The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History just welcomed a breathtaking new addition to its National Gem Collection: the “ZaZa Azul Paraiba.” This 13.34-carat, flawless Paraiba tourmaline — a dazzling example of October's birthstone — was gifted to the museum earlier this year by philanthropists Sandi and Bob Kolitz.
The gem’s name reflects both personal meaning and geographic heritage. “ZaZa” is the affectionate nickname Sandi Kolitz’s grandchildren use for her, while “Azul” is Portuguese for blue — an homage to the stone’s vivid neon hue and Brazilian origin. The gem was discovered in the 1980s at the famed Batalha Mine in Paraíba, Brazil, the birthplace of the world’s most sought-after copper-bearing tourmalines.
Paraiba tourmalines are celebrated for their electric, almost “Windex” blue glow, a color phenomenon caused by trace amounts of copper within the crystal structure of the mineral elbaite. While similar copper-bearing tourmalines have since been found in Nigeria and Mozambique, those from Brazil’s early discoveries remain the rarest and most prized. Few achieve the size, clarity and vibrancy of the ZaZa Azul, making it a fitting new member of elite gemstones housed at the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals.
Adding to its allure is its mounting: a Bvlgari “Trombino” ring, an iconic design that features 44 diamonds totaling six carats, set in white gold with yellow gold accents. Remarkably, this is also the first Bvlgari jewel to enter the Smithsonian’s collection, marking a milestone for both the museum and the storied Italian house.
For jewelry lovers, the ZaZa Azul exemplifies the allure of October’s tourmaline. While the gem family encompasses nearly every color of the rainbow, the Paraiba variety has captivated collectors, connoisseurs and museum visitors alike with its unforgettable neon glow. Its rarity, history, and now its place at the Smithsonian, underscore why tourmaline continues to shine as one of the most intriguing birthstones.
Tourmalines range from 7 to 7.5 on the Moh’s scale of hardness, which makes them durable enough to be used in any type of jewelry. Tourmaline has been an official birthstone for October since the original list was published by the National Association of Jewelers in 1912. Opal is the month’s other official birthstone.
Credits: Photos courtesy of Smithsonian.