Painite: Rarest gemstone in the world

Until 2001, only three painite crystals were known. Since then, further discoveries have yielded many more specimens of this deep red gemstone, but faceted material remains very rare. The color of painite varies between orange-red, red, red-black, red-purple, green-brown, red-brown to red-black.

Origin, occurrence & localities

The mineral Painite is named after the British geologist and mineralogist Arthur Charles Davy Pain, who discovered the mineral Painite in 1956 near Ohngaing in Myanmar. Myanmar remains the only source of painites. In addition to Ongaing, the type locality, Kyauk-Pyat-Thet in Mogok and Namyazeik in Kachin State have produced gem quality material.

Buy Painite: Value & Price

Since the rarest stone in the world is virtually priceless, the likelihood of finding Painite on the market is slim. And should you find it, Painite costs $50,000 – $60,000 per carat. Comparatively, you have to say that a diamond costs $3,500 – $4,500 per carat. Thus, a painite is worth about 13 times as much as a diamond.

Painite as a gemstone

Although Painites have a hardness of 8, great brilliance, and attractive red colors, they present some challenges for gem cutters. Even gem quality rough stones tend to be heavily enclosed and fractured. As a result, facet cutters tend to cut these gemstones small and flat, which can affect their brilliance.

Painite vs. Other Rare Gemstones

To understand just how rare painite is, a comparison with other precious gemstones helps:

• Painite: Fewer than 1,000 specimens known worldwide — most unfaceted
• Red Diamond: Only about 30 known — also extremely rare
• Alexandrite: Rare, but more accessible than painite
• Tanzanite: Found in one single area in Tanzania

No other gemstone combines this degree of rarity with a documented price history of $50,000–$60,000 per carat.

Painite as an Investment

For serious gemstone collectors and alternative investors, painite represents one of the most compelling opportunities:

• Finite supply: Myanmar remains the only source; supply cannot increase significantly
• Price appreciation: Values have risen steadily since the 2000s
• No mass market: Painite never appears in retail stores — only specialist auctions and private sales
• Documentation matters: A certified painite with provenance documentation commands significantly higher prices

How to Buy Painite

Painite is almost exclusively traded through gemological auction houses or specialist dealers with direct Myanmar connections. Key steps for a safe purchase:

1. Request a GIA or GÜBELIN certificate
2. Verify the cut quality — faceted painite is extremely rare
3. Confirm Myanmar provenance documentation
4. Compare carat weight vs. price (minimum $50,000/ct for gem quality)

Painite: Key Facts at a Glance

• Color: Orange-red, red-black, red-purple to brown-red
• Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale
• Origin: Myanmar (formerly Burma) exclusively
• Price per carat: $50,000 – $60,000
• Named after: Arthur Charles Davy Pain, British geologist (discovery 1956)
• Known specimens: Under 1,000 — most unfaceted

Interested in other rare gemstone investments? Also see: Jade price and investment value.

Musgravite: gemstone, hardness, origin

Musgravite is one of the rarest of all gemstone types. Tested and certified faceted Musgravite is exceptionally rare. Musgravite is closely related to Taaffeite and the separation between the two is based on magnesium content. It is very difficult to distinguish musgravite from taaffeite. Their physical and optical properties are almost identical, and the only sure way to determine one from the other is by Raman spectroscopy. Musgravite and taaffeite are two of the hardest of the extremely rare gemstone species, with a hardness of 8 – 8.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness.

Musgravite has been found at the type locality 16 km north-northeast of Ernabella Mission, Musgrave Ranges, South Australia; along Casey Bay, Enderby Land, Antarctica; and at Dove Bugt, northeast Greenland. The only sources of faceted crystals are at Tunduru, Tanzania, and a very limited find in 2009 at Mogok, Burma.

• One of the rarest types of gemstones
• Very similar to the Taaffeit
• Hardness grade 8 – 8.5
• Origin: South Australia, Antarctica, Northeast Greenland, Tunduru, Tanzania, Burma

Buy & Price of Musgravite: 4 Cs

The most important quality factors of gemstones that determine their value and price are color, weight in carats, cut and clarity. In English, these four factors are called the 4 Cs – Color, Carat, Cut and Clarity. Musgravite is also experiencing an increase in value. Color diamonds have been experiencing a financial upward trend for quite some time; blue and red diamonds are the most sought after and are offered at top prices.

But even minerals that are comparatively unknown can turn out to be a lucrative investment, especially if they belong to the rarest gemstone types, like musgravite. Musgravite is so rare that only eight gem quality stones were mined in 2005. Valued at nearly $35,000 per carat, its color spectrum ranges from translucent olive green to a grayish purple. Comparatively, a diamond can be said to cost a mere $4,500 to $6,000 per carat.

• Quality factors: Color, Carat, Cut and Clarity
• Increase in the value of musgravite
• 35,000 dollars per carat
• Olive green to greyish purple

Use: Jewellery, Decoration & Healing Crystal

Because of its rarity and its beautiful color spectrum, the Musgravite is also very popular as a jewelry stone and is usually worn on a chain, necklace or earrings. A ring with a beautiful Musgravite is also very popular, especially among connoisseurs.

Since ancient times, there has been a cultural belief that musgravite crystals can supposedly cure ailments in humans. Aside from their everyday use in embellishing ornaments and decorations, one specific therapy involves using crystals to heal chronic ailments. This practice, which utilizes the healing properties of musgravite, is known as crystal healing.

• Gemstone on chain, necklace or earrings
• Embellishment of ornaments and decorations
• Therapy with crystals against chronic suffering

Gemstone Taaffeit & Occurrence

Taaffeite is known as colorless, purple, red, green or blue. The most common colors are fairly unsaturated mauve and lavender. Deeper reds and purples, colored by traces of chromium and iron, are extremely rare. The largest taaffeite to hit the market was a 33 carat stone sold at auction in Hong Kong in 1999.

The source of the taaffeite was unknown for a long time. Eventually small fragments were found in Sri Lanka and southern Tanzania. Material also came from Myanmar, and some low-grade taaffite was found in China and Russia.

• Colour: colourless, mauve, lavender, violet, red, green or blue
• Largest carat: 33 carat
• Origin: Sri Lanka, Southern Tanzania, Myanmar, China, Russia

Taaffeit Buy: Value & Price

The question of how expensive a gemstone is, can not be answered in a general way. The price of minerals and gemstones results from the interaction of various factors – namely color, purity, weight and cut.

Light pink and dark purple taaffeite are priced from about $800 to $2,500 per carat. Finer colors with higher saturation can cost as much as $5,500 to $7,500 per carat, while stones with intense color that are clean inside can sell for as much as $15,000 per carat. A diamond, by comparison, costs about $4,500 to $6,000 per carat. Most buyers invest in jewelry with Taaffeit stones because the value of the gemstone increases due to its rarity.

The purity of minerals is essential, especially for stones with translucent transparency. Inclusions of other minerals, gases, liquids or growth lines have a disturbing effect on the brilliance and play with light in the crystal. Such defects can also be repaired with firing, so that a flawless quality exists.

• Colour, purity, weight and cut
• Average price: $3,500
• Prices from $800 to $15,000
• Errors can be corrected by burning

Gemstone and precious stone poudretteite

The natural color of poudretteite varies from colorless to a saturated pink or purple. Manganese is the primary component in this gemstone and it has a Mohs hardness of 5. The very rare poudretteites from Myanmar achieve gem quality in transparency, color and size and are traded as gemstones, but due to its rarity, poudretteite is not a common gemstone. However, those who are in possession of a Poudretteite know that this is a good investment because the value of rare gemstones is constantly increasing.

• Colour: colourless, saturated pink or violet
• Primary ingredient: manganese
• Mohs hardness: 5
• Good investment because of rarity

Buy Poudretteite: Price & Value

Gem-quality poudretteite did not appear on the market until the early 2000s, when a few specimens were found in Mogok, Burma. This is also where some of the most valuable rubies are found. Most of the poudretteites found were mistaken for scapolite. Therefore, it is possible that poudretteite is not as rare as currently thought. Despite this threat emerging in the markets, the current price for a high quality pale pink poudretteite is in the range of $3,000 per carat.

• On the market since the early 2000s
• 3000 dollars per carat

Topaz Quality Features: The famous 4 C

Topaz can be confused with a plethora of other gemstones, probably most easily with aquamarine, citrine, beryl, chrysoberyl and tourmaline. Identification by physical and optical properties such as refractive index or specific gravity should not normally be a major problem for gemologists.

A grading system introduced by the GIA was established to grade topaz, just like diamonds or other gemstones, based on four aspects. These 4 grading systems are known as “the four Cs”. Topazes, especially the more valuable ones, are graded using the following criteria:

1. Colour
2. Cut
3. Clarity
4. Carat weight(Carat weight)

Colour of the topaz (Colour #1)

Topaz occurs in a wide range of natural colors; however, most natural topaz is colorless. The most prized colors are the reds and pinks, which get their color from traces of chromium. Chromium is also responsible for the color in purple and violet topaz. One variety known as “imperial topaz” is especially prized because people enjoy its reddish-orange to orange-red colors, both of which are often found in the same crystal. Most of the world’s imperial topaz is found in Brazil. Topaz with a natural blue color is very rare and valuable.

Blue was the most popular color for topaz on the market for a while. However, almost all blue gemstones started out as colorless or pale blue topaz. A safe and very common heat and radiation treatment gives them striking, darker colors. Before this development, natural pale blue topaz was rare and valuable, while colorless topaz had always been widely available and could be bought cheaply by the ton. The consequences of modern treatment processes: The market value for blue topaz dropped rapidly. Today they are among the cheapest gemstones on the market.

Beware of color falsification

Another method of distorting the color of topaz is a process called chemical vapor deposition (CVD), in which an ultra-thin layer of metal is deposited on the surface of the stone, usually titanium or gold. The colors produced are pink and red, green and petrol blue/green. One type of CVD-treated topaz exhibits iridescence in all the colors of the rainbow and is marketed as “Mystic Topaz.” Experience shows that the colored layer can be removed very easily with a fingernail scratch.

Yellow, brown and colorless topaz also have lower values. These colors are often heated, irradiated, coated and otherwise treated to change their color.

Facts about the color at a glance

Naturally blue topaz is quite rare and shows a fine aquamarine color only in the best cases. It never exhibits the striking and unnatural “Swiss blue” hue caused by irradiation. The only irradiation-induced color that could be mistaken for a natural color is a light blue marketed as “sky blue”.Occasionally, one encounters intensely green topaz in the markets. These stones owe their color to a diffusion treatment. The layer of color produced by this treatment is usually so thin that it can be removed by simple repolishing. The result is a colourless topaz…

Today, most topaz offered in department stores and mall jewelry stores at low to moderate prices has been treated in a laboratory. Colorless topaz can be heated, irradiated, and coated with thin layers of metal oxides to change its color.

Natural blue topaz is extremely rare and is usually light blue. Almost all blue topaz sold in stores today is colorless topaz that has been irradiated and then heated to produce a blue color. “Swiss Blue” and “London Blue” are trade names for two of the most common varieties of treated blue topaz found on the market today.

Natural pink to purple topaz is also extremely rare, but these colors can also be produced in the laboratory. The starting point is a stone cut from colourless topaz. It is first heated and then coated with a layer of metal oxide to create the pink color. When coated stones are worn in jewelry, the coating can thin or wear through over time in areas of the stone where abrasion occurs.

Some topazes are coated with a metallic oxide that gives the stone a multicolored iridescent glow. These stones, known as “mystic topazes,” appear to change color when the viewer moves the stone under light or changes the angle of observation. These coatings are also thin and can with normal wear.

Term topaz (fluorosilicate)

In 1734, the German mineralogist and metallurgist Johann Friedrich Henckel diagnosed that topaz differs from quartz due to its different cleavage. Thus, Henckel was the first to apply the term topaz to the fluorosilicate, which today bears the name and did not include other minerals.scoured.

Cut of the topaz (Cut #2)

Due to its high cleavage, topaz is a particularly difficult gemstone to work with. Even rapid temperature changes or careless setting work can lead to cracks and fissures in the stone.

Another method of distorting the color of topaz is a process called chemical vapor deposition (CVD), in which an ultra-thin layer of metal is deposited on the surface of the stone, usually titanium or gold. The colors produced are pink and red, green and petrol blue/green. One type of CVD-treated topaz exhibits iridescence in all the colors of the rainbow and is marketed as “Mystic Topaz.” Experience shows that the colored layer can be removed very easily with a fingernail scratch.

Topaz shows perfect basal cleavage, which must be taken into account when cutting and setting. It is not particularly sensitive to acids, except concentrated sulphuric acid. Galvanic baths are not problematic.
However, topaz is very sensitive to heat and should be removed from the setting before any repair work is carried out.

Many brown and orange-brown topaz fade when exposed to light. We once had a beautiful, intensely brandy-colored specimen that faded to complete colorlessness within a year!

Purity of the Topaz (Clarity #3)

Gemstone clarity refers to the presence or absence of inclusions in the stone. Inclusions are any materials such as minerals, gases, liquids, or even other crystals that were trapped inside during its formation. Of the top four gemstones, the others being diamond, sapphire and ruby, emeralds are unique in the number of high quality specimens that contain inclusions, a flawless emerald is almost impossible to find. In fact, the flaws are what often give emeralds their charm, and the absence of any inclusions is often a sign of a fraudulent stone.

Facts about purity at a glance:

• Presence or absence of inclusions
• Emeralds usually contain inclusions
• Flawless emerald almost impossible to find
• Absence of any inclusions is often a sign of a forgery

Important: clarity and transparency

With emeralds, as with other colored stones, clarity and transparency are closely related. It is generally accepted that emeralds have inclusions visible to the naked eye, but only if they affect the transparency, the price is lowered.

Valuable emeralds with inclusions are so standard that there is even a name for them, Jardin-Smaragde (Jardin is French for garden and is so named because of its mossy or grassy appearance). When choosing an emerald, beware of inclusions that come to the surface of the gemstone, as they may indicate future cracks or fractures.

Carat / Weight of the topaz (Carat #4)

The final indicator of price is, of course, the size of the emerald. Large carat sizes are particularly rare, so a three carat emerald gemstone is not only three times as expensive as a one carat stone, but probably six times as expensive. The size of an emerald is measured in carats (abbreviated as ct). One carat is equal to 0.2 grams (about 0.007 ounces).

Topaz crystals can weigh hundreds of pounds and are often quite gemmy at this size. Gemstones of up to 20,000 carats have been cut from different colored material. Museums seem to be happy to receive monster sized topaz gemstones for display. Pink gemstones over 5 carats (Pakistan) are rare, however, and a Brazilian deep orange gemstone over 20 carats is considered large.

Heat treatments are also used to turn some yellow, orange and brown topaz into pink or red. This process is common, stable and undetectable.

“Mystic Topaz”

A chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process is used to create a mystic topaz, a stone with a multi-colored coating on its surface. This is a common process. The surface coating can be easily scratched. This treatment can be detected by dipping.

Occurrence and mining areas of the gemstone

There are localities all over the world: Widespread throughout the world. Topaz is found on every continent. Mindat.org lists 1186 localities. The most important sources are Brazil, Sri Lanka, Russia and Nigeria.

Topaz occurs in many places around the world where rocks such as pegmatite and rhyolite are formed. Here, topaz is usually a minor mineral in terms of quantity and a secondary mineral in terms of its time of formation.

Brazil has been the world’s most important source of topaz for decades. Almost all of the world’s high-quality imperial topaz is produced in the state of Minas Gerais in southeastern Brazil. The mines of Ouro Preto and Capao are the most important sources of yellow, orange, pink, red and purple topaz crystals for the gem and mineral specimen market. Brazil is also the leading producer of colorless topaz, much of which is heat treated and irradiated to produce the colors Swiss blue and London blue.

Pakistan is a smaller but notable source of pink, red and purple topaz. Sri Lanka is a very important source of colorless topaz. Other sources of topaz are: Australia, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Namibia, Nigeria, Russia and Zimbabwe. In the United States, some topaz is produced in Utah, where it was designated a state gemstone in 1969.

1. Australia
2. Mexico
3. Pakistan
4. United States
5. Other sources

Australia

Queensland and Tasmania yield blue, colorless and brownish gem crystals. Tingha, New South Wales produces green gem-like material.

Mexico

San Luis Potosí produces fine brownish to sherry-colored crystals, as well as colorless and some yellowish, in many excellent, cuttable forms. Some of this material can be darkened by irradiation, but the color fades in sunlight.

Pakistan

Mardan produces fine pink crystals, terminated and cuttable, in limestone matrix, at Ghundao Hill, near Katlang.

United States

New Hampshire crystals are found, in Texas stones that are colorless and blue, some faceted to large. Likewise, there are areas in Pike’s Peak, Colorado. Here you will find fine blue crystals in granite rock; also colorless, reddish, yellow, some faceted.

Other sources: Germany to Sri Lanka

Other notable sources of gem quality include the following:

• Schneckenstein, Germany: faint yellow, gemmy.
• Madagascar: various colors in crystals and pebbles, often grindable.
• Myanmar: colorless, blue, brown, pink and yellow gemstone masses from gemstone grains.
• Klein Spitzkopje, Namibia: colorless and blue crystals from pegmatites, gemmy.
• Jos, Nigeria: fine blue crystals, also white, many grindable.
• Sri Lanka: colourless, yellow and blue gemstone masses from gemstone grains.
• Afghanistan; India; Japan; Vietnam; Norway; United Kingdom (Cornwall, England, Scotland); Zimbabwe.

Largest known finds

The largest known pink topaz is an oval of over 79 carats from Russia. The largest Brazilian topaz crystal of orange color ever found is said to measure 5 x 27 cm and weigh nearly 2 kg. A very fine lot (9 cutable crystals) found in the 1960s weighed over 900 grams and produced several outstanding gems, one weighing over 100 carats and several over 50 carats. Giant topazes exist in blue, colorless, and pale yellow colors. Red topaz from the tops of some Brazilian crystals is extremely rare, the largest about 70 carats.

Origin of the name

The Greek term “Topazos” is possibly derived from the name of an island in the Red Sea called Topazios. Most likely this was the island of Zebirget (Sebirget, Zabargad et al.). The island name Topazios is in turn derived from the word Topazin or Topazein, which means “to seek” or “to suppose”, since the island was usually obscured by fog and therefore difficult to find. The Greek historian Cornelius Alexander Polyhistor (Polyhistor was born a Roman citizen in 82 BC, hence the Latinized name) wrote that stones the color of fresh (olive) oil were found on the island. In volume 37 of his monumental work Naturalis Historia, Pliny writes about Topazos from the island in the Red Sea. In fact, Zebirget is the main source of peridot for a very long time.

This claim is all the more plausible because until the tenth century A.D. the word “topaz” was commonly used to describe green gemstones.

In the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, Pitdah, the Hebrew name of the second stone in the high priest’s breastplate, is given as topaz. The American mineralogist and gem collector George Frederick Kunz (in whose honor the mineral was christened kunzite) assumed that the root of pitdah was in the Sanskrit word pita, meaning yellow, and concluded that it may actually have meant the mineral now known as topaz.

The counterargument, of course, is that topaz in ancient times denoted green gemstones.

Trade names (excerpt)

There are so many Handesl names, here is just a small sample:

• Sky blue, aqua blue (reinforced)
• Swiss blue, medium blue (reinforced)
• London Blue, dark blue (reinforced)
• Mystic surface treated topaz with multiple colors
• Hyacinth or hyacinth, dark orange to orange-red
• Emperor topaz, highly saturated medium, reddish-orange
• Sherry, brownish yellow to orange or yellowish brown

Amethyst – the popular healing and gemstone

The two questions that are asked most often are: How much does an amethyst cost? Is an amethyst a gemstone?

Amethysts are minerals of hydrothermal origin and crystallize from weakly ferruginous solutions at temperatures of 100 to 250 °C. Accordingly, amethyst crystals are found in effusive rocks, in veins and fissures, or as fillings in druses or geodes.

• Hydrothermal origin
• Crystallises at 100 to 250 °C

Origin of the name of the amethyst – Greece

The name comes from the Koine Greek amethystos from a, “not” and methysko/methyo, “intoxicate”, a reference to the belief that the stone should protect its owner from drunkenness. The gemstone itself is found in many countries around the world, even in Germany. Amethyst is also a feminine given name of Greek origin, referring to the beauty of the gemstone.

This is what an amethyst looks like as a raw material (stone):

Amethyst crystal worth $50,000 – Video

In this video you will see the excavation of several amethysts, including a very large crystal worth $50,000.

Price – Where to buy amethysts?

There are many different online shops for amethysts and collectors also offer great specimens. Most valuable are amethysts in a transparent, pure, medium to dark purple that doesn’t play into blue or red – although flashes of blue or red color are highly sought after in amethysts.

• Online shops for amethysts or healing stone collectors
• Most valuable: transparent, pure, medium to dark purple

A large amethyst druse – a true treasure

An open mineral cavity of a certain quartz variety is called an amethyst druse. The term “druse” is derived from the Old High German and stands for “gland” or “bump”. The larger the gemstone the higher the price. In addition, the value depends of course on the coloring and the quality.

The color of the amethyst – different purple

Amethyst is an extremely popular gemstone because of its attractive purple color. The purple color can be so light that it is barely noticeable, or so dark that it is almost opaque. It can be reddish-purple, violet, or purple-violet. Amethyst comes in this wide range of colors.

Amethyst crystals grow slowly and the composition of the water they grow from can change over time. As the composition of the water changes, different amounts of iron are incorporated into the surface of the crystal. Later, radiation emitted from minerals in the surrounding rock modifies the iron to produce the purple color. This can result in the crystal having zones of varying color intensity. Each of these zones records a time interval in the growth of the crystal, much like the growth rings of a tree.

• Very light to very dark purple
• Wide range of colors
• Composition of the water determines the coloration

Green amethyst – the quartz mineral prasiolite

Prasiolite is a yellow-green to green variety of quartz that is cut into faceted stones used for jewelry or purchased by gem collectors. Most prasiolite is made by heating natural amethyst in a laboratory furnace to about 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This heating changes the color of the amethyst from purple to green or yellowish-green.

A small amount of prasiolite is produced by irradiating natural amethyst. This produces prasiolite with a light green color. The green color is often unstable and can fade to colorless when the stone is exposed to temperatures above about 150 degrees Celsius. Another small amount of amethyst is heated by natural processes. It occurs where an amethyst-bearing rock unit has been heated by younger lava flows or nearby intrusions.

1. Heat treated amethyst
2. Irradiated amethyst
3. Naturally heated amethyst

Excavation of green amethysts in Canada – Video

In this video you can see the excavation of various green amethysts, i.e. prasiolites.

Effect & spiritual meaning of the amethyst

Amethyst is the perfect stone for any spiritual seeker, as it is the stone of spiritual awakening and growth. It cleanses and protects by placing a shield around the physical body and energy field. It is said to increase mental acuity and concentration. The most common use of amethyst is to increase intuition and psychic abilities.

It also strengthens our connection with the Higher Self, spirit guides and the angelic realm. The gemstone provides psychic, mental and emotional protection and balances the nervous system. It is the birthstone for Pisces and the month of February and the gemstone for the 6th anniversary of marriage.

• Stone of spiritual awakening and growth
• Increases mental sharpness and concentration
• Increasing intuition and psychic abilities
• Psychological, mental and emotional protection
• February birthstone, Pisces

The magic of the amethyst crystal – Video

Learn more about the spiritual power of amethyst here.

Jewellery – Amethyst Rings, Necklaces & Bracelets

For centuries, amethyst has been one of the most popular stones that are made into jewelry such as rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants and bracelets. Those who wear amethyst on their body often feel as if they are surrounded by a positive aura. Amethyst is best worn on a ring because it attracts a lot of attention with its unique color. Jewelry with amethyst stones you do not have to look long, because at almost every jeweler there is a small selection of amethyst jewelry.

• Rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets
• Positive aura through jewelry
• Available almost every jeweler
• Custom-made products are possible

Aquamarine price (gram, carat and kilo)

Since aquamarines are also available in large sizes, there is no incremental increase in value per carat for large gemstones. A 50 ct aquamarine is worth the same price per carat as a one carat gemstone of the same quality. The price of precious gemstones depends on clarity, depth of color, and to a lesser extent, purity of color. Aquamarines can be bought in very different price ranges in the market. Depending on the quality, a carat can cost anywhere from $50 to $600.

How much does an aquamarine cost?

What you’ll be most interested in now:

How much does an aquamarine cost?

As described earlier, aquamarines are weighed in carats.

One metric carat equals 0.2 grams

Aquamarines are currently valued at an average of $352.64 per carat.

So one gram costs on average 1,763.20 USD

For one kilogram of aquamarine you pay on average 1.763.200 USD.

Gold price (gram, ounce & kilo) in comparison

How does the price of gold compare? Many investors who buy gold constantly keep an eye on the price. As an investor, you should too, because prices for precious metals are subject to fluctuations – even if the gold price is usually very stable.

Difference per gram currently: +1.702 USD

Gold is currently valued at $61 per gram, compared to aquamarine, which can fetch up to $1,763.20 as described. This big difference makes aquamarines interesting for investors as well!

Gold price current:

• 1 gram 61.14 USD or 52.47 EUR
• 1 ounce 1,901.77 USD or 1,631.90 EUR
• 1 kilogram USD 61,143.33 or EUR 52,466.80

So for one kilogram of gold you get only a fraction of aquamarines!

Aquamarine color variations

Aquamarine is made of beryl, a mineral that can be light blue, light blue-green, or even light green. It is usually clear, but the iron content gives it its blue or green coloration. The green of aquamarine is a watery green without any trace of yellow. In the past, green was the most prized color in aquamarine stones. Today, however, the most prized and therefore most valuable aquamarines have a rich, sky blue color.

It depends on the angle!

Depending on the angle from which you look at an aquamarine, it can appear in shades of blue and green or look almost colorless. This is called the pleachroic effect. Almost all aquamarines on the market have been heat treated to enhance the color. To meet consumer preference for aquamarines in deep blue, the stones are heated at 426 degrees Fahrenheit, which brings out the blue color and makes the yellows and greens disappear. The light shade of aquamarine flatters all skin tones and harmonizes with all common precious metals.

Color variations of aquamarine:

• Depending on the angle of view all shades of blue and green
• This is called pleachroic effect
• Most aquamarines are heat treated
• Flattering for all skin types

Depending on the viewing angle, aquamarines can shimmer in a wide variety of shades of green and blue:

Authenticity: Identifying characteristics

Inclusions are interesting features of this gemstone. Beryl and especially aquamarine are known for having long, hollow tubes. This feature identifies a gemstone as a member of the beryl family. Aquamarines can have transparent and metallic inclusions such as biotite and rutile in skeletal crystals. They may also contain garnet, quartz and tourmaline crystals. Some stones contain what are called snow stars, irregularly shaped droplets of liquid in a star formation. The Martha Rocha aquamarine, for example, one of the largest aquamarines in the world and named after the then Miss Brazil, has notable snow star inclusions.

Key identifiers:

• Long, hollow tube inclusions
• Metallic inclusions like biotite and rutile
• May contain garnet, quartz and tourmaline crystals
• Snow star inclusions also possible

Caution – danger of confusion!

Aquamarines are most likely to be confused with the very rare natural blue topaz or the irradiated sky blue topaz commonly found in the trade. There are 2 other irradiated topaz colors. These are London Blue and Swiss Blue. However, they are too intense to be confused with aquamarine and cannot fool an expert. The identification is ultimately done by the significantly higher weight, because a topaz is much heavier than an aquamarine of the same size.

Also common are aquamarine-colored synthetic spinels, which are often referred to as synthetic aquamarines. However, this is a misstatement! In fact, there are no synthetically produced aquamarines. Identifying those fakes is easy because spinel is single refractive, which can be determined with a dichroscope. Also, synthetic spinel in aquamarine color appears distinctly pink under the Chelsea filter.

The Aquaqmarin can be confused with these stones:

• Rare natural blue topaz
• Irradiated topaz of the color Sky Blue
• Aquamarine synthetic spinels

Mining areas and deposits

Aquamarines are found on all continents. By far the most important mining areas are in Brazil.

Other significant sites include:

• Nigeria
• Mozambique
• Madagascar
• Pakistan

In addition, aquamarines are also found in India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, the USA and some other countries of the world. In Madagascar, a special dark blue variety was mined.

Aquamarine in Europe

The European deposits in Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Finland, Norway, Bulgaria and Switzerland, for example, are of purely mineralogical interest and do not yield material useful for the gemstone trade.

Aquamarine is commonly found in cavities, gravel deposits, and sometimes in stream gravels. Beryl crystals in some coarse-grained rock forms can grow to very large sizes. Aquamarine crystals of up to 20 cm are not uncommon. The best quality stones come from Brazil, where crystals weighing several kilograms have been found.

Aquamarine mining in Pakistan: Video

Different types of grinding

The most common cut for an aquamarine is the emerald type, followed by oval or pear-shaped cuts. It is a relatively easy stone to cut and is often found in innovative shapes as cutters experiment with new shapes. Generally, all cuts used for diamonds are possible for aquamarines. It is rated 7.5 to 8 on the hardness scale, making it a fairly durable stone. Large aquamarine stones, ranging from several carats to more than 10 carats, are relatively common, as mentioned earlier. The great thing about this gemstone is that the wide price range makes it accessible to almost everyone.

• The most common cut for an aquamarine is the emerald type
• Followed by oval or pear-shaped cuts
• Easy to cut stone
• 7.5 to 8 on the hardness scale
• Durable stone

When cutting aquamarine, the primary consideration should be depth of color. Deep designs, such as barions and emerald cuts, are usually preferred. Low crown angles result in higher brilliance, but higher crowns are often used to deepen the color.

High brilliance due to polishing

The beryl family, including aquamarines, are among the easiest gemstones to polish. Diamond polishing is the most common method. A high quality polish can give bright aquamarines such brilliance that they could be mistaken for higher refractive index (RI) gemstones. Even with a moderate scatter of 0.014, bright stones with high crown angles will show off their spectral colors well. This makes them a standout gemstone. While the highest values are with the richer colors, a well-cut bright aquamarine can be one of the most spectacular examples of gemstone faceting in the world.

• The easiest gemstones to polish
• Most common method: Diamond polishing
• Can be mistaken for gemstones with a higher refractive index
• Spectral colours are brought to the fore

Aquamarine jewellery care

The best way to clean your aquamarine jewelry is with plain warm soapy water (with mild liquid soap) and a small brush. Once you have washed the stone, be sure to rinse it well with clean water. Be sure to use warm water instead of hot water to reduce the risk of thermal shock.

Detergents containing enzymes and detergents should be avoided as they can cause allergic reactions. It is also not advisable to clean aquamarine in an ultrasonic tank. Sudden temperature changes, steam formation and contact with cosmetics, hairspray, perfume or household chemicals should also be avoided if possible.

• Cleaning with simple warm soapy water
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water
• Avoid detergents containing enzymes and detergents

Biggest aquamarine find ever

The largest aquamarine was found in 1910 in Brazil, near the village of Marambaia. It weighed around 110 kg, was almost half a meter long and 38 cm wide. It was then cut into smaller stones, which together yielded over 200,000 carats!

Here lies the mine where the largest aquamarine of all time was found:

Investing in aquamarine: yes or no?

As already mentioned above, aquamarines come in very different price ranges. This makes investing in aquamarines interesting even for investors with a smaller budget. A negative factor is the lack of a global reference price, as it is available to potential gold investors with the London gold price. The market can therefore be subject to strong price fluctuations in general.

These thoughts should not be understood as a fundamental recommendation against the aquamarine purchase, but rather as an invitation to critically reflect on a potential purchase decision.

Diamond price (gram, carat and kilo)

The largest diamond producer by volume is Russia (mainly Siberia). But if you look at the value of the diamonds, Botswana (mainly Jwaneng Diamond Mine) wins. Both produce over 1 million carats a year, which sounds like a lot, but is actually only 200,000 g, or 200 kg per country per year. It is these small quantities that make diamond so valuable.

The most famous and legendary of all gemstones, diamond is very unique in many ways. It is known for being the hardest substance on earth, its sparkling fire, durability and rarity make diamond the most valuable of all gemstones. No gemstone contains as much attraction and interest as diamond. Most diamonds used as gemstones are colorless or very faintly colored. Colored diamonds, called “fancies,” however, can be extremely rare and valuable, and the most valuable gemstones ever known were fancy diamonds. In fact, fancy diamonds are the most valuable substances known to mankind, with colored diamonds selling for more than a million dollars per carat in the past!

What you’ll be most interested in now, of course:

How much does a diamond cost?

As described earlier, diamonds are weighed in carats.

One metric carat equals 0.2 grams

Diamonds are currently valued at an average of $7,116 per carat.

So one gram costs on average 35,580 USD

Diamond Price Current (08/20):

• 1 carat 7,116.17 USD or 5,990.54 EUR
• 1 gram 35,580.90 USD or 30,100.16 EUR
• 1 kilogram USD 35,580,170.34 or EUR 30,100,160.81

Gold price (gram, ounce & kilo) in comparison

How does the price of gold compare? Many investors who buy gold constantly keep an eye on the price. As an investor, you should too, because prices for precious metals are subject to fluctuations – even if the gold price is usually very stable.

Difference per gram currently: +35,519 USD or diamonds are 583x more valuable

Gold is currently valued at $61 per gram, compared to diamonds, which can fetch up to $35,580 as described, a huge difference that also makes diamonds interesting for investors.

Gold price current:

• 1 gram 61.14 USD or 52.47 EUR
• 1 ounce 1,901.77 USD or 1,631.90 EUR
• 1 kilogram USD 61,143.33 or EUR 52,466.80

So for one kilogram of gold you get only a fraction of diamonds!

Countries of origin and largest mining areas

Since the 1870s, most of the world’s gem-quality diamonds have been mined in Africa.

Top 7 producing countries over 1 million carats / year

These seven countries have been world leaders in the production of gem quality diamonds for over a decade.

Production over 1 million carats:

1. Russia
2. Botswana
3. Canada
4. Angola
5. South Africa
6. Democratic Republic of the Congo
7. Namibia

Russia leads the list of producers with its gigantic areas. A large part of the productive mines can be found in Yakutia.

Mine: Yakutia, Russia

Inside Yakutia: Russia’s largest mine – video

Yakutia in northeastern Siberia is home to huge diamond deposits, where the gems are mined in huge pits dug deep into the permafrost. The Mir mine in Mirny is 525 meters deep and one of the largest man-made holes in the world.

Production countries with 100,000 + carats / year

Apart from the dominant producers, numerous countries produce less than one million carats per year, but are regular, consistent producers. They all produce over 100,000 carats of gem-quality diamonds per year and have averaged at least that much over the past decade. This production comes from smaller mechanized mines or an enormous number of artisans in alluvial deposits.

• Australia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Guinea
• Guyana
• Lesotho
• Sierra Leone
• Zimbabwe

Number 1 in the 2nd division is Australia. Tip. Read more about production and price of Opal here.

Mine: Australia (Argyle Diamond Mine, Lake Argyle WA 6743)

Inside Argyle: Australia’s Diamonds – Video

A look inside the unique Argyle diamond mine. Located in the spectacular East Kimberley region of Western Australia, the Argyle Diamond Mine produces over 90% of the incredible Pink Diamonds. See how they recover the diamonds from deep underground in their modern block cave mine.

Russia: The largest diamond producer in the world

Diamonds were found in Russia as early as the 18th century. The first significant production occurred in 1957 from the Mir kimberlite pipe and adjacent placers. Since then, numerous diamondiferous pipes and alluvial deposits have been found. Most of Russia’s diamond production to date has come from the open pit mines of the Mir and Udachnaya pipes in the Sakha Republic of Siberia.

Today, Russia is the world’s leading producer of gem-quality diamonds by carat weight and has held this position for over a decade. Botswana is the only country with a higher production value – mainly because its production includes a high proportion of large, high-quality diamonds.

• First finds in the 18th century
• First production facility 1957
• The majority are open-cast mines in the Republic of Sakha.
• Central is Yakutia (10 of 12 mines)
• World leading producer in gemstone quality
• Holds the title for over a decade

ALROSA as the largest export company

ALROSA, a Russian group of diamond mining companies, produces almost all of the diamonds mined in the country. ALROSA sorts and sells its rough diamonds to a number of polished diamond manufacturers located mainly in Russia, Belgium, India, Israel, Hong Kong and China. Most sales are made through long-term supply agreements, but the company also makes one-time sales and is developing methods for online sales.

Primary control of ALROSA is in the hands of Russian government authorities. The Russian Federation Agency for State Property Management owns approximately 44%, the Ministry of Property and Land Relations of the Republic of Sakha owns approximately 25% and the municipal district administrations of the Republic of Sakha own approximately 8%. The remaining approximately 23% is owned by individuals and legal entities.

Away from it all, a look inside the mine is nothing short of spectacular.

Number 1: Largest diamond mine in the world – Video

Botswana: Small country, huge yield

Course a look at Botswana as a country if you don’t know much about it yet.

• Capital: Gaborone
• Currency: Botswana Pula
• Population: 2.254 million (2018, source: World Bank).

Botswana on the map, Jwaneng Diamond Mine:

Botswana was one of the first areas to use bulk sampling and indicator mineral mapping to characterize and identify diamond pipes in a large and difficult geographic area. Exploration began in the 1950s and diamond mining started in 1971.

In the mid-1980s, Botswana had some of the world’s highest-yielding mines, and the tiny country was one of the world’s leading diamond producers.

For over a decade, Botswana has been the second largest diamond producer by carat weight and the leading producer by value. It holds this position because its average diamond size is larger than those produced by Russia and of generally higher quality.

• Diamond mining began in 1971
• 2. largest diamond producer (quantity)
• PS: Measured by value, even the leading producer

Number 1 mines: The most expensive diamonds

Botswana’s Jwaneng mine is often referred to as “the richest diamond mine in the world”. The mine has been producing about 10 million carats of high quality diamonds annually. The mine is owned by a company called Debswana, a joint venture company between De Beers and the government of Botswana – hence the name “Debswana”.

The diamond industry is the most important factor for economic activity in Botswana. Diamonds account for about 60% of Botswana’s exports and about 25% of its gross domestic product. De Beers is responsible for the sale of all of Debswana’s rough diamonds and has built the largest diamond sorting and sales facility in the world in Gaborone, the capital and largest city of Botswana. There, the stones mined by De Beers in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa are sorted and offered to diamond buyers and manufacturers from all over the world in De Beers’ famous “Sightholder Sales”.

• Most important factor for economic activity in Botswana
• 60% of Botswana’s exports are diamonds
• About 25% of its gross domestic product
• Garborone has the largest diamond sorting and sales facility in the world

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCEmCUdSnXc

Canada: The big surprise

Canada was the big surprise in the diamond industry. Geologists suspected that gem-bearing diamond pipes pierced the rocks of the Canadian Shield, but many of the world’s most experienced diamond explorers could not find them. Then in 1991, two geologists, Chuck Fipke and Stewart Blusson, found evidence of diamond-bearing kimberlite pipes about 200 miles north of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. The deposit proved commercial, and mining began there in 1998. Several other mines came on line in quick succession, quickly making Canada one of the world’s leading diamond producers.

Some of the Canadian mines have already been closed due to difficult mining conditions or ore bodies being worked out. However, the country’s position as the third largest diamond producer in the world has been maintained. Most of Canada’s mines are located in remote and cold places in the northern part of the country. Some can only get their heavy supplies by trucks traveling on ice roads that can only be traversed during the coldest months of the year. The mines must also have all the necessary facilities to house and support their workers for months at a time. The mines have proven themselves even in the face of these costly challenges.

• First diamonds were found in 1991
• In 1998 the dismantling began
• Mines mainly in the north, supply via ice roads

Popularity due to good production conditions

Canadian diamonds have been very popular with consumers. Some like them because they are produced away from conflict, because workers are well paid and because there are regulations to protect the environment. Diamond and jewelry manufacturers in Canada have advertised their national origin by labeling their belts with certificate numbers and trade logos. These include a maple leaf, a polar bear, CanadaMark symbols or the words “Ice on Fire.” These inscriptions assure consumers of the provenance of their diamond, link it to a certificate, and are a very successful marketing feature.

Mining of rough diamonds

Diamonds are mostly extracted from vents of extinct volcanoes. They are first mined in open pits, then underground. Extensive open-pit mining of this type is carried out in Botswana, Russia and Angola. In Namibia and South Africa, diamonds are also found inland in some river valleys and in submarine basins. For underwater mining, specially designed ships are used to wash the diamonds out of the sand that is sucked in.

World production of natural diamond is currently around twenty tons per year, which currently only covers around 20 % of industrial demand. Synthetically produced diamonds, whose properties such as toughness, crystal habit, conductivity and purity can be precisely influenced, are therefore increasingly filling this gap in demand.

Statistics: Development of the worldwide diamond production in the period from 2005 to 2020

You can find more statistics at Statista

Recognised grading system: The 4 Cs

A grading system introduced by the GIA was established to evaluate diamonds based on four aspects. These four grading systems are known as “the four C’s” in which all diamonds are graded:

1. Colour
2. Cut
3. Clarity
4. Carat weight(Carat weight)

Colour (Colour #1)

The color of a diamond is graded on an alphabetical scale, ranging from the letters D to Y. This scale measures color saturation, which ranges from absolutely colorless to deep yellow (or yellow-brown). D is completely colorless, with no hint of any other color. Y indicates intense deep yellow or deep yellow-brown. The letters between D and Y describe the color, depending on the degree of yellow saturation.

The color bar below shows the letter and the color saturation it represents. (The bar is not limited to yellow; it can also be yellow-brown and is not necessarily accurate, as monitor saturation can vary.) The letter Z in a diamond’s color grade can sometimes be used to indicate a fancy diamond.

Cut (Cut #2)

The cut, or facet, of the diamond is the shape and style in which it is cut. The most common cut is the brilliant cut, a facet specifically designed to bring out the most fire in the stone. Sometimes this cut cannot be given, either due to flaws or cleavage habits. A great deal of planning must be done before cutting a diamond, as a slight flaw in the facet can significantly reduce the value of the stone.

Brilliant cut and old cut

The brilliant cut is the classic cut for diamonds. The 57 facets of the brilliant cause the best possible light reflection.

The old cut is the precursor of today’s brilliant cut. This particular cut is mainly found in jewellery from private collections. Special features of this cut are a somewhat higher upper body and a smaller table as well as a cut calette. A perfectly round cut was not necessarily aimed for. This cut still enjoys particular popularity among connoisseurs today.

Purity (Clarity #3)

The brilliance of the stone also depends decisively on the clarity, which is of course very strongly reflected in the value of the diamond. Truly flawless stones are very rare and therefore also particularly valuable.

Carat / Weight (Carat #4)

The size of a diamond is measured in carats (abbreviated as ct). One carat is equal to 0.2 grams (about 0.007 ounces).

Another weight measurement sometimes used for small diamonds is the point measurement (abbreviated as pt). Each point is equal to one/one hundredth of a carat. For example, a stone weighing 34 pt weighs 0.34 ct. Larger diamonds are worth more than proportionally smaller ones, meaning that a 3 ct diamond exceeds the value of three 1ct diamonds.

Diamonds (as well as other precious colored gemstones) are often sold with a certification document that lists comprehensive details about the stone, specifically their 4 C’s. These certificates are usually authenticated by recognized organizations such as the GIA and the AGS (American Gem Society) and offer authenticity about the stone being purchased. Diamonds that are certified have a premium over non-certified.

Detect fake diamonds?

Since a diamond is real, it must have some inclusions! These inclusions are visible to the naked eye or under magnification. If no inclusions, black spots or milk spots, are visible in a diamond, then it is either a zirconia or a piece of glass.

Diamonds that have no inclusions under 50x magnification are very rare and can only be found by collectors. The small black specks that are visible in diamonds are crystals of graphite or other forms of carbon. These black specks glow under the light. Diamonds have an affinity for grease; the surface of a cut diamond generally has a film of grease when touched.

• Inclusions (naked eye or under magnification)
• No inclusions under 50x magnification = very rare
• Black spots are crystals of graphite or other forms of carbon
• Affinity for fat

Test methods for the authenticity of diamonds

The most important test of a diamond is that all light entering the front of the stone is completely reflected by the back facets, which form a series of mirrors. A well-cut diamond, when viewed from the back and held up to the light, will show only a pinpoint of light from the cult. Moreover, when you look down at a brilliant diamond, you don’t see the wearer’s finger under the stone, as you do with other stones. White light entering a diamond is scattered into a spectrum of colors, creating vials of different colors from the smaller crown facets.

Detect diamond imitations: Video

Various quartz shapes

There are many forms of quartz that can be called diamond. Many are locality specific and precede the word diamond with a locality name. Many of these names are rarely used or invented by dealers, but there are a few, such as Herkimer Diamond, that are used universally. Here are some names to consider that describe quartz varieties:

Names describing varieties of quartz:

• Arkansas
• Baffa
• Bristol
• Cape May
• Cornish
• Dauphine
• Herkimer
• Hot springs
• Marble Marsh
• Pecos
• Vallum
• Zabeltitzen

Other false names are also used which do not refer to quartz. They are as follows:

• Alaskan Black – Hematite
• Jourado – Colorless synthetic spinel
• Killiecrankie – Colourless topaz from Killiecrankie Bay at the northern end of Flinders Island, Australia.
• Matura – Colourless zirconia
• Strass – Colorless glass as gemstone simulant
• Swarovski – Highly polished form of glass

Production of synthetic diamonds

For many years, it was very legitimate to use the terms “diamond production” and “diamond mining” as equivalent – at least for gem quality diamonds. That has changed. The United States Geological Survey reports that in 2015, an estimated $52.4 million worth of gem-quality diamonds were produced in laboratories within the United States.

Already produced $52.4 million worth of synthetic diamonds in 2015

An unknown quantity is also produced in laboratories outside the United States. Most of these synthetic diamonds enter the gemstone market and are labeled as “lab-created” or “lab-grown” or “synthetic” at the time of sale to consumers. When this occurs, these man-made diamonds are generally sold at a price at least 25% below the cost of natural diamonds for stones of similar size and quality.

Still complicated and costly at the moment

It is extremely difficult and costly to distinguish man-made diamonds from natural diamonds, especially at the wholesale level when synthetic diamonds are inserted into large lots of very small diamonds. This infiltration of synthetic stones into natural stone stock has raised concerns among the gem and jewelry trade, as well as consumers. Is my diamond “natural”?

Most consumers still buy “natural diamonds” because the supply of lab-created diamonds is relatively small. However, a lower selling price attracts certain consumers to lab-created diamonds because they have the same chemical composition and physical properties and look exactly like natural diamonds to the eye. Time will tell how interested consumers will be in natural diamonds and how much of a discount they are willing to refuse.

For a layman not to recognize: The difference between natural and synthetic diamonds.

Biggest diamonds ever

In this chart you can see the biggest diamonds that were sold until 2010:

1. The Golden Jubiliee – 545.67 carats
2. The Cullinan I – 530.2 carats
3. The Cullinan II – 317.4 carats
4. The Centenary – 273 carats
5. The Millenium Star – 204.4 carats

Diamonds for investors

Investors should base the purchase decision on the “4 Cs” described above to ensure a minimum level of quality. In order to ensure successful resaleability at a reasonable price, it makes sense to keep the standards rather high.

Role of diamonds in the portfolio

In contrast to shares, ETFs or other forms of investment, the long-term price development of diamonds is characterised by a relatively steady rise. Therefore, diamonds are very well suited as a defensive addition to the portfolio to cushion strong downturns. A fundamental outperformance compared to stock indices such as DAX or MDAX, however, is usually not given.

Your motivation in buying diamonds as an investment should be to minimize risk by diversifying your assets.

This means that diamonds are not recommended in a small portfolio. If you have to exceed a maximum portfolio share of 5 percent to reach the minimum size and quality when buying diamonds, you should rather wait with the investment.

Diamond Cut: 21 Shapes & Types

Diamonds are known to have the unique property of refracting light in such a way that it sparkles intensely! So much so that diamonds continue to increase in value. Today, 1 carat (0.2 grams) will cost you 7,116.17 USD or 5,990.54 EUR. Besides the brilliance, the cut determines a large part of the purchase price. There are different shapes of cut diamonds, 21 of which I want to introduce to you today. To the cut forms belong for example round cut (also brilliant cut), heart, oval, marquise, radiant and princess (princess cut). The cut quality significantly determines the value of a diamond. When determining the value, it is all about how well the facets of a diamond interact with the light.

The cut of a diamond is crucial to the final beauty and value of the stone. Of all the 4Cs of diamonds, the cut itself is the most complex and technically difficult to analyze.

• Diamond cut: 21 types

Investing in diamonds: Yes or No?

Short-term speculation with diamonds is practically impossible due to the value added tax and the high spreads. This can also be used as a basic argument against diamonds as a value investment, because the investor is first of all in the red with 19 percent after the purchase and has to reckon with further discounts when selling. In addition, there is the lack of a global reference price, as it is available to potential gold investors with the London gold price.

These thoughts should not be understood as a fundamental recommendation against buying diamonds, but rather as an invitation to critically reflect on a potential purchase decision.

Red color of ruby – difference ruby and sapphire

Corundum, which is considered a gem quality and has any shade of red or pink, is considered a ruby. In the United States, there are specific requirements regarding the saturation of a ruby. It must meet certain standards to fall into the ruby category, otherwise it is called a pink sapphire.

These include hue, saturation and tone. Hue refers to the color of the ruby as we see it. Saturation determines the visibility of the color. Is it light? Dark? Or somewhere in between? Finally, hue tells us the purity of the color. If it is a pure tone, there are no secondary colors. If it is not a pure tone, it may contain one or more secondary tones such as pink, purple and orange.

• Saturation requirements
• Specific standards: Hue, saturation and tone
• Pure tones or secondary tones like pink, purple and orange

Crystalline structure in close-up:

Mineral group corundum – colourless with trace elements

In its purest form, the mineral corundum is colorless. Trace elements that become part of the crystal structure of the mineral cause variations in its color. Chromium is the trace element that causes the red color of ruby. Rubies are a red variety of the rock corundum. Corundum is the second hardest mineral after diamond, with a Mohs hardness of 9. You probably already know this mineral from our article about the blue, green, pink or orange mineral corundum, i.e. the gemstone sapphire.

• Colorless mineral corundum
• Trace elements give the ruby its colour
• Second hardest mineral

The grinding of a ruby – video

In this video you can see the process and the result when a ruby is cut.

Origin of the ruby – India

India was classically considered the country of origin of ruby for more than two thousand years. More recently, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan have uncovered substantial ruby deposits. In Southeast Asia, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam have also long been considered sources of fine rubies.

• Country of origin of the ruby: India
• Otherwise from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Origin of the name of the ruby – the king of gemstones

The name ruby comes from the Middle Latin word “rubinus” = ruby (red stone), or from the Latin “ruber” = red. In Sanskrit, the ruby is called “ratnarai”, which means “king of gems”. Ruby is also a common Hebrew first name for boys and means something like “Behold, a boy!”.

Spiritual meaning of ruby – birthstone July

The ruby is filled with the essence of pure, loving energy. In ancient times, the ruby was considered one of the most powerful gemstones in the universe. In addition, the ruby cleanses the aura of toxic energy and fills one with a sense of bliss, passion, protection and prosperity. It strengthens both the physical and emotional heart. When one is unable to focus, this stone helps one to achieve a more focused consciousness, mental clarity and wisdom. Ruby is the birthstone of July and therefore the birthstone of the zodiac sign Cancer.

• One of the most powerful gems
• Cleanses the aura from toxic energy
• Bliss, passion, protection and prosperity
• More focused consciousness, mental clarity and wisdom
• Birthstone July, Cancer

Use and spiritual significance of the ruby – Video

Here you will learn about the spiritual meaning of the gemstone ruby and its uses.

Buy rubies – quality factors of gemstones

Rubies can fetch the highest price per carat of all colored stones. This makes the ruby one of the most important gemstones in the colored stone market. There are 4 important factors that determine the value of a stone – the 4 Cs. The 4 Cs stand for Color, Clarity, Cut, Carat.

Color is the most significant factor affecting the value of a ruby: fine gemstones are a pure, vivid red to slightly purple. When a ruby’s inclusions affect its transparency or brilliance, they significantly reduce the gemstone’s value. Rubies are usually produced as a mixed cut with brilliant cut crowns and step cut pavilions. Fine quality rubies of more than one carat are very rare, and the price increases significantly as the size increases.

• Color – color of the ruby
• Clarity – Purity of the gemstone
• Cut – Gemstone Cut
• Carat – Carat weight

Recognize real ruby – measure the value of a gemstone

First you should look for blemishes or inclusions. The second step to check if it is a real gemstone, a breath test. To do this, you should hold the ruby in front of your mouth and exhale. A real gemstone does not fog up, because the heat is distributed directly on the stone. For a breath test, however, the ruby must not be dirty or greasy, because this would affect the result. Another test to find out if a ruby is real would be to shine a light through the stone. For this, you just have to hold a flashlight to the ruby to detect small blemishes or air bubbles in the gemstone.

This test is followed by the scratch test. After diamonds, ruby is one of the most durable gemstones used in jewelry. It has a hardness rating of 9 on the Mohs scale. This means that a substance of equal or lesser hardness cannot scratch a ruby. So if you scratch the stone with a coin and it leaves a scratch, you can be sure that it is not a real ruby.

Nevertheless, the most reliable option is of course to have the stone certified by a jeweler. This way you can be one hundred percent sure that it is a genuine sapphire that is worth its money.

1. Look for blemishes or inclusions
2. Breath test
3. Shine a flashlight through the sapphire
4. Perform scratch test
5. Get Saphir certified

Top 5 most expensive rubies in the world – video

Check out the top 5 most expensive rubies in the world sold at auction here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0E–w2P-JAs

Diamond Cut: 21 Shapes & Types

The cut of a diamond is crucial to the final beauty and value of the stone. Of all the 4Cs of diamonds, the cut itself is the most complex and technically difficult to analyze.

These factors make it possible to evaluate how successfuly a diamond interacts with light to produce desirable visual effects such as:

Brightness

Inner and outer white light reflected from a diamond.

Sparkle (light refraction)

The scattering of white light into all the colors of the rainbow.

Luminosity

The amount of sparkle a diamond produces and the pattern of light and dark areas created by reflections in the diamond.

Infographic: 21 species at a glance

Tip! Further down in the article you will find every single cut shape in detail, with individual photo.

Brilliant cut: Most expensive cut form

Precise artistry and workmanship are required to shape a stone so that its proportions, symmetry and cut allow for the magnificent refraction of light that is only possible in a diamond.

Diamond cutter

This is how a Brilliant is created

All types: Examples of shapes

Round cut (Brilliant)

Cushion

Radiant

Princess (princess cut)

Asscher

Trilliant

Heart (heart cut)

Lozenge

Oval

Baguette

Emerald

Tapered baguette

Pear

Marquis

Half Moon

Rhomboid

Whistle

Trapeze

Bullet

Fan (Fan)

Kite (Kite)