Gemstone profile and identification guide
Paraiba Spinel
Paraiba spinel is a trade term for bright neon blue-green spinel resembling paraiba-style color appearance.
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Overview
Paraiba spinel is a trade term for bright neon blue-green spinel resembling paraiba-style color appearance.
Did you know? The paraiba term in non-tourmaline gems usually denotes color likeness, not composition.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Paraiba Spinel
Scientific classification: Spinel Trade Descriptor (Neon Blue-Green Color Category)
Hardness: 8 Mohs
Transparency: transparent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Primary colour: Neon Blue
Secondary colour: Blue Green
Colour family: Blues
Species remains spinel; paraiba label refers to color style rather than mineral species.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Trade-name entries include conservative composition and treatment disclosures where needed.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 8 Mohs
Chemical composition: Magnesium aluminum oxide (MgAl2O4), with trace-element color causes
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Common locations: Tanzania, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Myanmar (spinel sources vary by lot)
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Neon blue-green spinel sold under paraiba-like trade color naming.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Spinel (color-descriptor trade name)
Mineral group: Spinel group
Chemical formula: Magnesium aluminum oxide (MgAl2O4), with trace-element color causes
Mohs hardness: 8
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: transparent
Streak: White
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
Specific gravity: 3.58-3.63
Refractive index: 1.718
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Neon blue to blue-green
Common inclusions: Growth features, fractures, and matrix/inclusion structures as applicable
Geological environment: Species-dependent; see formation process
Principal mining regions: Tanzania, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Myanmar (spinel sources vary by lot)
Important commercial sources: Paraiba spinel is a color-style trade descriptor; species is spinel, not tourmaline
Historical significance: Recognized in modern gem and mineral trade contexts.
Common treatments: Most spinel is untreated; treatment disclosure still required by lot.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Imitations may exist depending on material category.
Common look-alikes: Species-dependent look-alikes in trade.
Jewellery uses: Used in fine faceted jewelry as a vivid blue-green stone.
Care recommendations: Excellent durability for jewelry; standard care is suitable.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Paraiba Spinel.
Formation
Spinel forms in metamorphic and alluvial environments linked to magnesium-aluminum systems.
Origin
Paraiba spinel is a color-style trade descriptor; species is spinel, not tourmaline
Uses
Best for: Used in fine faceted jewelry as a vivid blue-green stone.
Ideal uses: Fine jewelry where high durability and saturated color are desired.
Care
Excellent durability for jewelry; standard care is suitable.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
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Paraiba Spinel FAQ
How can I identify Paraiba Spinel?
Compare hardness (8 Mohs), crystal system (Isometric (Cubic)), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Paraiba Spinel appear in?
Neon blue-green spinel sold under paraiba-like trade color naming.
Where is Paraiba Spinel commonly used?
Fine jewelry where high durability and saturated color are desired.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 07 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 07 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 07 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 07 factual verification pass.