Copper-bearing tourmaline is better known as Paraíba tourmaline.
The stone was first found in Brazil, in the state of Paraíba, in the late 1980s. Especially the very clear, almost glowing, blue and blue-green colors quickly made the gemstone highly sought after.
The striking glow is caused by the copper present in the crystal structure of the tourmaline.
But Brazilian production remained limited, which is why later discoveries in the early 2000s in Nigeria and Mozambique were so important for the gemstone world.
Especially Mozambique grew in the years that followed into a major supplier of copper-bearing tourmalines, with larger quantities and sometimes even stones of exceptional size.
The possible discovery in Ethiopia is therefore very interesting and could represent a new development within a relatively small group of known sources.
At the same time, it also raises questions for laboratories and traders. The origin of Paraíba tourmaline often plays a role in valuation, certification, and sales.
SSEF emphasizes that further research is still needed.
The stones recently examined show chemical composition similarities with copper-bearing tourmalines from existing deposits, especially from Brazil.
As a result, it is not always easy to determine with certainty exactly where a specific stone comes from.
In the coming period, research will focus on better mapping this presumably Ethiopian material. By analyzing more stones, researchers hope to find distinguishing features that can help better identify Ethiopian copper-bearing tourmalines in the future.
Whether Ethiopia will indeed secure a permanent place alongside Brazil, Nigeria, and Mozambique remains to be seen.
It is certain that the report once again draws attention to a special gemstone that, nearly forty years after its first discovery, still holds surprises.
Sources: This article is based on information previously published by SSEF en Jewellery Outlook.
