If you're looking for color, you've come to the right stone.

In 1989, just when the gem world thought every possible color for tourmaline had been covered (or, uncovered) an amazing discovery in Brazil brought to market a new variety of such unique, brilliant neon blue that it changed the face of tourmaline forever. Named Paraiba (after the region in Brazil where it was mined) this exciting stone caused an uproar in the gem industry with demand so great that stones were selling for thousands of dollars per carat, wholesale! Then, just as suddenly as this stone appeared, the source ran dry. Now, a top quality paraiba tourmaline has been known to command a whopping $15,000 per carat, wholesale; making it one of the most valuable gemstones in the world.

Most tourmaline, however, is much more affordable. Following, is a list of available colors in order of market value for top quality stones.

Rubellite: Most red tourmaline tends to turn brownish under normal house lighting and will also be of lower clarity than other transparent tourmaline. These red and pink stones are quite affordable. But when a stone of vivid red, with rare high clarity, comes along, it is termed rubellite. Such specimens can wholesale for over $2,000 a carat.

Chrome: This gorgeous, rich green tourmaline gets its color from chromium, the same agent that gives emerald its lush color. True "chrome" green of high quality can command over $1,000, wholesale. Most green tourmaline, however, is not colored by chromium. The difference can be determined by a special "Chelsea" color filter test in which true chrome will appear reddish. Unlike red tourmaline, all of the green variety is easily found with high clarity, and will bring anywhere from $50 to $500 a carat, retail.

Indicolite: These blue tourmaline stones come in a wide variety of shades and prices. They can typically be found for well under $1,000 a carat.

Gold, yellow and orange: Top quality stones in this category are readily available for under $400 a carat.

Colorless, white and black: Very common and inexpensive.

Color-change: When distinct color change occurs from outdoors to indoors, this unique variety of tourmaline is highly prized and expensive. The most common color shift is daylight yellowish-green to indoor blood orange.

Bi, or tri-color: Also called "parti," these unusual stones display two or three colors simultaneously. The most common is a light pink surrounded by slices of green and is known as "watermelon tourmaline." Look for sharp distinction of color.

Cat's eye: The unusual effect in this variety of tourmaline is caused by an overabundance of the inclusion (internal flaw) trichites which are hollow tubes lying parallel to the length of the stone. These stones are available in a plethora of colors and retail for $50 to about $500 a carat.