The Rarest Gemstones in the World (Photos)

The rarest gemstones in the world are extraordinary treasures formed under rare geological conditions, making them highly sought after for their beauty and scarcity. Among these are Painite, once the rarest mineral, from Myanmar; Musgravite, a bluish-green gem from Australia; Taaffeite, with fewer than 50 known specimens; and Red Beryl, found only in Utah. Other rare gems include Alexandrite, known for its color change, Poudretteite from Canada, Grandidierite from Madagascar, Serendibite from Sri Lanka, Benitoite from California, and Paraiba Tourmaline, famous for its electric blue-green hue. These gems embody the rare and remarkable artistry of nature.

While diamonds are often considered rare and valuable. However, there are several other gemstones that are even rarer and more unique than diamonds. In this article, we will explore 12 of the rarest gemstones in the world, each with its own fascinating story and characteristics.

The Rarest Gems in the World: Rarer than Diamond

Grandidierite

Rare grandidierite specimen, Cut and Rough.

Grandidierite is an extremely rare mineral, first discovered in Madagascar in 1902. It remains one of the rarest gemstones in the world due to the limited number of known deposits. Grandidierite is known for its unique blue-green to greenish-blue color. It exhibits strong pleochroism, displaying different colors (dark blue-green, light yellow-green, and colorless) when viewed from different angles. Grandidierite has a Mohs hardness of 7.5, making it suitable for jewelry. It has a vitreous to pearly luster and a specific gravity of 2.85 to 3.0. Its refractive index ranges from 1.590 to 1.623.

Grandidierite was first discovered in Madagascar in 1902 and named after French explorer Alfred Grandidier. Recent discoveries of transparent material in Sri Lanka have resulted in beautiful, faceted gemstones. Grandidierite is highly valuable, with prices ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars per carat, depending on size, color, and clarity. A 1-2 carat stone can sell for over $20,000 per carat. The original deposit in Madagascar is nearly depleted. The main source today is a new deposit in Madagascar discovered in 2014. Other sources include Sri Lanka.

Taaffeite

Rough and cut Taaffeite gemstones side by side

Taaffeite is an extremely rare gemstone, much rarer than diamonds. Discovered by accident while examining a box of spinels, taaffeite is a million times rarer than diamonds. It was first discovered in 1945 by Count Edward Charles Richard Taaffe, an Irish gemologist, and is named after him. Taaffeite typically exhibits a pink, red, or purple hue, although colorless and green varieties also exist.

Taaffeite has a hardness of 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for jewelry. It has a refractive index of 1.719 to 1.730 and a specific gravity of 3.60 to 3.62. aaffeite is extremely rare and valuable, with prices ranging from $2,000-$4,000 per carat, though top-grade taaffeites can reach $35,000. Taaffeite is primarily found in Sri Lanka, but it has also been found in Tanzania and China.

Painite

Transformation of Painite from raw crystal to polished gem

Painite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world. It was first discovered in Myanmar in the 1950s, and until 2001, only three crystals were known to exist. Since then, additional discoveries have produced many more specimens, but facetable material remains very rare. Painite has a distinctive reddish-brown to deep red color, often with hues of orange.

Painite contains calcium, zirconium, boron, aluminum, and oxygen. Painite crystals are typically hexagonal and can exhibit transparency to translucency. They have a Mohs hardness of 8, making them relatively hard and durable. Their refractive index ranges from 1.787 to 1.798, contributing to their brilliant luster. Painite is incredibly valuable due to its rarity and beauty. High-quality Painite gemstones command astronomical prices in the gem market. Myanmar remains the primary source of painite, although very few crystals are found each year.

Alexandrite

Rough and cut Alexandrite gemstones showcasing color change

Alexandrite is a very rare gemstone that was first discovered in Russia's Ural Mountains in the 1830s. Alexandrite is a rare variety of chrysoberyl, prized for its unique color-changing properties. High-quality alexandrite is scarce and highly valued. Alexandrite is famous for its dramatic color change, appearing green to bluish-green in daylight or fluorescent light and red to purplish-red under incandescent light. This phenomenon is due to the presence of chromium ions in its crystal structure.

Alexandrite has a Mohs hardness of 8.5, making it suitable for various types of jewelry. It has a vitreous luster and a specific gravity of 3.73. Its pleochroism (showing different colors when viewed from different angles) adds to its allure. Alexandrite is one of the most expensive gemstones, with prices ranging from $10,000 per carat to over $50,000 per carat The value depends on the intensity and quality of the color change, clarity, and carat weight. Historically, Russia was the primary source of alexandrite, but today, significant deposits are also found in Sri Lanka, Brazil, and East Africa.

Red Beryl / Bixbite

Rare Red Beryl (Bixbite) in raw and cut form

Red beryl, also known as bixbite, is among the rarest gemstones, much rarer than emeralds or diamonds. It is estimated to be 1,000 times more valuable than gold. It is found in only one location in the world, the Wah Wah Mountains in Utah. Red beryl is known for its vibrant red color, which can range from raspberry pink to slightly purplish red. It is often compared to red diamonds in terms of rarity and value. Red beryl has a hardness of 7.5 to 8, which is slightly lower than other beryl varieties.

Bixbite is a member of the beryl mineral family, which includes other gemstones such as emerald and aquamarine. Its vivid red color is due to the presence of manganese. Discovered in 1904 by Maynard Bixby in the Wah Wah Mountains of Utah, red beryl has since fascinated gem enthusiasts. The gem-quality crystals are extremely rare, and most specimens are too small or flawed for use in jewelry. Red beryl is extremely rare and valuable, with prices ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per carat, depending on the quality and size of the stone.

Jeremejevite

Uncut Jeremejevite crystal and faceted Jeremejevite gemstone

Jeremejevite is an extremely rare borate mineral first discovered in the late 19th century. It remains one of the most sought-after gemstones due to its scarcity. Jeremejevite is known for its vibrant blue color, which can range from light blue to deep blue. It is also known for its high refractive index, which gives it exceptional brilliance. Jeremejevite crystals are typically prismatic and transparent to translucent. They have a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7.5, making them relatively durable for jewelry. The gemstone has a vitreous luster and a specific gravity of 3.28. Its refractive index ranges from 1.64 to 1.68.

Jeremejevite was first discovered in Siberia in the 1880s and named after Russian mineralogist Pavel Jeremejev. It wasn't until the 1970s that it was found in Namibia, the main source today. Jeremejevite is one of the rarest gemstones and commands high prices. A 1-2 carat stone can sell for over $10,000 per carat. Prices can vary significantly based on size, color, and clarity.

Serendibite

Rare Serendibite: raw material versus polished gemstone

Serendibite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world, with only a handful of gem-quality specimens known to exist. It was first discovered in Sri Lanka in 1902. Serendibite is known for its deep blue-green to dark blue color, although it can also appear black or very dark green. It has strong pleochroism, showing different colors when viewed from different angles. It has a high refractive index and strong dispersion, giving it intense fire and brilliance. Serendibite has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it durable enough for most types of jewelry. It has a vitreous luster and a specific gravity of 3.42 to 3.52. The gemstone's refractive index ranges from 1.701 to 1.706.

Serendibite was Named after Serendib, the old Arabic name for Sri Lanka, serendibite's discovery added a new chapter to the island's rich gemological history. Only a few cut gemstones exist, making it a prized possession for collectors. Serendibite is one of the rarest gemstones and commands high prices. A 1-2 carat stone can sell for over $18,000 per carat. The primary source of serendibite is Sri Lanka, particularly in the region of Ratnapura.

Poudretteite

A raw, unpolished Poudretteite gemstone next to a beautifully faceted and polished specimen."

Poudretteite is an exceptionally rare gemstone, first discovered as tiny crystals in the 1960s. Gem-quality poudretteite specimens are extremely scarce. Poudretteite is known for its delicate pink to violet-pink color and excellent transparency. It exhibits a vitreous luster and can occasionally show chatoyancy (cat's eye effect). It is often transparent to translucent and exhibits a vitreous luster. Poudretteite has a Mohs hardness of 5, making it relatively soft and suitable for jewelry with protective settings. It has a specific gravity of 2.51 to 2.53 and a refractive index of 1.510 to 1.540. The gemstone is typically found as small, prismatic crystals.

Poudretteite was named after the Poudrette family, who operated the quarry in Mont St. Hilaire, Quebec, Canada, where the mineral was originally found. Poudretteite remained a mineral curiosity until the discovery of gem-quality material in Myanmar in the early 2000s. These new finds have increased the availability of the gemstone, though it remains incredibly rare. Due to its rarity and unique color, poudretteite can be quite valuable, with high-quality specimens selling for several thousand dollars per carat. A 1-2 carat stone can sell for over $3,000 per carat. The primary source of poudretteite is Mont St. Hilaire in Quebec, Canada. Gem-quality material has also been found in Myanmar, which is now the main source of this rare gemstone.

Musgravite

A rough, uncut musgravite gemstone in its natural state contrasted with a stunning, faceted and polished specimen

Musgravite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world. It was first discovered in 1967 in the Musgrave Ranges of South Australia and is named after the location. Musgravite is known for its vibrant green color, which can range from light green to deep green. It is also known for its high refractive index, which gives it exceptional brilliance. Musgravite has a Mohs hardness of 8 to 8.5 and a vitreous luster. It has a specific gravity of 3.68 to 3.73 and a refractive index of 1.717 to 1.734. The gemstone is typically found in alluvial deposits and is often associated with beryllium-rich pegmatites.

Musgravite was first identified in 1967, but it wasn't until the 1990s that gem-quality specimens were discovered, making it a relatively new addition to the gemstone market. Musgravite is extremely rare and valuable, with prices ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 per carat, depending on the quality and size of the stone. Australia, specifically the Musgrave Ranges, remains the primary source of musgravite, although it has also been found in very small quantities in Madagascar.

Black Opal

Black Opal gemstone

Black opal is the rarest and most valuable type of opal, distinguished by its dark body tone, which provides a striking contrast to its play of colors. They are found almost exclusively in Australia. Even within Australia, black opals are only mined in a few locations. Black opal is renowned for its vibrant play of colors, which can include red, blue, green, and orange flashes against a dark background. This phenomenon, known as "play-of-color," is due to the diffraction of light within the silica spheres that make up the opal. The most prized specimens have a full spectrum of colors. They have a hardness of 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale. The first black opals were discovered in Australia in 1877. Today, the main source is Lightning Ridge, New South Wales.

Black opal's value is determined by its body color, play-of-color, pattern, and size. High-quality black opals with vibrant play-of-color are extremely valuable. A 1 carat stone can sell for over $3,000. Larger, high-quality stones can be worth over $10,000 per carat. The main source is Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia. Other locations include White Cliffs, New South Wales and Andamooka, South Australia.

Benitoite

Comparison of rough Benitoite and a finished Benitoite gem

Benitoite is an extremely rare gemstone, with only one known deposit in the world located in California, USA. Benitoite is known for its intense blue color, which can rival that of sapphire. It exhibits strong fluorescence under UV light, glowing a bright blue to bluish-white. Benitoite has a Mohs hardness of 6.5, making it suitable for jewelry with careful handling. It has a vitreous luster and a specific gravity of 3.65. The gemstone's refractive index ranges from 1.757 to 1.804, contributing to its brilliance.

Benitoite was first Discovered in 1907 in San Benito County, California, benitoite was initially thought to be sapphire. It was later identified as a new mineral and subsequently became California's state gemstone in 1985. Benitoite is one of the rarest gemstones and commands high prices. A 1-2 carat stone can sell for over $10,000 per carat. The primary and most significant source of benitoite is the Benitoite Gem Mine in San Benito County, California. Other minor occurrences have been reported in Arkansas and Japan, but these are not commercially significant.

Tanzanite

Raw tanzanite crystal next to a polished, faceted gem.

Tanzanite is considered a relatively rare gemstone, although not as scarce as some others on this list. Its unique color and limited source contribute to its desirability. Tanzanite is prized for its striking blue-violet color, which is unlike any other gemstone. It exhibits strong pleochroism, showing different colors (blue, violet, and burgundy) when viewed from different angles. Tanzanite has a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for jewelry but more prone to scratching than some other gemstones. It has a refractive index of 1.69 to 1.70 and a specific gravity of 3.35.

Tanzanite was Discovered in 1967 by Maasai tribesmen, tanzanite was introduced to the gem market by Tiffany & Co., which gave it its commercial name. Tanzanite is often heat-treated to enhance its color, and most tanzanite on the market has undergone this treatment. The largest tanzanite ever found weighed over 16,000 carats. Tanzanite is a valuable gemstone, with prices ranging from $500 to $1,000 per carat, depending on the quality and size of the stone. Tanzanite is only found in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania.

Conclusion

While diamonds are renowned for their beauty and durability, these gemstones surpass diamonds in rarity and beauty in the world of gems. Their scarcity, combined with their extraordinary properties, make them highly sought-after by collectors, jewelers, and those who appreciate the extraordinary.