In Memoriam: Heitor Barbosa
The discoverer of Paraíba tourmaline, Heitor Barbosa (see above), died September 23, 2023, at the age of 90. Driven by intuition, Barbosa began his quest in the early 1980s at an old pegmatite mine in the Brazilian state of Paraíba. After several unsuccessful years and considerable skepticism from others, Barbosa prevailed and unearthed one of the world’s rarest gems—cuprian elbaite tourmaline—in 1989. Over the next two years, using simple hand tools and candles for lighting, Barbosa and his team recovered between 10 and 15 kg of the tourmaline characterized by its vivid blue and blue-green hues. Production slowed significantly in the years that followed, but Barbosa continued to work the mine, remaining hopeful that more tourmaline would be uncovered. Today, Barbosa’s son Sergio maintains the mine.
Barbosa is survived by his wife, four children, and two grandchildren. We extend our condolences to his family and friends.
.jpg "YMAL GIA Ed")
