A handful of the most valuable gemstones in the world are crystals that we will likely never see in person. These stones are highly sought after by museums and collectors. Other valuable gemstones are attainable with the right amount of money. This list includes 10 rare and valuable gemstones, along with origin information, buying tips, and more. Tanzanite ranks 6-7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness so it is durable enough for everyday wear. The most prized color is a pure blue that is almost indistinguishable from blue sapphire. Most tanzanite owes its color intensity to heat treatment. In order to maximize color potential, seek stones 5 carats or greater. The average price per carat is $1,200 for high-quality stones. Taaffeite has only been found in Sri Lanka and Tanzania. Most material is not suitable for faceting, making it even more difficult to source. The gemstone is so scarce, it is considered over 1 million times more rare than a diamond. If you want the look of taaffeite but don’t want to pay for a collector’s item, consider purchasing well-cut versions of amethyst in a lilac color. Though amethyst isn’t as brilliant, the color is very comparable. If you’re willing to spend some time searching, you can get a very remarkable and rare taaffeite gemstone. It may be worth considering since the stone ranks 8-8.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, making it more durable than amethyst. The Average price per carat is $2,500 per carat. Demantoid garnet is between 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness so the stone is durable for everyday wear with proper care. Since this variety of garnet is rarely found in large sizes, your best bet is to seek a stone between .5 and .75 carats. Be sure it is cut well to show off the stone’s natural brilliance. The average price per carat is $3,300 for high-quality natural stones. The main characteristic that will differentiate black opal from common opal is its body tone. Though black opals can come in many colors, their overall composition is on the darker end of the spectrum. There are synthetic black opals and treatments on the market that are difficult to identify without the help of a lab. Be sure to buy black opal from a reputable dealer. The average price per carat is greater than $3,500 for fine-quality stones. You’ll have to do some due diligence to find a trustworthy and legitimate source to purchase benitoite. When you do, be prepared to spend. You’ll want to find a stone that has a medium body tone with a cut that maximizes the stone’s fire. Stones that are too dark will not reflect the light well. Stones that are too light will look washed out. Don’t expect to find stones greater than 3 carats. The average price is $3,800 per carat for stones with medium blue tones. Smaller stones that are less than 1 carat can reduce the price per carat significantly. Since Padparadscha sapphires are so rare, buyers may find themselves needing to compromise when making their purchase. This may mean opting for a stone with less clarity and a duller color or choosing a stone that is smaller in size. Shapes can often be unusual and varied because gem cutters try their best to maximize carat weight. This is due in large part to the rarity and demand factor for this stone. Don’t expect to find these sapphires over 2 carats without paying a premium. The average price per carat is $8,000 for high-quality gems. Much like emeralds, red beryl often has inclusions present, but they don’t necessarily impact the gemstone’s overall value. Beware that synthetic red beryl has been produced. If you come across a high-quality red beryl stone with excellent clarity and a lot of carat weight, you’re likely dealing with a synthetic. Large red beryl specimens are so rare that they often remain uncut and sold to collectors as specimens. Most cut red beryl stones weigh under 1 carat. The average price per carat is $10,000 per carat for high-quality material. Smaller varieties of alexandrite have been mined in Sri Lanka, Brazil, and Asia, but fine alexandrite specimens are still very rare and costly. If you’ve uncovered an heirloom alexandrite gem that is large in scale and has excellent clarity, you’re likely dealing with a synthetic. These stones are often blue and purple vs. green and red and are actually synthetic corundum. The average price per carat can be $12,000 per carat. If you want the look of jadeite but can’t afford the price tag, consider shopping for the less expensive version, nephrite or the jade dupe, aventurine. Jadeite value is based on the level of transparency and depth of color. Some very fine pieces have even sold for over $1 million per carat. Most jadeite on the market will sell for significantly less. An average price per carat is $20,000 per carat for high-quality material. Unfortunately, due to the rare nature of this stone, it’s unlikely a consumer would come across this stone on the open market. If you do come across suspected musgravite, submit it to a gemology lab for testing due to the crossover between this gemstone and the less rare taaffeite gemstone. The average price per carat is $35,000 per carat based on specimens already sold.
