word
Paraíba tourmaline
pah-rah-EE-bah TOOR-mah-lin
ˌpɑːrəˈiːbə ˈtʊərməlɪnListen
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Syllable breakdown
Paraíbatourmaline
Dictionary meaning
An extremely rare, vivid blue or green tourmaline containing copper and manganese; one of the world's most valuable gem materials by weight.
History and origin
Named after the Brazilian state of Paraíba where it was first discovered in 1987.
Examples
- A fine Paraíba tourmaline can fetch more per carat than a D-flawless diamond.
Common mispronunciations
PAR-ah-ee-bah
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