Currently, Paraíba tourmaline is drawing the attention of gem collectors and renowned high jewelry brands worldwide, earning it the moniker "phantom gem" due to its rarity. What is the allure of this gem, as described by a connoisseur?

"The blue of Paraíba tourmaline, reminiscent of vibrant seas and skies, seems to condense the beauty of both. This gem encapsulates every shade of blue gradation that humans find most beautiful."

So says Merajuddin, CEO of Noor Gem Japan, a company that imports and sells high-quality, rare gemstones.

Many are likely familiar with the vibrant blue tourmaline. Among these, the Paraíba tourmaline that Merajuddin focuses on is an exceptionally rare blue-green tourmaline, mined from a single deposit in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Its unparalleled beauty and rarity, often described as one of the world's three major rare gemstones, place it at the pinnacle of the gem world, earning it the nickname "phantom gem."

This gem, discovered by chance in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, in the late 1980s, was initially described as "neon blue tourmaline" for its brilliant blue glow, as if illuminated by a light.

Subsequently, named Paraíba tourmaline after its place of origin, the gem garnered attention from gem merchants and collectors worldwide as a gemstone valued even more highly than sapphires or emeralds.

However, Merajuddin notes that before Paraíba tourmaline gained global recognition, it was actually Japanese individuals who first recognized its value.

"Perhaps surprisingly, it was Japanese buyers who first took notice and purchased Paraíba tourmaline when it was discovered."

At the time, Japan was experiencing an economic bubble, and Japanese buyers were quickly captivated by the beauty of Paraíba tourmaline, recognizing its business potential.

Merajuddin explains that there are two reasons why Paraíba tourmaline is highly valued.

"The first, as I mentioned earlier, is the beauty of its color. Among tourmalines, blue-green varieties are the rarest and most sought after, and Paraíba tourmaline miraculously blends beautiful blues and greens within a single stone. Moreover, its hue is exceptionally vivid, displaying various expressions depending on the viewing angle. It is truly like a work of art."

Incidentally, this stunning coloration is attributed to the trace amounts of copper and manganese present in Paraíba tourmaline.

The second reason Merajuddin cites is its rarity.

"There is only one mine in the world that produces it, and the reserves at the Batalha mine are extremely limited. Mining has effectively ceased."

This mine was discovered in the late 1980s, with production peaking around 1990, and by the 2000s, most of its reserves had been extracted. "Paraíba tourmaline is a product of geological chance, and the possibility of finding another similar deposit is virtually nonexistent," Merajuddin points out.

While blue-green tourmalines have also been discovered in Africa and are sometimes called Paraíba tourmalines due to their similar color, Merajuddin states that their quality is far inferior to that of Brazilian specimens.

Due to this rarity, high-quality Brazilian Paraíba tourmalines command high prices.

"It has been over 30 years since Paraíba tourmaline was discovered and first exhibited at gem shows, and its trading price has increased by approximately 80 to 100 times."

For the past decade or so, its inclusion in major auction houses like Sotheby's and Christie's has further heightened collector interest, contributing to the price surge, according to Merajuddin.

"Its beautiful blue-green hue is striking, and in recent years, it has also attracted the attention of prominent high jewelry brands both domestically and internationally. Some high jewelry brands have unveiled Paraíba tourmaline jewelry pieces valued at up to 100 million yen."

As Merajuddin states, prestigious high jewelry brands are increasingly competing to present creations featuring Paraíba tourmaline. This, in itself, speaks to the gem's beauty and exceptional rarity.

Merajuddin suggests that Paraíba tourmaline also serves as an excellent option for investment purposes. This is because the gem possesses extremely high asset value, with demand increasing while supply dwindles.

"It can be recommended as a long-term investment, and because demand for gemstones is less susceptible to economic fluctuations, it is also attractive as a hedge asset."

The allure of Paraíba tourmaline lies in its beauty, rarity, and the asset value derived from these qualities. Its captivating blue-green radiance, which continues to mesmerize people, will likely never fade. Indeed, the "new value" discovered by Japanese buyers continues to enchant many to this day.