Gemstones are made up of a wide array of elements, including minerals, rocks, and even organic matter. Given that there are over 300 gemstones known to exist, it is highly likely that there are those that are substantially rarer and therefore more valuable than the well-known diamond.
There are some crystals that contain some of the most costly jewels in the world, but we are unlikely to ever see these crystals in person. These stones are in extremely high demand among museums and private collectors. It is possible to get other valuable gemstones if sufficient funds are available. This list provides information on the origin of 10 uncommon and valuable gemstones, as well as buying advice and other pertinent details
01 Tanzanite
This relatively new stone has only been discovered in Northern Tanzania, in contrast to the majority of gemstones, which are found in a range of locations. In 1967, a member of the Masai tribe named Ali Juuyawatu made the initial discovery of a diamond. One of the official birthstones for the month of December is tanzanite, which is a blue gem-quality variant of the mineral zoisite. The tanzanite resource could be consumed over the next 20 to 30 years, according to predictions made by industry specialists, which would make this stone substantially rarer than diamonds.
The Mohs scale of hardness places tanzanite between 6-7, which indicates that it is tough enough to be worn on a regular basis. The most desirable shade is a true blue that is so close to the color of sapphire that it can hardly be told apart. The majority of tanzanite owes the intensity of its color to the use of heat. Look for stones that are at least 5 carats if you want the color possibilities to be maximized. When it comes to stones of high quality, the going rate per carat is approximately $1,200. Tanzanite jewelry is the most trendy jewelry in recent times.
02 Taaffeite
Due in large part to the fact that it is so uncommon, the majority of people have never heard of the gemstone known as taaffeite. Richard Taaffe, an Australian gemologist, was the one who made the discovery in 1945. The gemstone is light violet in color. Taaffeite had been misidentified as spinel prior to his discovery of it. This gemstone has a unique ability to refract light, which is not shared by spinel. The observation made by Taaffe is significant since it marks the first time a gemstone was found not as gemstone rough but as a faceted gemstone.
Only in Tanzania and Sri Lanka has the mineral taaffeite been discovered. Because the majority of the material cannot be used for faceting, locating it can be much more challenging. Due to the fact that the gemstone is so uncommon, it is estimated to be nearly one million times rarer than a diamond.
Consider acquiring well-cut variants of amethyst in a lilac tint if you like the look of taaffeite but don’t want to pay for a collector’s item. Taaffeite is a costly gemstone. The hue of amethyst is remarkably similar to that of sapphire, despite the latter being more brilliant. It is possible to get a taaffeite gemstone of exceptional quality and rarity if the hunt takes some time and effort on your part. On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, the stone scores between 8 and 8.5, making it more long-lasting than amethyst. This may make it an option worthy of consideration. The standard price for a carat is now set at $2500 per carat.
03 Demantoid Garnet
It was in Russia in the middle of the 1800s that a rare green form of andradite garnet called demantoid was discovered. Demantoid garnet is among the rarest and most precious members of the warm-toned garnet family, despite the fact that other forms of warm-toned garnet are thought to be abundant and affordable. Due to the fact that most crystals are of a smaller size, it will be difficult for you to locate a demantoid garnet weighing more than 2 carats. In contrast to a significant number of other gemstones available for purchase today, demantoid garnets are rarely treated, which is one of the gemstone’s many appealing qualities.
On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, demantoid garnet rates between 6.5 and 7.5, which indicates that the stone can withstand normal wear and tear if it is properly maintained. Due to the rarity of large specimens of this particular form of garnet, your best chance is to look for a stone that weighs between 0.5 and 0.75 carats. Be sure that it is cut properly so that the natural brightness of the stone may be displayed. When it comes to high-quality natural stones, the going rate per carat is $3,300 on average.
04 Black Opal
The most sought-after and valuable variety of opal is known as black opal. In addition to this, it is regarded as one of the rarest of all gemstones. The Lightning Ridge mine in New South Wales, Australia, is responsible for producing an overwhelming majority of the world’s supply of black opal.
The body tone of a piece of black opal is the most important factor in determining whether or not it is a piece of common or black opal. Even though they can be found in a variety of hues, black opals have a color palette that leans more toward the darkest end of the spectrum. On the market today you may get synthetic black opals as well as treatments that are difficult to distinguish without the assistance of a laboratory. When purchasing black opal, make sure to do it from a reliable source. The fine-quality stones often have an average price per carat that is greater than $3,500.
05 Benitoite
The majority of people who enjoy jewelry on a day-to-day basis will never be able to appreciate the full beauty of benitoite. Only in San Benito County, California has this gemstone been discovered that has a sapphire blue color. It was George D. Louderback who made the initial discovery of it in the early 1900s. In 1985, it was selected to represent the state of California as its official gemstone. In the past, the stone was given the incorrect classification of spinel, however, because to the exceptionally high degree of brilliance possessed by the gemstone, it was eventually reexamined and renamed.
You will need to conduct some research in order to locate a supplier of benitoite that can be relied upon and is legitimately selling the mineral. When you do, you should be ready to spend money. You should look for a stone that has a medium body tone and a cut that brings out the stone’s fire to its fullest potential. Stones with a coloration that is too deep will not reflect light very well. Stones that are excessively pale in color will have a washed-out appearance. Do not anticipate discovering stones weighing more than three carats. Stones with medium blue tones fetch an average price of $3,800 per carat as a purchase price. A large reduction in cost per carat may be achieved by purchasing stones with a total weight of less than one carat.
