GIA and Gübelin confirm Ethiopia as a new copper-bearing tourmaline source
Courtesy of the Ferreira Group · Photo: Annie Haynes / GIAIndependent investigations establish reference data, with official photographs showing the material’s colour variation.
The announcement
On 27 August 2026, GIA and Gübelin Gem Lab jointly communicated conclusions from independent investigations confirming Ethiopia as a source of copper-bearing tourmaline meeting the definition of paraíba tourmaline. Each laboratory obtained reference samples and conducted chemical and spectroscopic work. The official photographs include a 7.64 ct faceted stone, an 8.70 ct rough and rough samples of different colours.
JEWEL DAILY perspective
JEWEL DAILY distinguishes a colour description from geographic origin. Blue-green appearance alone cannot prove where a stone formed. The reference data supports laboratory identification rather than labels for every similar-looking gem. Buyers should consider identity, treatment information and origin conclusions separately. The finding does not by itself establish future prices or production volumes, and the reference collections continue to grow.
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