Physical, crystal-chemical and absorption spectroscopical properties of blue tourmalines from a new occurrence in the State of Paraiba, Brazil, are described. Refractive indices, birefringence and specific gravity have been determined as n_e = 1.615–1.620, n_o = 1.632–1.640, Δn=−0.017 to −0.020 and 3.04–3.07g/cm³. Microprobe analyses proved the samples to be elbaites, which are relatively Mn-rich and contain 2.1 wt. % CuO and 0.5 wt. % Bi₂O₃. Lattice constants are a_o = 15.854(4) and c_o = 7.102(1) Å. The blue colour is due to pleochroic absorption bands of Cu²⁺ and Mn³⁺ with maxima at 700 and 520 nm respectively.