Five of the World’s Rarest Gemstones
Did you know there are around 200 varieties of gemstones in the world? As well as the well-known precious gems like diamonds, rubies and sapphires, there are also multiple semi-precious stones. Some semi-precious stones are so rare that their value is higher than even the most precious and expensive gems.
Grandidierite
The blue/green Grandidierite gemstone was first found in Madagascar by a French mineralogist back in 1902. Though the mineral has been found in numerous places around the world, it has only been found as gem-quality in Madagascar and Sri Lanka, making it extremely uncommon. The majority of found Grandidierite stones are translucent, but the rarest and most valuable are transparent.
Alexandrite
The Alexandrite is known for its astounding colour changing qualities, which makes it all the more sought after by collectors. First discovered in 1830 in the Ural Mountains, Russia, the stone looks blue and green in sunlight, but under incandescent light it can change to stunning shades of red and purple.
Black Opal
Opals are common choices amongst many for engagement rings and other jewellery, but black opals are extremely rare and most can only be found in New South Wales, Australia. The most valuable black opals are darker in colour with bright inclusions throughout. An 180-carat black opal was valued at around £590,000 in 2005.
Benitoite
The beautiful Benitoite gem is mined in a small area of California. However, this mine closed in 2006 meaning getting hold of the gemstone became more rare and exclusive. Traces of the gem have been found in multiple areas throughout the world, but California is the only place it can be mined. The gem has a deep blue colour that glows fluorescently under UV light.
Red Beryl
Also known as a Red Emerald, the Red Beryl is so rare it is estimated that one of these is uncovered for every 150,000 gem-quality diamonds. Red Beryl can be found in Utah, New Mexico and Mexico, though the majority of gems found are far too small for any use. Those that do manage to be cut and used tend to be less than a carat in weight, so a Red Beryl of 2 or 3 carats is exceptionally rare.
Though getting your hands on these gemstones is unlikely to happen in a lifetime, there are a number of other beautiful gemstones throughout the world. Here at Cuttings, we have some beautiful jewellery available including this sapphire and diamond bracelet and these tanzanite and diamond earrings.
For more information, get in touch with a member of the Cuttings team by visiting us in our Margate or Ramsgate branch or via our contact page.