10 Rarest Precious Stones That Are More Expensive Than Diamonds

When we think of rarest precious stones, diamonds often steal the spotlight. Their brilliant sparkle, association with love and luxury, and of course, their high price tag make them the poster child of valuable gemstones. However, the world of gemstones is much more diverse and intriguing than diamonds alone. There exist stones so rarest precious stones that they make diamonds seem common in comparison. These are the rarest precious stones that are more valuable than diamonds.

10 Rarest Precious Stones

1. Jadeite (The Green Enigma) – Rarest Precious Stone

Often referred to as “Imperial Jade,” jadeite is one of the rarest and most valuable stones in the world.

Its mesmerizing green hues can range from deep emerald to translucent apple green.

Highly sought after in Asian cultures, it symbolizes wisdom, purity, and protection.

Exceptional jadeite pieces have been known to fetch prices exceeding $3 million per carat.

2. Blue Garnet (The Color-Changing Wonder):

Blue garnet is a phenomenon in the world of gemstones due to its unique color-changing properties.

In natural light, it appears green, but when exposed to incandescent light, it transforms into a vibrant shade of red.

This exquisite color-change garnet is exceptionally rarest precious stone, and a single carat can command prices surpassing $1.5 million.

Also Read – The Healing Powers of Precious Stones and Gemstones

3. Musgravite (The Extraordinary Purple):

Musgravite is a member of the taaffeite mineral family and is famous for its striking purple color.

It was first discovered in Australia’s Musgrave Range, hence the name.

With only a handful of known specimens, musgravite is incredibly scarce, and its value can exceed $35,000 per carat.

4. Alexandrite (Nature’s Chameleon):

Alexandrite is renowned for its remarkable color-changing ability, shifting from green in daylight to red under incandescent light.

Discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains in the early 19th century, it’s often associated with Russian royalty.

Fine alexandrite specimens can command prices exceeding $10,000 per carat.

5. Red Beryl (The American Beauty):

Red beryl, also known as “bixbite” or “red emerald,” is an extremely rare red gemstone.

It is primarily found in the Wah Wah Mountains of Utah, making it one of the rarest gemstones in North America.

Prices for top-quality rarest precious stones – red beryl can reach over $10,000 per carat.

6. Pink Star Diamond (The Exquisite Exception):

While diamonds are traditionally known for their transparent brilliance, the Pink Star Diamond defies convention.

This stunning pink diamond weighs in at a staggering 59.60 carats.

It made history by becoming the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction, fetching over $71 million in 2017.

7. Serendibite (The Mysterious Midnight Gem):

Serendibite is an exceptionally rarest gemstone with a deep blue to blackish-blue color.

Its name is derived from “Serendib,” an ancient name for Sri Lanka, where it was first discovered.

Due to its extreme rarity, serendibite can command prices of up to $18,000 per carat.

8. Pink Pearl (The Ocean’s Precious Gem):

Natural pink pearls are among the rarest pearls in the world.

The Queen Conch produces them. These exquisite pearls can vary in size and shape, and their value is determined by factors like size, color, and luster.

9. Blue Moon Diamond (The Billionaire’s Dream):

The Blue Moon Diamond, also known as “The Blue Moon of Josephine,” is one of the world’s most famous diamonds.

It’s a vivid blue diamond with exceptional clarity and a weight of 12.03 carats.

In 2015, it set a new world record as the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction, fetching a staggering $48.4 million.

10. Pink Diamond (The Rarity Within Rarity):

Among diamonds, pink diamonds are the rarest and most valuable.

The intense pink hue of these diamonds is the result of extreme pressure and heat during formation.

The Argyle mine in Australia, the world’s primary source of pink diamonds, ceased operations in 2020, further increasing their scarcity.

While diamonds have long held the title of the most sought-after gemstones, the world of precious stones is far more diverse and enchanting than one might imagine. From the mesmerizing green of jadeite to the color-changing wonders of blue garnet and alexandrite, these rare gems command prices that far exceed the most exquisite diamonds.

Their scarcity, unique qualities, and the stories they carry make them true treasures of the Earth. So, the next time you think of gemstones, remember that there are stones more expensive than diamonds, waiting to be discovered and cherished for their exceptional beauty and rarity.

Also Read – Highest Value Gemstones – Expensive Stones in The Indian Gemstone Market

Quick Tips for the Readers to Buy Rarest Precious Stones

• Quality Over Size: In the world of rarest gemstones, quality often trumps size. A smaller, high-quality gemstone can be more valuable than a larger, lower-quality one.
• Consider Rarity: Rarity plays a significant role in a gemstone’s value. Stones like red beryl or musgravite, which are exceptionally rare, tend to appreciate in value over time.
• Seek Professional Appraisal: If you’re investing in high-value gemstones, you should consider getting them professionally appraised by a gemologist. This ensures you have an accurate assessment of their value.
• Store Safely: Properly store your gemstones in a secure and appropriate setting to prevent damage or loss. Use protective cases or boxes designed for gemstone storage.
• Insurance is Essential: Insure your valuable rarest gemstones to protect your investment in case of loss, theft, or damage.
• Diversify Your Collection: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your gemstone collection to reduce risk and potentially increase the chances of finding an appreciating stone.

Interesting Facts and Figures About Rarest Precious Stones

• Red Beryl’s Rarity: Red beryl, also known as red emerald, is estimated to be over 1,000 times rarer than diamonds. This extreme rarity contributes to its high value in the gemstone market.

• Serendibite’s Discovery: Serendibite was first discovered in Sri Lanka (formerly known as Serendib), but the gem is so rare that there are fewer than ten known gem-quality specimens in existence.

• Jadeite’s Cultural Significance: Jadeite holds immense cultural significance in many Asian cultures, particularly in China. It is often associated with qualities such as wisdom, purity, and protection, and it has been used for centuries to create intricate works of art.

• Alexandrite’s Russian Connection: Alexandrite is named after Alexander II of Russia, as it was discovered on the future czar’s birthday in the Ural Mountains. It also carries the title “tsar of gemstones.”

• Pink Diamonds’ Rarity: Pink diamonds make up less than 0.1% of the world’s diamond production. The Argyle mine was the source of approximately 90% of the world’s pink diamonds, making them even scarcer after its closure.

Key Takeaways

• Diverse Gemstone World: Gemstones extend beyond diamonds, with rare varieties often surpassing diamonds in value and allure.

• Jadeite’s Brilliance: Jadeite, especially “Imperial Jade,” boasts rare green hues and cultural significance, reaching prices over $3 million per carat.

• Color-Changing Marvels: Blue garnet and alexandrite exhibit unique color shifts, commanding prices exceeding $1.5 million and $10,000 per carat, respectively.

• Scarcity Equals Value: Stones like musgravite and red beryl, incredibly scarce, can fetch prices surpassing $35,000 and $10,000 per carat, respectively.

• Pink Diamonds: Pink diamonds, rarest among diamonds, derive immense value from their intense hue, intensified by the closure of the primary source, Argyle mine, in 2020.

• Investment Tips: Prioritize gemstone quality, consider rarity for appreciation, get professional appraisals, ensure proper storage, and diversify collections for reduced risks.

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