The Most Rarest Gemstones in the World [Why They Are Valued So High]

Painite's rarity stems from the uncommon combination of boron and zirconium in nature. Initially, only a few specimens were known, but subsequent discoveries, particularly in the Mogok region of Myanmar, have increased the number of available samples. Despite this, painite remains one of the world's rarest gemstones.

Due to its rarity and appealing color, painite is highly valued among collectors. Its hardness makes it suitable for jewelry; however, the scarcity of gem-quality specimens limits its use in commercial jewelry. When available, painite gemstones are often small and may contain inclusions or fractures.

Painite's unique composition, combined with its rarity and aesthetic appeal, makes it a gemstone of significant interest to both mineralogists and collectors worldwide.

Musgravite's chemical formula is BeMg₂Al₆O₁₂, comprising beryllium, magnesium, and aluminum. Trace elements like iron and zinc influence its color, resulting in shades ranging from grayish-green to violet.

This gem forms in a trigonal crystal system and often resembles its cousin, taaffeite, in appearance and structure.

Physical Properties of Musgravite

Rarity and Occurrence

Musgravite’s rarity stems from the limited geological conditions required for its formation. Besides Australia, small deposits have been found in Madagascar, Greenland, and Sri Lanka. The number of gem-quality Musgravite stones remains in the single digits each year.

Uses and Collectibility of Musgravite

Musgravite is highly coveted by collectors for its scarcity and vibrant color. Its exceptional hardness makes it suitable for jewelry, though it is rarely used due to the limited supply.

Average Price Per Carat: Upwards of $10,000

Red Beryl, also known as “Bixbite” or the “Red Emerald,” is one of the rarest gemstones on Earth, found almost exclusively in Utah’s Wah Wah Mountains. Its fiery red color and extreme rarity make it a collector’s favorite.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Red Beryl’s chemical formula is Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈, containing beryllium, aluminum, and silica. Trace amounts of manganese give this gem its vibrant red hue. This gemstone crystallizes in a hexagonal system, often forming small, prismatic crystals.

Physical Properties of Red Beryl

Rarity and Occurrence

Red Beryl is 1,000 times rarer than diamonds, with most specimens coming from a single location in Utah. Small deposits have also been found in New Mexico and Mexico, but these are less significant. Facetable gems are exceptionally scarce, with most stones under 1 carat.

Uses and Collectibility of Red Beryl

Average Price Per Carat: $15,000 to $70,000

Alexandrite is famous for its remarkable color-changing ability, shifting from green in daylight to red under incandescent light. Discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains in the 1830s, this gemstone is as rare as it is mesmerizing.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl (BeAl₂O₄), with trace amounts of chromium responsible for its dramatic color change. This gemstone crystallizes in an orthorhombic system and often forms twinned crystals.

Physical Properties of Alexandrite

Rarity and Occurrence

Natural Alexandrite is incredibly rare, with the original Russian mines largely depleted. Modern sources include Sri Lanka, Brazil, and East Africa. High-quality specimens with a strong color change are exceedingly scarce.

Uses and Collectibility of Alexandrite

Average Price Per Carat: $10,000 to $50,000

Paraíba Tourmaline is renowned for its vivid, neon-like blue and green hues caused by traces of copper. Discovered in Paraíba, Brazil, in the 1980s, it quickly became one of the most valuable gemstones in the world.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Paraíba Tourmaline’s chemical formula is (Na,Ca)(Li,Mg)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄, with copper and manganese giving it its striking colors. This gemstone forms in a trigonal system and often requires careful cutting to enhance its color.

Physical Properties of Paraíba Tourmaline

Rarity and Occurrence

True Paraíba Tourmalines are found only in Brazil, with small deposits in Mozambique and Nigeria producing similar stones. The Brazilian stones are the most prized due to their intense neon glow.

Uses and Collectibility of Paraíba Tourmaline

Average Price Per Carat: Up to $3 Million (for Imperial Jadeite)

Jadeite’s chemical formula is NaAlSi₂O₆, comprising sodium, aluminum, and silica. Trace elements such as chromium are responsible for its striking green hue, while iron and manganese create other colors like lavender and yellow. It crystallizes in a monoclinic system, often forming dense, interlocking aggregates rather than large individual crystals.

Jadeite is found in only a few locations worldwide, with Myanmar being the primary source of the finest "Imperial Jade." Smaller deposits exist in Guatemala, Japan, and Russia. The scarcity of top-grade jadeite and its cultural significance drive its exceptional value.

Jadeite is most commonly used in carvings, pendants, and beads. Its deep cultural ties, particularly in China, where it symbolizes purity and prosperity, make it a status symbol and a collector’s item. Top-quality Imperial Jadeite is considered more valuable than diamonds by weight.