Gemstones : The Ones Which Cost A Fortune

It is said truly that 'You can’t possess radiance, you can only admire it.' There are over 4,000 minerals on earth many of which we haven't seen yet. Gemstones are some of the earth’s most exquisite natural treasures. People all over the world have appreciated them throughout history, for different reasons. While they are most commonly used as decorative ornaments, they are also known for their religious symbolism. Such gemstones have always been valued for their supposed healing powers too.

Each gemstone is special in its own way whether it be a diamond, ruby, or sapphire, all gemstones possess a distinct beauty. Bizarre mineral assemblages and trace impurities have caused the occurrence of some of the world's rarest gemstones. As some are very rare, have distinct size, grade, and color, it significantly raises their value. Here are the top 5 most valuable gemstones in the world.

5. Red Beryl – $10,000 per carat

Red beryl (also known red emerald) is an extremely rare type of beryl with a raspberry pink to almost purplish red color. Despite its name, it is not emerald but it’s an entirely different gemstone. It was first discovered in 1904 by Maynard Bixby. Meanwhile, its gem quality stones can only be found in one site – the Wah Wah Mountains in Utah. It is so rare that rubies, which are also rare gemstones, are said to be 8,000 times more plentiful than red beryl.

4. Alexandrite – $12,000 per carat

Alexandrite is very rare and very hard to acquire gemstone variety. It is popular for its remarkable optical properties: it undergoes dramatic color shifts depending on the lighting condition. This is caused by the rare combination of minerals including chromium, iron, and titanium. It is strongly pleochroic which means it changes color as you rotate it in your hand. It is greenish blue under natural light and then becomes reddish purple in soft, incandescent light. It was discovered in Russia’s Ural mountains.

3. Jadeite – $20,000 per carat

Jadeite is jade’s most expensive, beautiful, and rarest variety. While it can be found in many colors, its association with the rich-emerald color of 'imperial jade' continues to be highly valued. The finest stones in this color can be found in Myanmar. The translucent material is premium priced while colors such as mauve, lavender. In the Chinese and Meso-American cultures, it is a huge part of historical weapons, jewelry, carving, religious and medicinal purposes. It is even valued more than gold by the Aztecs, Mayas, and Olmecs.

2. Musgravite – $35,000 per carat

It is an extremely rare gemstone in the taaffeite family. The mineral was first discovered at the Musgrave Range in South Australia. It has shown up in other areas such as Antarctica, Greenland, and Madagascar but in highly limited quantities. The first sizable gem-quality Musgravite specimen was found in 1993. It was the first one that is large and pure enough to be cut and shaped. As of 2005, there are only 8 known specimens of this stone to exist!

1. Blue Diamond – $3.93 million per carat

The most expensive gemstones in the world are colored diamonds. Not only are they rare, but they are also known to have a spectacular brilliance and are the hardest substance found on earth. Out of all other gemstones, they are arguably the most popular among people and also the most advertised and romanticized. Its wide spectrum of colors includes black, blue, champagne, chocolate/brown, cognac, green, pink, red and yellow. It definitely cost a fortune. Two of the most stunning examples are the Oppenheimer Blue and the Pink Star.