Gemstones have amazing magic - they conquer a person at first sight. In ancient times, they were used to decorate amulets. It was believed that they can protect a person from diseases and evil spirits. Some believed that stones could predict the future. Later, when they began to study them, it turned out that each gem has its own strength. The most expensive stones in the world are valuable precisely because of this property.
Diamond
Diamond is a gem that has a simple structure. It consists of a single chemical element - carbon. Atoms of matter are located deep underground, where they are exposed to strong heat and pressure for a long time.
It is believed that diamonds are the most expensive stones in the world. A high-quality diamond weighing just one gram can cost hundreds of thousands of rubles.
What determines the price of a diamond:
- weight;
- quality;
- shape;
- color.
The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. By the way, a very interesting fact: in ancient times, special seeds were called "carat", with the help of which they compared the size of gems. One carat is 0.2 grams.
The most expensive stones in the world have an uneven weight. For example, a diamond of one gram will cost several times cheaper than a stone that weighs 0.99 g. It is believed that such a gem is unique, special. The reviews of those people who managed to get such a stone are enthusiastic. They say that he is of unprecedented beauty and simply "burns" in the sun.
The cost also depends on the cut and color. Most often, a diamond can be found in a round shape. Of the variety, only a few stones are colorless. The more transparent the gem, the more expensive it will cost. As for colored stones, it is worth noting that they are more expensive than white ones. They can be pink, green, yellow or red.
Which diamond can be said to be the most expensive stone in the world? The name is very interesting - "Cullinan". The stone weighs over 600 grams (3106 carats).
Sapphire
This stone is also known as corundum. The structure is crystalline, of the chemical elements it contains only aluminum oxides. According to the hardness scale, sapphire is considered to be the hardest gem after diamond.
One of the main factors determining the value of a stone is its origin. Quality sapphires can be found in Kashmir, they havesoft cornflower shade. An interesting fact is that the gem does not change shade even under artificial lighting. This is very rare.
The most expensive stones in the world are those sapphires that are of natural origin. The purer the shade of the gem, the higher its value will be. Stones that are too dark or pale are cheaper.
Emerald
The crystal structure of the stone consists of aluminum and beryllium. Under artificial lighting, the gem retains its natural hue.
Emerald, which has been recognized as the most expensive gem in the world, is the size of a watermelon. Its weight is 57.5 carats, which is about 12 kilograms. It is believed that it was mined in Brazil. The stone is called Teodora.
Most natural emeralds have internal defects, uneven coloration and cracks on the surface. The brighter the color of the gem, the higher its base value will be.
Distinguishing a real stone from a synthetic one is not difficult. Emerald, which is of natural origin, is not perfect and is not transparent. As for high-quality synthetics, such gems are completely transparent and have a rich green color.
The most expensive gemstones in the world are those whose color resembles the shade of dill. They are extremely rare and are in great demand.
Ruby
When the question arises of what are the most expensive stones in the world, the name "ruby" cannot be ignored. The structure of the gem is made of aluminum oxide. natural stoneorigin is characterized by internal defects that are visible to the naked eye. Color can be brown, red.
The most valuable ruby is considered to be the one that has a shade of "pigeon blood" - a pure red color with a slight purple tint.
What determines the cost of a ruby:
- number of defects;
- clarity and beauty of color;
- cleanliness.
The highest quality ruby is considered valuable regardless of its weight. In Upper Burma, there is a gem with a "pigeon blood" hue. It has 5 carats and costs 10 times more than the exact same stone, but from Thailand.
As for ruby reviews. Jewelry with this stone is very fond of the fair sex. It is believed that the ruby adorns the girl, reveals her femininity.
Pearls
What are the most expensive stones in the world? The list of gems is large. Pearl takes pride of place. It is formed in the body of the oyster. If an object of foreign origin somehow gets into the shell, for example, the smallest grain of sand, then the mollusk immediately begins to push it out. He highlights mother-of-pearl to cover the “stranger” with it. The thicker the mother-of-pearl layer is, the more elegant and expensive the pearl will be.
By the way, a very interesting fact is that this is a unique stone that jewelers use without pre-treatment.
Pearls that can be found in stores today are cultured. Its creationhappens with human participation. The bead is placed in the oyster. The properties are the same as those of natural stone, only the mother-of-pearl layer is much thinner, and these stones are assembled much earlier.
Alexandrite
Everyone knows this gem. Its main feature is the ability to change its shade. If in daylight the gem shines with bluish-green rays, then in artificial light it will show itself olive or blue-green.
The very first stone was found in Yekaterinburg in 1833. He amazed people with his unusual shape and play of colors. The cost of alexandrite can be different, it depends on its quality and cut - from 9 to 16 thousand conventional units.
Blue Tourmaline
The first time such a stone was found in the east of Brazil. The gem has a blue-turquoise hue. The most expensive stones in the world are mined there to this day. However, their deposits have also been discovered in Madagascar.
Blue tourmaline is a very rare gem. Jewelry lovers note that the cut, shape and uniqueness of this stone strike with its unique beauty. The price varies from 12 to 15 thousand dollars per carat. However, if the gem is of the highest quality, it can cost even more.
Padparadscha
Translated from the Tamil language, this name means "sunrise". This sapphire has an amazing shade - something between pale orange and pink. Once mined in Sri Lanka. However, now there is practically no stone left. The man found another way to get it. In a special furnace, mineral corundum is heated to a certain temperature. The last stone mined in this way in Sri Lanka was sold for 18 thousand dollars. It was more than 20 years ago.
Today, the 5-carat padparadscha is considered a collectible gem. Its cost is approximately 30 thousand dollars per 1 carat.
Jadeite
This mineral is considered the most mysterious of all that have been found on the planet. It has a beautiful even green color, rounded shape. Approximate value in the market fluctuates within 20 thousand dollars.
Now the gem is mined in Mexico, Japan, China, USA and Kazakhstan.
Bixbit
Some time ago, the value of this gem was known only to a few collectors. The mineral is considered a variety of beryl, but it is very rare. Has a rich burgundy hue, uneven cut.
Gem can only be obtained in New Mexico and Utah. It is almost impossible to find a stone for sale. Collectors note that a copy of this mineral is extremely expensive. For one carat, you will have to pay about 12 thousand dollars.
Determining the true value of stones is difficult precisely because there are very few of them.
Benitoite
This is one ofthe rarest gems. No more than 10 copies exist worldwide. The average cost per carat is 6-8 thousand conventional units.
The only place where the gem was mined is San Benito County. The stone was first discovered there in 1906. It was later recognized as the State Treasure Symbol of the State.
Red Diamond
Many are wondering what is the most expensive stone in the world. This is a diamond. But not simple, but red. It is very rare and is considered the most significant gem. For the entire existence of mankind, only a few copies of this mineral have been found. Most are relatively light in weight - 0.5 carats.
Red diamond mined at the Argyle mine. Gems weighing more than 0.1 carats are immediately put up for auction. The price of such a stone can reach more than a million dollars. Many collectors of unique jewelry dream of getting a gem for their collection.
Consumer reviews of precious stones can be found versatile. Someone prefers diamonds, others like alexandrite. Only one conclusion can be drawn: a stone is an amulet that each person must choose individually for himself.
