Gemstones have been popular since ancient centuries. From ancient sages to royals to millennials, these beautiful stones were worn widely for different purposes. Be it for healing properties, as decorative ornaments, or birthstones by zodiac signs, the gemstones have been considered always valuable. However, there are some gemstones that have always been the “talk of the town” for their price and rarity.
In this post, we have covered the list of gemstones that are not only rare but highly expensive in the gemstone market. So, take a quick look.
10 Most Valuable Gemstones in the World
1. Blue Diamond – $3.93 million per carat
Diamond has always been one of the most expensive gemstones. However, there is one diamond that stands on the top with a price tag of over $3.93 million per carat. Yes, you read it right. Blue Diamond is a diamond that is rare and very popular among people. As per records, there are fewer than 50 red diamonds found around the world. The most popular Blue diamond, “The Oppenheimer Blue” was sold for a final price of $5.75 million.
2. Jadeite- $3 million per carat
Available in a variety of colors, Jadeite is known as the purest and rarest gemstone from the Jade family. It has great significance in Chinese culture as the Chinese consider it as a symbol of prestige and status. The most sought-after Jadeite in history was “Imperial Jade” which comes in the shade of semi-transparent emerald green. As per records, the most expensive Jadeite necklace that was ever sold was the “Hutton- Mdivani Necklace” at a price of $27.44 million.
3. Pink Diamond- $1.19 million per carat
Another diamond in the list of expensive gemstones is Pink Diamond. Throughout the world, the pink-colored diamond covers less than 0.1% of the total diamonds. They are often sold at the highest prices and are much demanded by the gemstone and jewelry connoisseur. The pink diamond that was sold for a record-breaking price till now was in 2017. In this year, a stunning pink-colored diamond of 59.60 carats was sold at Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong for $71.2 million. As per Gemstone Institute of America, the largest Pink diamond ever graded in the world is “Pink Star.”
4. Ruby – $1.18 million per carat
No wonder why this Beautiful red-colored gemstone is on the list of most expensive gems. Referred to as the “King of Gemstones”, Ruby has always been considered a precious stone. From ancient Kings to modern celebrities, Ruby is believed to be the favorite of all. To this date, the most expensive Ruby auctioned is Burmese Ruby. It was sold in Geneva for over $30 million. Another Ruby that recorded the highest price during the auction was “The Sunrise Ruby” It was sold at $1.18 million per carat.
5. Emerald – $305, 000 per carat
Emerald is known for its beautiful green color and soothing healing powers. It is not just a popular gemstone but one of the most expensive gems that are found in the world. This gemstone is found mainly in countries like Brazil, Colombia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. To this date, the most expensive Emerald witnessed in the records is the “Rockefeller Emerald” of 18.04 carat. It was sold for $5.5 million or $305000 per carat.
6. Alexandrite – $70,000 per carat
Found in the Ural mountains of Russia, Alexandrite is a type of chrysoberyl known for its incredible changing colors. It appears to be Emerald in light and Ruby red in the darkness. It is a rare gem that is always found in sizes smaller than one carat. Thus, any bigger carat Alexandrite than this is considered super precious and rarest. As per records, the most expensive Alexandrite till this date was sold for $150000 per carat. The largest Alexandrite witnessed in the world is a cushion-cut stone weighing 65.08 carats. It is owned by the Smithsonian Institute, Washington, USA.
7. Musgravite – $35,000 per carat
Musgravite is a rare oxide mineral that is found in the Musgrave ranges of South Australia. It belongs to the family of taaffeite and has a hardness ranging from 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs Scale. By 2015, only 5 Musgravite gems were mined in the world. Thus, in the gemstone market, its price is higher for even a single carat. The main colors that are found in this Musgravite stone are translucent green, Light Olive Green, Dark Greenish Blue, and light to dark Violet. As per gemstone experts, the most valuable Musgravite till this date has a price of around $35,000 per carat.
8. Red Beryl – $10,000 per carat
Found in Utah regions, Mexico and New Mexico, the Red beryl is a gemstone of rare quality. It is found in different shades of red, all of which are equally mesmerizing. Although the pure beryl is found colorless, the traces of additional elements in the stone give vivid shades of red to the beryl family. Since Emerald and Beryl are of the same family, some gemstone experts call this stone “Red Emerald” also. The highest price of red beryl can reach up to $10, 000 per carat.
9. Black Opal – $9,500 per carat
One of Australia’s national treasures, Black Opal is a highly valuable gemstone from the Opal family. It is characterized by a dark body tone ranging from dark grey to jet black. As per gemstone experts, the darkness of Opal is the result of carbon and iron oxide traces in the stone. The value of Opal depends upon the brightness and pattern of Black Opal. The best quality Black Opal can have a price range up to AUD $15,000 per carat. To this date, the most precious Black Opal sold was for $3 million. It was named “Royal One” and had a weight of 306 carats.
10. Benitoite – $4,000 per carat
Benitoite is the rare blue titanium cyclosilicate barium that appears bright blue to bluish-white in color. It is found with an unusual set of minerals such as natrolite, neptunite, joaquinite, serpentine, and albite. The main areas where this precious gemstone is found are California, Japan, San Benito County, and Arkansas. Also referred to as a blue diamond, the gemstone is quite expensive. The more the clarity of the stone is, the more its price is. As per records, the range of price of Benitoite can reach up to $4,000 per carat.
So, this was all about the list of most expensive gemstones with their estimated market price. However, the real value of gemstones is not always about the price. The healing properties, beauty, pattern, and various other factors determine how valuable and useful a gemstone can be. So, if you are looking for the best gemstone for you, don’t go on the price tag only. Consult the gemstones experts and find if a gemstone is really worthwhile for you or not.
