Surprising to many, diamonds are not the rarest gemstones. The value of a gemstone is generally determined by its prevalence and demand. Colorless diamonds are so expensive because they’re so rare, yet demand for them is so high. Per carat, there are a few stones more valuable than diamonds, including:
Alexandrite
Known for its ability to change color, alexandrite can shift from emerald green to blue, to ruby red or purple depending on the lighting (usually green in natural light and red in artificial light). It was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia and this is still its primary location, although deposits have been found in Brazil.
Ammolite
Not recognized as an organic gem until 1981, this stone is rarer than diamond and is only found in isolated pockets in the Rocky Mountains. It’s made from iridescent shells of marine mollusks that are over 65 million years old. Rare colors yield stones with even more value.
Benitoite
Benitoite is a sapphire-blue-colored stone found only in San Benito County, CA. The state gem of California, it’s extremely rare and exhibits an impressive fire. Its level of dispersion can be less visible with a darker, saturated sapphire blue or sparkling in a stone that’s lighter in tone.
Bixbite
One of the world’s rarest gemstones, bixbite comes from the Wah Wah Mountains in west-central Utah. It’s also known as red beryl or red emerald. Only bixbite from the Violet Claim of this western U.S. mountain chain can be cut into faceted crystals that make it so beautiful and brilliant.
Burma Ruby
A ruby stone is a rare find in itself. However, one from Myanmar is exceptionally scarce. The geology of the area leaves little iron in the stone, allowing for vivid reds and strong fluorescence. Meanwhile, rubies from Thailand are also in demand for their unusually dark reds with attractive brownish or purplish accents; in contrast to Burma Rubies, these are relatively high in iron content.
Grandidierite
A rare gem from Madagascar that ranges from blue-green to green. It may appear translucent or pearly, but faceted translucent samples are even rarer and sought for their color-changing ability. Grandidierite is found nowhere else on Earth.
Musgravite
Discovered in Australia in 1967, this smoky gray gem wasn’t found in samples suited for facet-cutting until 1993. More countries have found deposits. But as of 2005, only eight specimens were known to exist. Even as supplies have increased, demand has remained high and the gem retains an exceptionally high value.
Natural Pearl
Nowadays, almost all pearls are cultured and natural ones are becoming rarer each year due to pollution and overfishing. Some people prefer unique imperfections such as irregular shapes and pearls that may not exhibit a pearl-like color.
Paraíba Tourmaline
A 1980s find in the Brazilian state of Paraíba, this stone is sought after for its neon-like brightly saturated blue-green hues. The price of this gem continues to climb. It has also been found in Nigeria and Mozambique.
Visit Jeweler’s Touch to Find Stones More Valuable Than Diamonds
Shop for gemstone and diamond jewelry, including wedding and engagement rings, bands, fashion rings, necklaces, bracelets, and more online or at our store in Brea, CA. We can custom-design gemstone jewelry for you as well. Continue browsing to learn more or make an appointment by contacting us online or calling 714-579-1616 today.
