Paraiba opals are a rare and stunning variety of opals prized for their vivid blue-green hues, which resemble the coloration of Paraiba tourmalines. These opals are named after the state of Paraiba in Brazil, where they were first discovered. The most striking feature of Paraiba opals is their bright, translucent-to-semi-translucent body color in shades of blue, green, or turquoise. The colors are caused by traces of copper, the same element responsible for the vibrant hues in Paraiba tourmalines. Some stones exhibit a play-of-color (iridescent flashes), although the body color itself is often the primary attraction.