Glossary
Ethiopia
Within a few years Ethiopia has become a new source of emerald, sapphire and Paraíba tourmaline. Emeralds come from the south of the country, sapphires from basalt regions in the north.
Paraíba tourmaline
In August 2026 GIA and the Gübelin Gem Lab independently confirmed that a new deposit in Ethiopia produces copper-bearing tourmaline that meets the accepted definition of Paraíba tourmaline. After Brazil, Nigeria and Mozambique, Ethiopia is thus the fourth known source.
Emerald
Ethiopian emeralds often show a vivid green and are reported by laboratories as an origin of their own. Production is still young; quantity and quality vary.
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Updated 2026-10-04