Top 20 most expensive and rarest gemstones in the world

One of June's birthstones, this chrysoberyl variant, discovered in Russia's Ural Mountains in 1830, is famed for its remarkable colour-changing properties, appearing bluish-green in daylight and reddish-purple under incandescent light. The original Russian sources have been nearly depleted, making Alexandrite from this region particularly valuable. Prices for fine-quality Alexandrite can exceed $15,000 per carat, with Russian-origin stones often commanding higher premiums.

3. Red Beryl (Bixbite)

Red Beryl is one of the rarest gemstones, discovered in Utah's Wah Wah Mountains in 1904. Only about 5% of the mined stones are of gem quality, with most crystals being too small to cut. The stone's vibrant red to raspberry-pink colour is due to manganese impurities. High-quality Red Beryl can fetch upwards of \$10,000 per carat.

4. Benitoite

This rare blue gemstone was discovered near the San Benito River in California in 1907. Initially mistaken for sapphire, it was later identified as a new mineral.

The mine where Benitoite was found was closed in the mid-2000s, making this gem even rarer. Prices for Benitoite can range from $3,000 to $4,000 per carat for stones over one carat.

5. Tanzanite

First found in Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada, in the 1960s, Poudretteite was confirmed as a new mineral species in 1987. The largest known faceted Poudretteite is 9.41 carats, housed in the Smithsonian Museum. This gem can fetch prices of up to $3,000 per carat.

Hibonite is a rare and intriguing gemstone, primarily known for its deep black or brownish-black colour. It belongs to the group of calcium aluminum oxides and was first discovered in Madagascar. The gemstone is named after the French geologist Paul Hibon, who first identified it. Hibonite's unique coloration and rarity make it a prized specimen for collectors and gem enthusiasts.

Geologically, hibonite is one of the earliest minerals to form in the cooling process of magma, making it a significant mineral for understanding the formation of the Earth's crust and the early solar system. It often occurs in meteorites and is associated with other high-temperature minerals, which adds to its scientific interest. Despite its fascinating origins, hibonite is not commonly used in jewelry due to its rarity and the challenges associated with cutting and polishing this hard and brittle mineral.

In terms of physical properties, hibonite is relatively hard, scoring between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. However, its brittleness can make it difficult to work with in a gemological context. Hibonite's deep colour and opacity mean it does not have the brilliance or fire of more transparent gemstones. Still, its unique appearance and rarity attract interest from collectors and gemstone enthusiasts. Due to its scarcity and specialized interest, hibonite remains a relatively unknown gemstone outside mineralogical and collector circles. Hibonite's rarity and unique formation process make it a collector's gem, with prices reaching up to $1,000 per carat.

16. Pezzottaite

Also known as "raspberry beryl," this rare pink-to-red mineral was first found in Madagascar. It's sometimes mistaken for red beryl or morganite but is chemically distinct. Pezzottaite can be valued at up to $500 per carat.

17. Uvarovite

Uvarovite is a distinctive and rare member of the garnet family, renowned for its vibrant emerald-green colour. This unique hue is due to the presence of chromium in its composition. It typically forms as small, druzy, densely packed crystals, giving it a sparkling, textured surface. On the Mohs scale, uvarovite ranks between 6.5 and 7.5, indicating reasonable hardness and durability. However, its crystals are usually opaque to translucent and often too small and fragile for traditional jewelry settings.

This rare garnet is found in metamorphic rocks and is often associated with chromium-rich deposits. Key locations for Uvarovite include Russia, India, Poland, and Canada. Due to its small crystal size, uvarovite is rarely used in conventional jewelry like rings or necklaces. Instead, it's popular in pendants, earrings, and brooches, where its druzy form can be showcased, making the most of its glittering surface.

Mineral collectors highly value Uvarovite for its rarity and distinctive green colour. The value of uvarovite specimens varies based on the quality and size of the crystals. In crystal healing is associated with prosperity, abundance, and the heart chakra and is believed to foster contentment and peace. +

Uvarovite's value can reach up to $400 per carat.

18. Cuprite

Known for its high refractive index and deep red colour, Cuprite is a copper oxide mineral found in oxidized copper deposits. Its rarity and beauty make it a sought-after gemstone, with prices up to $500 per carat.

19. Euclase

Euclase is a rare and captivating gemstone prized for its exceptional brilliance and striking colours. It belongs to the beryllium aluminum silicate mineral family and is known for its high refractive index comparable to that of diamonds. This quality gives Euclase its remarkable sparkle and fire, making it a coveted gem for collectors. Typically, euclase exhibits a range of colours, from colourless to shades of blue and green. The most sought-after variety is the deep blue euclase, which is rare and visually stunning.

Discovered in the late 18th century, euclase's name is derived from the Greek words "eu" and "klasis," meaning "good" and "break," respectively. This name reflects its perfect cleavage, a characteristic that makes it challenging to cut and polish. As a result, skilled lapidaries are required to handle euclase, and even then, the risk of fracturing the stone during the cutting process is high. This difficulty in processing contributes to its rarity and value in the gem market.

Euclase is found in several locations worldwide, including Brazil, Russia, Zimbabwe, and Colombia. However, high-quality specimens suitable for gemstone use are relatively scarce. The rarity of Euclase and its beauty make it a prized possession for gem enthusiasts and collectors. Regarding hardness, euclase ranks at about 7.5 on the Mohs scale, which is relatively hard but still requires careful handling to avoid scratching or chipping.

In metaphysical beliefs, euclase is associated with clarity of thought and creativity. It's believed to enhance intuition and insight, making it a popular choice for those seeking spiritual growth. Euclase can command prices of up to $1,000 per carat.

20. Scolecite

While not commonly known as a gemstone, Scolecite is a rare mineral forming in volcanic cavities, known for its crystal structure and its slender, needle-like crystals. It's typically white or colorless and is a collector's item rather than a traditional gemstone.

These gemstones are rare due to their unique geological formation processes, limited geographical distribution, and often challenging mining conditions. Their rarity makes them highly sought after by collectors and gem enthusiasts.

FAQs about Rare gemstones

What is the rarest gem in the world?

The title of the rarest gem in the world is often attributed to Painite. For many years, there were only a couple of known specimens of this deep-red to brownish-red gemstone. It was first discovered in Myanmar in the 1950s, and for decades, only a handful of Painite crystals were known to exist. Even with more recent discoveries, the total number of Painite specimens remains extremely low, solidifying its status as one of the rarest gems.

Are emeralds rarer than diamonds?

Yes, emeralds are generally rarer than diamonds. While diamonds are more commonly found in nature, high-quality emeralds without inclusions are exceptionally rare. The unique conditions required for emeralds to form make them less common than diamonds. Additionally, inclusions and flaws in most emeralds make finding a flawless emerald a rare occurrence.

Are rubies more rare than diamonds?

Rubies, especially high-quality ones, are rarer than diamonds. Like emeralds, the rarity of rubies increases significantly when considering those without inclusions or with a deep, vivid red colour (often referred to as "pigeon's blood" rubies). While diamonds are more abundant in nature, the rarity of fine rubies makes them more scarce and often more valuable.

What are the rarest minerals on earth?

Some of the rarest minerals on Earth include:

• Painite: Once considered the rarest mineral in the world.

• Fingerite: Known to exist only near the summit of Izalco Volcano in El Salvador.

• Rhodium: A rare metal often found in platinum or nickel ores.

• Red Beryl: Also known as Bixbite, located in specific regions of Utah, USA.

• Alexandrite: A color-changing variety of chrysoberyl.

• Grandidierite: A blue-green mineral from Madagascar.

• Taaffeite: A rare gemstone often mistaken for spinel.

• Jadeite: A rare form of jade highly valued in certain cultures.

• Serendibite: An extremely rare gem.

• Poudretteite: Initially discovered in Quebec, Canada. These minerals are rare due to their unique formation processes, limited geographical distribution, and the specific conditions required for their formation.

Are opals more rare than diamonds?

Opals are not necessarily rarer than diamonds overall, but high-quality, precious opals with a full play of colour can be quite rare. The rarity of opals increases with the quality and uniqueness of the play of colour, the size, and the type of opal. For example, the Black Opal from Lightning Ridge in Australia is among the rarest and most sought-after opals. In general, while diamonds are more common, certain black opals can be rarer and more valuable than average diamonds.

What is Fingerite?

Fingerite is an extremely rare mineral, known for its scarcity and unique composition. It was named after mineralogist Larry Finger of the Carnegie Institution in Washington, D.C. Here are some key points about Fingerite:

1. Chemical Composition: Fingerite is a complex mineral primarily composed of copper and vanadium, with its chemical formula being Cu^11O^2(VO^4). This composition makes it one of the most copper-rich minerals known.

2. Discovery and Location: This mineral is known to exist only in a very specific location – near the summit of the Izalco Volcano in El Salvador. The unique volcanic environment of Izalco is essential for the formation of Fingerite.

3. Formation Conditions: Fingerite forms under very specific conditions, including high temperatures and a fumarolic environment (an opening in or near a volcano through which hot sulphurous gases emerge). These conditions are rare, contributing to the mineral's rarity.

4. Appearance: It typically appears as small, dark red to orange crystals. The crystals are usually microscopic and are found in volcanic fumaroles.

5. Rarity and Significance: Due to its limited location and the specific conditions required for its formation, Fingerite is considered one of the rarest minerals on Earth. Its rarity and unique composition make it of particular interest to mineralogists and collectors.

6. Practical Uses: As of now, Fingerite does not have any significant commercial or practical applications. Its value lies primarily in its rarity and importance for scientific study, particularly in understanding the geochemical processes in volcanic environments.

Fingerite's extreme rarity and the difficulty in accessing its natural habitat (the hazardous terrain of an active volcano) make it a mineral that few will ever encounter or study in person.