What exactly makes a gemstone rare and valuable? It’s not just about sparkling the brightest or being the hardest material. Rarity in gemstones is a complex equation of availability, colour, clarity, and historical significance.
Take, for instance, the ‘painite’, once considered the rarest mineral on Earth. Its value lies not only in its scarcity but also in its unique burgundy-red hue. Similarly, the value of a gemstone can skyrocket due to its history, like the famed Hope Diamond, steeped in tales of intrigue and royalty.
Understanding these factors helps in appreciating why some gemstones are treasured far beyond others. Here are the top rare gemstones:
