Two of the world’s foremost gemological authorities have verified the discovery of a significant new source of rare, copper-bearing tourmaline in Ethiopia, adding a major new supplier to one of the luxury jewelry sector’s most valuable gemstone markets.

Independent testing conducted by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and Switzerland-based Gübelin Gem Lab confirmed that newly circulating rough material originates from an Ethiopian deposit and qualifies as the coveted “Paraiba” variety. Historically, supply of the vivid, copper-infused gemstone has been restricted to limited deposits in Brazil, Nigeria, and Mozambique.

Reports of Ethiopian material first emerged across global trading networks in early 2026 as unrefined stones began appearing on international markets. Gübelin acquired and tested roughly 300 rough and cut specimens in May, while the GIA analyzed a parcel of more than 100 stones in July to establish origin baselines.

The testing revealed that while the stones exhibit the signature electric blues, bluish-greens, violets, and purples typical of copper-bearing elbaite, their trace-element profile is distinct from South American and West African counterparts.

Many specimens also display pronounced internal color zoning corresponding to subtle variations in chemical concentration during crystallization.

Both laboratories stated they will continue expanding their reference databases and analytical testing as commercial mining operations mature and additional Ethiopian rough enters the global supply chain.