10 MOST POPULAR GEMSTONES

Gemstones have been coveted for their beauty and rarity for centuries. From their use in jewelry to their historical significance, these precious stones continue to hold a special place in our hearts and minds. However, some gemstones are rarer and more valuable than others, with prices reaching millions of dollars. In this blog post, we'll explore the top 10 most valuable and expensive gemstones in the world, from diamonds to rubies and beyond. Get ready to be dazzled by the sheer brilliance and rarity of these incredible treasures.

1) DIAMOND

As the most popular gemstone, the diamond is the ultimate symbol of love and luxury. The diamond's worth is measured by its four Cs: carat weight, clarity, cut, and color. 

Carat weight determines the diamond's size, while clarity refers to the absence of any internal or external blemishes. Cut relates to the angles and proportions of the diamond, which affect its brilliance and fire. Lastly, the diamond's color varies from clear to yellowish, and the less color it has, the more valuable it is. 

The most valuable diamond ever sold is the Pink Star, a 59.60-carat fancy vivid pink diamond that was auctioned off for a whopping $71.2 million. But the most famous diamond in the world is undoubtedly the Hope Diamond, which weighs 45.52 carats and is estimated to be worth $250 million. No matter what size, shape, or color, diamonds are universally adored and cherished. They remain the go-to choice for engagement rings and anniversary gifts, and they continue to be a timeless symbol of love and commitment.

2) EMERALD

Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl, which is known for its intense green color. It is one of the most highly valued gemstones in the world and has been treasured for centuries. Emeralds are typically found in Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia, and are prized for their clarity, depth of color, and brilliance. The value of an emerald is largely determined by its color, with the most valuable stones being a vivid green with a slight blue undertone. Clarity is also important, as inclusions can reduce the value of an emerald. Some emeralds are treated to improve their clarity, but this can also affect their value. The largest emerald ever found is the Bahia Emerald, which weighs over 752 pounds (341 kg) (1,700,000 carats) and is valued at over $400 million. It was discovered in Brazil in 2001 and has been the subject of legal disputes ever since. Emeralds are often associated with royalty and have been worn by queens and kings throughout history. They are also a symbol of rebirth and love, making them a popular choice for engagement rings. If you're in the market for an emerald, be prepared to pay a premium for a high-quality stone.

3) RUBY

The beautiful and rare ruby has always been a symbol of luxury and opulence. It is the second hardest gemstone, with a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale, and is typically found in shades of red. The most valuable rubies have a deep, vibrant color and minimal inclusions.

The world's most valuable ruby is the Sunrise Ruby, a 25.6-carat Burmese ruby that sold for over $30 million in 2015. However, not all rubies are created equal, and there are still many high-quality rubies that are much more affordable.

Rubies have been prized throughout history and were often worn by royalty and nobility. Many cultures believed that rubies possessed special powers, including protection against evil and good health. They are also the birthstone for July.

In terms of their value, rubies are ranked just below diamonds and have been known to fetch prices upwards of $100,000 per carat. It's important to note that not all rubies are created equal, and the value can vary greatly depending on the color, size, and overall quality of the gemstone.

If you're in the market for a ruby, it's important to do your research and only purchase from reputable dealers. It's also important to have the stone certified by a reputable gem lab to ensure its authenticity and quality.

4) SAPPHIRE

Sapphire is one of the most popular gemstones in the world and is highly prized for its beauty and value. It is a member of the corundum mineral family and is usually blue. However, sapphires come in a variety of colors blue, green, pink, yellow, and orange.

The most valuable sapphires are those that have a deep, rich blue color and are free from any inclusions or blemishes. These high-quality sapphires are often used in high-end jewelry pieces and can be very expensive.

In addition to their beauty, sapphires are also believed to have healing properties and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. They are said to help with mental clarity and concentration, as well as promote calmness and tranquility.

Sapphires can be found in several different countries around the world, including Australia, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. The largest sapphire is an oval-shaped sapphire known as “The Star of Adam “. That weight over 1,404.49 carats and was discovered in Sri Lanka.

Overall, sapphires are a beautiful and valuable gemstone that has been prized for centuries. Whether you are looking for a stunning piece of jewelry or are interested in its supposed healing properties, sapphires are a gemstone to consider.

5) RED BERYL

Red beryl is a rare gemstone that is found exclusively in the Wah Wah Mountains of Utah, USA. It is also known as "red emerald or scarlet emerald" due to its bright red color, which is caused by the presence of manganese in the crystal lattice. 

Red beryl and “bixbite” was first discovered in 1904 by Maynard Bixby, who mistook it for a red tourmaline. Red beryl is one of the rarest gemstones in the world, with only a few hundred specimens known to exist. Its scarcity has made it a highly sought-after gemstone among collectors and investors, with prices reaching as high as $20,000 per carat. 

In addition to its rarity, red beryl is also known for its exceptional clarity and brilliance. It has a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable gemstone that is suitable for use in jewelry. 

Despite its beauty and value, red beryl remains largely unknown to the general public. It is a gemstone that is treasured by collectors and connoisseurs but is rarely seen in mainstream jewelry. For those lucky enough to own a red beryl, it is truly a unique and valuable addition to their collection.

6) BLACK OPAL

Black opal is one of the rarest and most valuable gemstones in the world. It is known for its unique play of colors, which appears against a dark background, giving it its distinct appearance. The best black opals are found in lightning ridge, Australia, and they are highly sought after by collectors and jewelers.

The black opal’s rarity makes it so valuable. Unlike other types of opals, which are commonly found in many parts of the world, black opal is only found in lightning ridge. Its value is also determined by the intensity and variety of colors it displays, with red being the most sought-after.

The largest uncut black opal “Halley's Comet” ever found weighed around 1,982.5 carats (396.50 g), and it was discovered in a lightning ridge in 1986. Today, black opals are often used in high-end jewelry, and their value can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars per carat.

One thing to keep in mind when purchasing a black opal is its stability. Unlike other gemstones, opals can be very sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, which can cause them to crack or lose their color. Therefore, it is important to choose a reputable jeweler and handle the stone with care to ensure its longevity and value.

7) ALEXANDRITE

Alexandrite is a rare gemstone that was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s. This gemstone is famous for its remarkable ability to change color, exhibiting different hues under different lighting conditions. In daylight or fluorescent lighting, alexandrite appears greenish-blue, while in incandescent light, it turns purplish-red. This characteristic is known as 'the alexandrite effect' and is due to the presence of trace elements such as chromium, iron, and titanium in the crystal structure.

Alexandrite is a relatively hard and durable gemstone, ranking at 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. This makes it ideal for use in jewelry and has made it a favorite among collectors. The most valuable alexandrite stones are those that display a vivid greenish-blue color in daylight and a striking purplish-red under incandescent light.

Due to its rarity, high-quality alexandrite can fetch a hefty price per carat, making it one of the most valuable gemstones in the world. Its valve can range anywhere from $15,000 to $70,000 per carat, depending on its quality, color, and size. Some of the most expensive alexandrite stones have sold for millions of dollars at auctions and private sales.

8) PARAIBA TOURMALINE

Paraiba tourmaline is one of the rarest and most valuable gemstones in the world. Its bright neon-blue color, often described as electric or turquoise, makes it one of the most sought-after gems on the market.

The gemstone was first discovered in 1980 in Paraiba, Brazil, hence its name. However, it's also found in other locations such as Nigeria and Mozambique, though the Brazilian variety remains the most valuable.

The unique color of paraiba tourmaline is due to the presence of copper and manganese. The scarcity of the gemstone and the difficulty in finding large pieces makes it even more valuable.

Paraiba tourmaline is often used in high-end jewelry, and the rarity of this stone adds to its allure. It's not uncommon for a one-carat stone to sell for upwards of $20,000, with larger stones fetching millions of dollars. If you're lucky enough to come across a paraiba tourmaline, make sure to get it appraised by a reputable jeweler. It's a gemstone that's not only incredibly beautiful but also a valuable investment.

9) MUSGRAVITE

Musgravite is a rare gemstone that was discovered in 1967 in the Musgrave range in South Australia. It is one of the most valuable and rarest gemstones in the world. The gemstone is highly prized by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts due to its unique color-changing properties, hardness, and rarity.

The gemstone has a unique optical phenomenon called pleochroism, which means it shows different colors when viewed from different angles. Musgravite is mostly found in small sizes, usually less than one carat, and larger stones are extremely rare.

The gemstone has a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest gemstones in the world. Its durability and hardness make it an excellent choice for jewelry. However, due to its rarity, musgravite is rarely found in jewelry collections.

Its price can vary depending on its size, clarity, and color, but it can fetch anywhere from $30,000 to $35,000 per carat. 

10) BENITOITE

A rare and unique blue mineral, benitoite is only found in one location in the world - San Benito County, California. First discovered in 1907, benitoite has a vibrant blue color and a distinct, triangular shape that sets it apart from other gemstones. 

Due to its rarity, benitoite can be incredibly valuable, with some specimens fetching prices of over $10,000 per carat. In addition to its stunning appearance, benitoite is also prized for its fluorescence - under UV light, the gemstone emits a bright blue glow that is truly mesmerizing. 

If you're lucky enough to get your hands on a benitoite, it's important to handle it with care, as it is a relatively soft mineral and can easily be scratched or damaged. But if you're a collector or a lover of unique and beautiful gemstones, a Benitoite is a worthy addition to your collection.

Gemstones are not only precious and beautiful, but they are also highly valued and sought after by collectors, investors, and jewelry enthusiasts. 

If you're interested in owning any of the most valuable gemstones, browse our gemstone collection at Fire Star Gems. As a beacon of trust and quality, we're not just gemstone dealers; we're curators of dreams realized in precious stones. 

We have a wide range of high-quality, natural gemstones, including diamonds that sparkle like stars and emeralds with mysteries to unveil. No matter your preferences, we have options for size, cut, and color, making it easy to find a gem that suits your taste. Our knowledgeable team is here to make your gemstone journey smooth, matching your desires and budget. Start your adventure with us, where beauty, authenticity, and brilliance shine brightly.