When it comes to gemstones, what makes one more valuable than another? For most people, diamondscome to mind, but the world of precious gems is far more diverse than just the classic stone. From deep red rubies to rare Tanzanite, gemstonesvary not only in color but in rarity, history, and even their cultural significance.

We’ll take a closer look at the 12most valuable gemstones, explore their characteristics, the factors that determine their price, and discuss why they are so highly sought after.

What Makes A Gemstone Valuable?

Before we dive into the specifics of each gemstone, let’s take a look at the factors that contribute to a gemstone’s value.

Rarity:

The rarity of a gemstone is one of the key factors determining its price. Some gemstones, such as diamonds, are relatively abundant, while others, like Musgravite or Red Beryl, are so rare that only a handful of known specimens exist.

Color:

Color is the most important factor in determining the value of a gemstone. The richer and more vibrant the color, the more valuable the gemstone. For example, emeralds with a deep green hue are far more expensive than those with a lighter, washed-out color.

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Clarity:

Gemstones with fewer inclusions (flaws) are generally considered more valuable. However, certain inclusions in some gemstones can enhance their value by contributing to their uniqueness, such as the "garden" inclusions in emeralds or the cat's eyeeffect in Alexandrite.

Carat Weight:

Carat weight refers to the size of the gemstone. Larger stones of high qualityare exponentially more expensive, but size alone is not enough to guarantee a high price. It must also possess exceptional color and clarity.

Origin:

Where a gemstone is sourced from can also affect its value. For instance, Colombian emeralds are prized for their rich green color, and Burma rubies are considered some of the finest in the world.

12 Most Valuable Gemstones In The World

Now that we understand what makes a gemstone valuable, let's explore the 12 most valuable gemstones you need to know about.

1. Tanzanite

Rarity & Value:Tanzanite is one of the most coveted and valuable gemstones in the world due to its limited geographical origin. Mined only in a 20-square-kilometer area in Tanzania, this stunning blue-purple stone is prized for its unique pleochroism the ability to exhibit different colors when viewed from different angles. Tanzanite is much rarer than diamonds and continues to rise in value as supplies decrease.

Price Range:Tanzanite’s price can range from $400 per carat for lower-quality stones to over $1,000 per carat for high-quality pieces.

Care Tips:To maintain its brilliance, Tanzanite should be cleaned using warm, soapy water. Avoid exposing it to sudden temperature changes, as this can cause fractures.

2. Musgravite

Rarity & Value:Musgravite is an extremely rare gemstone that has been called the world’s most valuable. This stone, found in only a few locations including Antarctica, South Australia, and Tanzania, is so rare that it has been valued at seven times the price of diamonds.

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Price Range:Musgravite can fetch upwards of $35,000 per carat, depending on its quality.

Care Tips:Due to its hardness, Musgravite is fairly durable. Clean it with warm soapy water and avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch the surface.

3. Red Beryl

Rarity & Value:Red Beryl, also known as bixbite, is a striking red gemstone that is far rarer than diamonds. While emeralds are often sought after for their green hues, Red Beryl’s deep crimson color makes it an exceptional find for collectors.

Price Range:Red Beryl can be priced at over $10,000 per carat for high-quality stones. It's more expensive than most other gemstones, including rubies, due to its rarity.

Care Tips:Keep Red Beryl away from harsh chemicals and avoid ultrasonic cleaning. Use a soft cloth to clean it, and store it separately from harder stones to prevent scratching.

4. Alexandrite

Rarity & Value:Known for its color-changing properties, Alexandrite is one of the most prized gemstones in the world. This variety of chrysoberyl shifts from green in daylight to red under incandescent light. Its rarity and unique visual appeal make it an excellent investment.

Price Range:Alexandrite can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 per carat, with high-quality stones surpassing these figures.

Care Tips:Clean Alexandrite with a soft cloth and avoid steam or ultrasonic cleaners. It’s important to handle it with care to preserve its delicate appearance.

5. Emerald

Rarity & Value:Emeralds are iconic and valuable gemstones that have been sought after for centuries. Their lush green color, which is due to traces of chromium, makes them one of the most valuable gems in the world. Colombian emeralds, in particular, are considered the finest.

Price Range:Emeralds can range from $500 per carat for lower-quality stones to more than $10,000 per carat for top-quality emeralds.

Care Tips:Emeralds require special care due to their natural inclusions. Regular oil treatments may be necessary to maintain their luster, and ultrasonic cleaning should be avoided.

6. Ruby

Rarity & Value:Rubies, with their deep, vivid red hues, have always been considered a symbol of wealth and power. Mined in countries like Burma, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia, rubies are often more expensive than diamonds due to their high demand and rarity in the finest colors.

Price Range:Rubies can range from $1,000 per carat for standard quality stones to upwards of $50,000 per carat for rubies of exceptional quality.

Care Tips:Rubies are durable and easy to clean, but they should be protected from extreme temperatures and harsh chemicals. Ultrasonic cleaning is usually safe.

7. Diamond

Rarity & Value:Diamonds are often the first gemstone people think of when they imagine luxury. Known for their brilliance and exceptional hardness, diamonds continue to dominate the luxury market. Although they are more abundant than other gemstones, diamonds with perfect clarity, color, and size remain exceedingly valuable.

Price Range:Diamonds vary greatly in price, ranging from a few hundred dollars per carat for smaller, lower-quality stones to millions of dollars for flawless, large diamonds.

Care Tips:Diamonds require little maintenance but should be cleaned regularly to maintain their brilliance. Steam and ultrasonic cleaning are both safe for diamonds.

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8. Jadeite

Jadeite is the most valuable form of jade, especially prized in Asia, where it holds cultural significance. Unlike nephrite jade, jadeite is denser and can come in a wide range of colors, with the emerald green variety being the most sought after. It is highly valued for its color, translucency, and smooth texture.

Price Range:Jadeite can fetch anywhere from $1,000 to over $10,000 per carat for the finest quality stones.

Care Tips:Jadeite is relatively durable but should be cleaned gently with warm, soapy water and stored away from harsh chemicals.

9. Paraíba Tourmaline

Paraíba tourmalineis a rare, vivid blue gemstone discovered in Brazil. This gemstone is famous for its stunning, neon-like blue and green hues, which are due to the presence of copper. The rarity of high-quality Paraíba tourmalines, combined with their vibrant color, makes them one of the most expensive tourmaline varieties in the world.

Price Range:Prices can range from $2,000 to $10,000 per carat, with exceptional pieces selling for significantly more.

Care Tips:Paraíba tourmaline is sensitive to extreme temperatures, so it’s best to avoid sudden temperature changes and clean it with warm, soapy water.

10. Benitoite

Benitoite, discovered in California, is a striking gemstone known for its intense blue color and brilliance. It’s one of the rarest gemstones, with a high dispersion rate, meaning it sparkles more than diamonds. Benitoite is sometimes used in jewelryand is coveted by collectors due to its rarity and unique color.

Price Range:Benitoite can command up to $3,000 per carat, with high-quality stones fetching even more.

Care Tips:Benitoite is relatively soft compared to other gemstones, so it should be cleaned with care using warm water and a mild soap solution, avoiding ultrasonic cleaners.

11. Pink Star Diamond

The Pink Star Diamondis an extremely rare and valuable fancy pink diamond, known for its exceptional size and vibrant color. This gemstone was sold at a record-breaking auction in 2017 for $71.2 million, making it one of the most expensive gemstones ever sold.

Price Range:Fancy pink diamonds can range from $200,000 to $1 million per carat, with the rarest ones exceeding that.

Care Tips:Pink diamonds should be cleaned with gentle methods like warm, soapy water and should be kept away from harsh chemicals.

12. Grandidierite

Grandidierite is an incredibly rare gemstone found primarily in Madagascar. It is known for its stunning greenish-blue color and high clarity. Due to its scarcity and unique beauty, it is considered one of the most valuable gemstones in the world.

Price Range:Grandidierite can fetch anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 per carat, with particularly flawless stones reaching even higher prices.

Care Tips:Grandidierite is relatively soft compared to other gemstones, so it should be handled carefully. Clean it with warm, soapy water and avoid harsh cleaning methods.

How To Choose The Best Gemstone For Investment

Investing in gemstones is not only about beauty; it’s about understanding which stones will increase in value over time. Here are some tips for choosing valuable gemstones:

• Rarity: The rarer the gemstone, the higher the likelihood it will appreciate in value.
• Color: Look for gemstones with rich, vibrant colors. For example, deep red rubies and lush green emeralds are always in demand.
• Quality: Check the gemstone’s clarity and size. Large, high-quality gemstones are generally more valuable.
• Provenance: Gemstones from renowned sources, such as Colombian emeralds or Burma rubies, are typically worth more.

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FAQ's About Most Valuable Gemstones​

Why Are Tanzanites So Expensive?

Tanzanites are expensive because they are found in one location in the world: Tanzania. Their rarity and unique color make them highly valuable.

What Is The Rarest Gemstone In The World?

Musgravite is considered the rarest gemstone, with only a few known specimens in existence.

How Can I Tell If A Gemstone Is Valuable?

A gemstone’s value depends on its rarity, color, clarity, carat weight, and origin. High-quality gemstones with deep, vibrant colors tend to be more valuable.

Conclusion

The world of precious gemstones is vast and fascinating, with each gem offering its own unique beauty, history, and investment potential. Whether you're looking to invest in rare stones like Tanzanite and Musgravite or simply appreciate the luxury and allure of a diamond or ruby, understanding the factors that contribute to a gemstone’s value is key.