Alexandrite is the most valuable birthstone in terms of price. It is an extremely uncommon jewel found in nature, and its price can reach expensive heights. Alexandrite is the traditional birthstone for June.
Rubies flaunt the highest per carat price in the global market today. Ruby is a derivative of the Latin word ruber, which denotes the color red. Ancient cultures have long associated the ruby with life because of its unique color synonymy with blood.
This chameleon-like color shift is the result of its uncommon chemical composition which includes traces of chromium, the same coloring agent found in emerald. The unlikelihood of these elements combining under the right conditions makes alexandrite one of the rarest and most expensive gemstones on Earth.
The Rarest Birthstones
For example, April's diamond, though pricey, is less rare than rubies, emeralds, and alexandrite. While on the topic of alexandrite, this is currently the rarest gemstone on the birthstone list and can come at quite a cost. Black opals are also incredibly rare.
Did you know that alexandrites are actually far rarer than diamonds? They surpass the rarity of emeralds and rubies as well. Its color change requires a perfect mixture of beryllium and chromium, elements normally not found in the same rocks. Much of this has to do with their limited resources.
The "Big Four" gemstones—rubies, emeralds, diamonds, and sapphires—are certainly rare, but there are many others that are even rarer. Red beryl, for instance, is more uncommon than any of the so-called precious gemstones and sells for almost $10,000 per carat because of its scarcity.
Therefore, a ruby gemstone ring is a suitable pick for proposals, engagements as well as wedding ceremonies. Sapphire is undoubtedly the most expensive option of the three boasting an even higher starting price for an heirloom-quality 1-carat piece.
Deemed the King of all birthstones, the diamond is unequivocally the most prized and sought-after of all gems, making it the ideal choice for April birthday gifts.
December Birthstones
Zircon is the oldest mineral on Earth, dating back more than 4.4 billion years. Found in the Earth's crust, it's common in most sand and sedimentary deposits, as well as metamorphic rocks and crystallized magma.
Number 1 is ruled by the planet Sun. And the lucky gemstone associated with Sun is Ruby, and hence it is the most suited Gemstone for people born with 1 as their life path number. The gemstone must be worn on the ring hand on the ring finger with Gold.
Diamond Birthstones
The diamond is also one of the most beautiful birthstones overall, making it a strong contender for the title of most beautiful birthstone overall.
Gemstone prices can be undoubtedly confusing. To the average Joe or Jane, it makes little sense why the same size and weight amethyst is cheaper than an aquamarine, which are both far more affordable than an emerald.
Why are Emeralds, Sapphires and Rubies More Expensive than Other Gemstones? Precious Genuine Emeralds, Sapphires, and Rubies tend to be more expensive than other gemstones, like amethyst, garnet, citrine, etc. In fact, a very high quality emerald, sapphire or ruby can be even more expensive per carat than a diamond.
Diamond – The Forever Gem
Diamonds symbolize forever love, which is why they're most commonly given as engagement and wedding rings. Diamonds that surpass the 'z-light yellow' rating on the diamond color scale are considered fancy yellow diamonds.
There are many gems that are more valuable than diamonds. Emeralds, sapphires, rubies, garnets, and alexandrite, just to name a few.
When gemstones are used or appreciated for their mystical properties, it is generally for their positivity or ability to influence an optimal outcome. However, through the centuries, some gems have acquired a reputation for being unlucky to the owner, including opal, black diamond and pearl.
The Hope Diamond. Photo credit: Wikipedia. I couldn't write a cursed diamond overview without mentioning the Hope Diamond. Arguably the most famous and most cursed precious gemstone in history, this 45.52-carat sparkler has a long and storied past.
Possessing the highest shine of all transparent gemstones, diamond is the hardest material on earth that can only be scratched with another diamond. Its name comes from the ancient Greek adámas meaning “unbreakable”.
Musgravite was first discovered in Musgrave Ranges, Australia, and later found in Madagascar and Greenland. Musgravite is a member of the taaffeite family of minerals and the separation between the two is based on magnesium content. What makes it so rare? Musgravite is considered the rarest crystal in the world.
Tanzanite is one of the many exotic semi-precious gemstones, which also happens to be extremely rare in the world.
Alexandrite that is lab-created, for all intents and purposes, is chemically identical to its naturally occurring sibling. However, that being said, lab-grown alexandrite mimics each other, while genuine pieces from mines are each unique by the very merit of their formation process.