Discover The World’s Top 10 Most Rare Gemstones on Earth

Gemstones are natural wonders of the Earth, formed over millions or even billions of years. There are over 200 types of gemstones known to humans, with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds being some of the most famous. However, some gemstones are incredibly rare—thousands or even millions of times harder to find than these popular ones.

 

As a result, these rare gemstones are often more valuable than the well-known ones. Their unique features and exceptional scarcity make them truly special. In this article, we will discuss five of the rarest gemstones in the world and what makes each one extraordinary.

 

Have A Look at The Top 10 Most Rare Gemstones

 

1) Painite

• Discovery: Painite was discovered in Myanmar in the 1950s by British mineralogist Arthur C.D. Pain. At first, it was misidentified as a ruby.
• Properties: Painite is hard, with a 7.5–8 hardness, and it has a glassy shine. It’s typically brown, but the best specimens can be transparent. It’s also known for its rare crystal structure.
• Rarity: Painite is one of the rarest minerals on Earth. Myanmar is the only place where it’s found, and gem-quality pieces can sell for up to $60,000 per carat.
• Largest Painite:The largest known Painite weighs around 213.52 carats and is part of the Medici Collection in Los Angeles.

 

2) Red Beryl

• Discovery: First discovered in Utah in the early 1900s, Red Beryl, also known as bixbite, is much rarer than diamonds. Often called “red emerald” because of its vivid color, it’s highly prized for its striking appearance.
• Properties: With a hardness of 7.5–8, Red Beryl is durable, and its rich red hue makes it stand out in jewelry. However, finding good-quality pieces is a huge challenge.
• Rarity: Red Beryl is found only in a few areas in Utah, USA, and even there, it's incredibly hard to find gem-quality. A fine piece can fetch over $10,000 per carat.
• Did You Know: The largest known Red Beryl crystal weighs about 54 carats, a truly extraordinary find.

 

3) Alexandrite

• Discovery: In 1830 in Russia, Alexandrite is famous for its ability to change color. It shifts from green in daylight to red under incandescent light, making it one of the most fascinating gemstones.
• Properties: With a hardness of 8.5, Alexandrite is tough and durable. Its color change and rarity make it highly sought after, with top-quality stones reaching incredible prices.
• Rarity: Alexandrite is rare because it only occurs in a few places, including Russia, Sri Lanka, and Brazil. The best-quality stones can cost over $50,000 per carat.
• Largest Alexandrite: The largest Alexandrite ever found weighs 65.08 carats and is part of the Smithsonian's collection.

 

4) Black Opal

• Discovery: In the late 1800s in Australia, Black Opal is found almost exclusively in Lightning Ridge. Its intense colors make it one of the most beautiful and rare opals in the world.
• Properties: Unlike other opals, Black Opal has a dark background that makes its colors—like red, green, and blue—shine through more vividly. It has a softness of 5.5–6.5 on the Mohs scale, so it needs extra care.
• Rarity: Black Opal is rare because it forms under specific conditions, and only a few places in the world produce it. High-quality specimens can sell for thousands of dollars per carat.
• Biggest Find: The Olympic Australis, weighing 17,000 carats, is the largest Black Opal ever discovered and is worth millions.

 

5) Tanzanite

• Discovery: Tanzanite was found in 1967 in Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro, by a local Maasai herder. The stones were so unusual that Tiffany & Co. decided to name the gemstone after the country where it was discovered.
• Properties: Tanzanite is famous for its color-changing ability. Depending on the angle, it can appear blue, violet, or even burgundy. With a hardness of 6–7, it's a delicate gemstone, perfect for jewelry when treated with care.
• Rarity: Tanzanite is found only in a tiny region of northern Tanzania, making it one of the rarest gemstones in the world. High-quality pieces can cost thousands per carat.
• Largest Tanzanite: The largest tanzanite ever discovered weighed an incredible 16,839 carats, found in 2020 by a miner in Tanzania.

 

6) Musgravite

• Discovery: Musgravite was discovered in 1967 in the Musgrave Ranges of Australia. Initially mistaken for a related mineral, it was later identified as a distinct gemstone.
• Properties: Musgravite has a hardness of 8–8.5 and comes in shades of grayish purple to greenish gray. It is extremely durable and rare.
• Rarity: This gemstone is incredibly rare, with only a few stones ever cut for jewelry. Prices can exceed $35,000 per carat.
• Largest Musgravite: The exact largest stone is unknown, but any gem-quality piece is highly prized.

 

7) Jadeite

• Discovery: Jadeite has been known for centuries, especially in Mesoamerican and East Asian cultures. Its finest form was discovered in Myanmar.
• Properties: Jadeite has a hardness of 6.5–7 and ranges in color from bright green to lavender and white.
• Rarity: High-quality Jadeite, particularly Imperial Jade, is rare and valuable. Prices can reach over $3 million per carat for the finest stones.
• Largest Jadeite: A famous jadeite boulder named “The Stone of Heaven” weighs over 50,000 kilograms.

 

8) Benitoite

• Discovery: Benitoite was discovered in 1907 in San Benito County, California. It was initially mistaken for sapphire before being classified as a new mineral.
• Properties: Benitoite has a hardness of 6–6.5 and is known for its striking blue fluorescence under ultraviolet light.
• Rarity: It is found only in California, making it rare and highly valued by collectors. Prices can range from $1,000 to $4,000 per carat.
• Largest Benitoite: The largest faceted stone weighs around 7.8 carats.

 

9) Grandidierite

• Discovery: Grandidierite was discovered in Madagascar in 1902 by French mineralogist Alfred Lacroix.
• Properties: This gemstone has a hardness of 7.5 and features a translucent bluish-green hue.
• Rarity: Grandidierite is rare due to its limited sources, mostly in Madagascar. High-quality pieces can cost over $20,000 per carat.
• Largest Grandidierite: The largest known crystal weighs around 763 carats.

 

10) Serendibite

• Discovery: Serendibite was discovered in Sri Lanka in 1902. Its name comes from the old Arabic name for Sri Lanka, "Serendib."
• Properties: Serendibite has a hardness of 6.5–7 and appears in dark blue to greenish hues.
• Rarity: This gemstone is rare because only a few stones have been cut for use. Prices can exceed $18,000 per carat.
• Largest Serendibite: The largest cut Serendibite weighs around 5.16 carats.

 

Conclusion

Rare gemstones are nature's hidden treasures, each with its own unique story, striking properties, and breathtaking beauty. From the color-changing magic of Alexandrite to the unparalleled scarcity of Painite, these gemstones represent the pinnacle of rarity and value in the world of minerals. Their limited sources and exceptional qualities make them highly prized among collectors and jewelers alike. Whether you’re drawn to the fiery hues of Red Beryl, the vibrant play of colors in Black Opal, or the one-of-a-kind glow of Grandidierite, these gems highlight the incredible diversity of Earth's natural wonders. Owning or even admiring one of these rare gemstones is a privilege and a reminder of the marvels our planet has to offer.