Buy: Price and value of garnet

When buying garnet, you should pay attention to four factors: Color, clarity, cut, and carat. Garnet includes affordable dark red varieties, rare and valuable greens, and many colors in between. Garnet clarity often depends on the type of garnet. Red garnets often have no inclusions visible to the eye. Many garnets are cut into standard shapes and calibrated sizes so they can be used in manufactured jewelry. Garnets can be found in all sizes and weights, although some varieties are rare in large sizes.

• Purchase Factors: Color, clarity, cut, and carat.
• Garnet clarity often depends on the garnet type
• Often standard shapes and calibrated sizes
• All sizes and weights

Value per carat: Cost

To determine the price one must look at all factors. For example, a 4.95 carat tsavorite garnet with a VS clarity grade and a rare green color is valued at about $1,700, while a spessartite garnet with almost the same weight of 3.79 carats and VS-SI clarity grade is valued at $200 as of 2010. So, according to this, the type of garnet, the clarity grade and the weight has an impact on the value of the gemstone.

• Tsavorite garnet: 4.95 carats, VS, $1,700
• Spessartite garnet: 3.79 carat, VS-SI, $200

Investing in Garnet: Is it worth it?

The Mandarin Garnet in particular is a stone that is definitely worth investing in. The gemstone has only been known in the gemstone trade for 20 years, yet it is already a much celebrated star today. Its name speaks volumes. Gemstone lovers can attract attention with this fruity colored stone. However, high quality top class stones of more than three carats are extremely rare.

Both demand and price have increased significantly in recent years, so mandarin garnet is very well suited for sparkling investments. But also other types of garnets, and especially rough stones are excellent for an investment.

• Mandarin grenades are very popular
• Few specimens over 3 carats
• Rising value

Gemstone garnet: color stone with spiritual properties

Garnets come in different types and are never found in their pure state. They are always mixed with other types of garnet. Garnet is a powerful energizing and regenerating stone. It is balancing, strengthening and protective. Although it is one of the richest stones, it has different forms depending on its mineral base.

• Energizing and regenerating stone
• One of the richest stones
• Healing and spiritual properties

Rough stone: Gemstones in their natural form as an investment

In stone healing, a rough stone is an unprocessed stone taken directly from nature. A rough stone is cheaper than a cut gemstone, which is why especially fans of healing stones often buy uncut garnet stones. Rough stones come in different sizes and you can get them from different dealers. Only through the cut in which their colors, radiance or special patterns are worked out, gemstones get their luster and even more beauty.

• Unprocessed stone taken directly from nature
• Low value, often healing stone
• Various sizes and dealers
• Value added by grinding

Garnet rough stone uncut

Garnet gemstone cut

Occurrence of garnet: Origin

Depending on its specific variety, garnet comes from many parts of the world. Most garnet on the market today comes from India, Brazil, Sri Lanka and the USA. The name garnet comes from the Latin granatum for pomegranate, because the color of this crystal resembles the seeds of the pomegranate fruit.

• From India, Brazil, Sri Lanka and the USA
• Name from the Latin, Granatum for pomegranate

Garnet color: red, green and brown garnet

Although red is the most well-known garnet color, this fiery gemstone also comes in green, pink, yellow, brown, purple, and even black. Garnet can also be found in a translucent, almost colorless variety. If you’re lucky, you may come across a specific type of garnet that can change color depending on the type of lighting.

Red garnet is one of the most common and widespread gemstones. But not all garnets are as abundant as red ones. A green garnet, tsavorite, is rarer and requires rarer rock chemistry and conditions to form.

• Colors: Red, Green, Pink, Yellow, Brown, Purple and Black
• Some change color depending on the lighting

Garnet vs. ruby: differences of the red gemstones

Another red gemstone is the ruby. The ruby is made of the same mineral as the sapphire and is the second hardest gemstone in the world. The garnet has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, the ruby has a Mohs hardness of 9. A ruby must meet special requirements regarding color, otherwise it is considered a pink sapphire. The country of origin of the ruby is India, otherwise the ruby comes from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. 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.

• Second hardest gemstone in the world
• Origin: India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam
• Cleanses the aura from toxic energy
• Fills one with a sense of bliss, passion, protection and prosperity

Garnet Jewelry: Jewelry Care for Gemstones

Garnet jewellery is always a great gift for loved ones. The gemstone shimmers in an extraordinary color that suits especially warm skin tones very well. The jewellery is best cleaned with lukewarm water, soap and a little ammonia. A grinding or polishing brush should rarely be used. It is important that the jewellery is not cleaned in an ultrasonic device, because the vibrations can shake the stones out of the settings.

• Great gift for loved ones
• Looks especially good on warm skin tones
• Use grinding or polishing brush infrequently
• Do not clean in the ultrasonic unit

Ring, Earrings, Bracelet & Pendant: Garnet Jewelry

An engagement ring with a dark red gemstone looks noble and elegant and earrings are especially beautiful when the red garnet can shine in its sparkling brilliant. The gemstone is often used as a gemstone because it not only has a beautiful appearance but also a positive aura. Garnet jewelry is high quality and the gemstones go well with gold as well as silver jewelry.

• Engagement ring with garnet
• Earrings especially beautiful with billant cut
• Gemstone because of beautiful appearance and positive charisma
• Gold or silver jewellery

Effect & spiritual meaning of garnet jewellery

Garnet jewelry is worn not only because it is very beautiful, but also because it is said to have spiritual significance. Garnet is known as a symbol of glory, love, regeneration, stability, beauty, truth and endurance. When worn, garnet has the potential to boost self-confidence and create a new sense of self-worth and popularity.

Garnet is often called the stone of health because it is believed to have so many health benefits, especially by strengthening the blood. Garnet’s most famous property is its ability to improve energy flow by revitalizing personal energy. Garnet is also the birthstone of January and brings good luck especially to the zodiac sign of Capricorn.

• Symbol of glory, love, regeneration, stability, beauty, truth and perseverance
• Strengthens self-confidence
• Health stone
• Stands for new chances, new beginnings
• Birthstone January, Capricorn

Price: How expensive is jade? Gram, carat and kilo

Jade is the name given to a group of different gemstones. How expensive a jade stone is depends on the color intensity and whether it is jadeite or nephrite. Nephrite has been losing its place on the market for a few years because there are many imitations and is accordingly no longer as price-intensive. Jadeite with a pure, strong color is the most valuable and smooth, evenly colored stones are the most expensive. Especially the coveted emperor jade acts as a store of value for investors.

In fact, each stone is valued individually. The price is set by dealers, jewelers and auction houses. But if we consider the example from above, then you would have the following selling prices.

Example calculation (Jade Fund in Myanmar)

210 tonnes > 210 000 kg

170,000,000 / 210,000 kg

809,52 USD / Kilogram

4,05 USD / carat

0,81 / gram

Price comparison gold / jade

Tip, read more about buying gold here.

• Gold per gram: 61 USD
• Jade per gram: 0.81 USD

Jade production in the year

Here are official figures from Myanmar (Government):

Average price: export to China

Increase in value after export to China

Mexican name origin

The term jade is derived from piedra de ijada = loin stone. This comes from the fact that it used to be regarded by the indigenous people of South America as a healing stone for loins and kidneys. However, it received its name only in the 16th century, during the conquest of Mexico by the Spaniards. Jade, or yu, the term commonly used in China, is actually a generic term for two different gemstones: Nephrite and Jadeite.

Exceptional composition

Originally, it was assumed that all jade objects were made from the same material. However, in 1863, a Frenchman, Alexis Damour, discovered that the material known as “jade” could be divided into two distinct minerals: Jadeite and Nephrite. Because these two materials are difficult to distinguish, and because the word “jade” is so ingrained in the common language, the name jade is still commonly used in many societies, industries, and academic disciplines.

Designations of the materials

In this article, the word “jade” is used for undifferentiated materials. “Jadeite” or “nephrite” is used when the identity of the material is known. The word “nephrite” is also an imprecise term. It is used for materials composed of the minerals actinolite and tremolite.

Jadeite, Nephrite and Science

Jadeite and nephrite have distinctly different mineral compositions. Jadeite is an aluminum-rich pyroxene, while nephrite is a magnesium-rich amphibole. However, the two minerals have very similar physical properties to the eye of the average person. Only trained observers with considerable experience are able to reliably distinguish between them without mineral testing equipment. For this reason, jadeite and nephrite were not properly distinguished by scientists until 1863.

Origin of the distinction

Unknowingly, Chinese artisans had distinguished jadeite from nephrite and valued it enough to pay a high price for jadeite. However, they did not have the knowledge and equipment in chemistry and crystallography to formally distinguish them.

Rarely did Chinese artisans encounter fine-grained jadeite with a bright translucency and a rich, uniform green color. This beautiful material was given the name “Imperial Jade” and was considered the stone of the highest quality. At that time in China, the possession of imperial jade was reserved only for the emperor. Now, anyone who can afford it can own Imperial Jade. The best specimens can cost more per carat than high quality diamonds.

• Chinese craftsmen first found out the difference
• However, did not have tools and knowledge to further investigate him
• Imperial jade was only allowed to be owned by the emperor in China

Still in great demand: Jade in China

The Chinese value jade much more than any other people. For thousands of years, jade has been the most popular gemstone in China. Chinese emperors desired excellent specimens of jade, and they traded or waged war with distant nations to acquire them. In China, gifts of jade are given at almost every important station in life, such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and other celebrations. It is also a commonly used material for making religious art. China is the country where the importance of jade is the highest.

History of the green gems

Jade has been known since the Stone Age and was a highly sought-after mineral, especially in ancient China, where at times it was valued almost as highly as gold, but also worldwide. Since as early as 3,000 B.C. it has been regarded in China as a yu, a “royal gemstone”. It had always had a very special significance in the long history of art and culture. It was used for the finest objects and cult figures as well as for grave goods for high-ranking members of the imperial family. Even today, this gemstone is considered a symbol of the good, the beautiful and the precious.

Early use of jade in tools

People have been using jade for at least 100,000 years

The earliest items made from jade were tools. Jade is a very hard material and is used as a tool because it is extremely tough and breaks to form sharp edges. Most jade does not have the color and translucency that one would expect from a gemstone. However, when early humans found these special pieces of jade, they were often inspired to make them into a special object.

Toughness is the ability of a material to resist fracture when subjected to loads. Hardness is the ability of a material to resist abrasion. Early toolmakers took advantage of these properties of jade and shaped it into cutting tools and weapons. It was used to make axes, projectile points, knives, scrapers, and other sharp cutting objects.

• Used for 100,000 years
• Earliest items: Tools
• Very tough and hard

Tough, in the context of gemstones, means: Ability of a material to resist breakage. Hardness means: ability of a material to resist abrasion.

Today’s use of jade as a gemstone

Jade is a durable, colorful material that can be worked into shapes and polished to a high shine. These properties make it a highly desirable gemstone. Jade has been used to make a variety of jewelry items such as pendants, necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, beads, cabochons, tumbled stones and other items.

These jewels are often made of solid jade, combined with other gemstones or set in settings of gold, silver or other precious metals. In addition to jewellery, jade is also used to make small sculptures, ornaments, religious art and small functional objects.

Jade trade: Video

Danger of confusion!

Maw sit sit

Maw Sit Sit is a rock composed of jadeite, albite and kosmochlor (a mineral related to jadeite). It has a bright chrome-green color and can be polished to a bright finish. For these reasons, it is used as a gemstone. Maw Sit Sit was first correctly identified in 1963 near the village of Maw Sit Sit in northwestern Burma in the foothills of the Himalayas. This is the only place where it has been discovered so far. It is used for cutting cabochons and making small sculptures. Because of its scarcity and low production, it is rarely used in jewelry.

• Rock consisting of jadeite, albite and cosmochlore
• First identified in 1963 in the Himalayas, near the village of Maw Sit Sit.
• So far the only find
• Only rarely in jewellery

Similar materials

A number of other minerals and materials that are commonly cut and polished are easily mistaken for jade. All of these materials can have a color, luster, and translucency very similar to jade – so similar that the average person cannot recognize them. These materials are often used to make cabochons, beads, and other items in the same style as jade. They sometimes come on the market with and without disclosure. They are often labeled “jade” or one of many misnomers.

Chalcedony

Chalcedony is a translucent variety of microcrystalline quartz that comes in a range of colors similar to jade. Chrysoprase is a light green, chrome colored chalcedony that when cut into cabochons, beads and small sculptures looks very similar to jade. Chalcedony comes in a variety of other translucent colors such as black, lavender, yellow, and orange that can look like the color variations of jade. Chalcedony can look very similar to jade as a gemstone. It can be distinguished from jade by its lower specific gravity and by a variety of instrumental methods.

Serpentine

Serpentine occurs in a variety of wonderful translucent to almost transparent green and yellowish-green colors that look very similar to jade. It is a metamorphic mineral that often occurs in the same geographic areas and the same rock types as jade. Serpentine is much softer than jade and also has a much lower specific gravity.

Vesuvianite, also known as idocrase, is another jade-like mineral that is very difficult to distinguish from jade without laboratory testing. It has a similar hardness, specific gravity, and physical appearance. It is not nearly as tough as jade and breaks more easily – but that requires destruction of the sample.

Jade types, treatments and tips for purchase

For thousands of years, the people who make and sell jade objects have found many ways to improve their appearance. Heat, wax, dye, bleach, acid, polymer injection, and other treatments have all been used to improve the color, luster, and stability of jadeite and nephrite. Although many of these treatments are part of the traditional jade manufacturing process, today’s serious jade buyers want to know about all the treatments that have been used in the manufacturing process.

Classification into type A, B and C

Commercial jadeite objects are classified into three “types” depending on the treatments used during the manufacturing process. They are referred to as Type A, Type B and Type C jadeite.

A jade locket: the deep green color jumps right out at you:

Jadeite type A: Treatment with wax layer

Type A jadeite objects have been treated with a wax coating. This is the most traditional jadeite treatment. It is expected and accepted by serious buyers and generally does not affect the value of a jadeite object. In this treatment, manufacturers boil finished jadeite objects in water to clean and prepare them for wax application. The objects are then dried and dipped in melted wax. The wax fills all pores and fractures near the surface. When the objects have cooled, excess wax is removed and the objects are polished to a high gloss. The wax fills in surface imperfections and gives the surface of the object a smooth, glossy finish.

Jadeite type B: bleaching by hydrochloric or sulphuric acid

Type B jadeite objects were bleached by soaking in hydrochloric or sulfuric acid. The acid removes oxidation stains and leaches sodium. This lightens the color of many materials. The jadeite is then impregnated under pressure with wax or a clear polymer resin. The impregnation fills all pores and fractures near the surface and gives the object improved smoothness, luster and color.

Unfortunately, the appearance of type B jadeite objects can deteriorate after only a few years. Acid treatment causes some jadeite to become brittle, and polymer resins can discolor over time or with exposure to heat and sunlight. Because of these problems, the treatment of Type B Jadeite should always be disclosed when an item is sold, but many items are sold without disclosure. This lack of disclosure is due to the fact that Type B Jadeite objects usually sell for a small fraction of the price paid for a similar Type A object. Sellers often get away with non-disclosure because Type B treatments are difficult to detect. Testing in a gemological laboratory is often required to detect Type B treatments.

• Bleached by soaking in hydrochloric or sulphuric acid
• Impregnated with wax or polymer resin under pressure
• Appearance may deteriorate after a few years
• Treatment should

Jadeite type C: Individual colouring

Type C jadeite usually has all the treatments of type B jadeite, but the object has also been dyed a more desirable color. The dyes may fade over time or with exposure to heat and light. For these reasons, Type C treatments should always be disclosed.

Color treatment can often be determined by examination with a microscope, spectroscope or gemological filters, but this examination should not be required – the seller should disclose the full extent of treatment for each object sold. Disclosure is not always made, as Type C jadeite sells for a small fraction of similar objects with Type B treatment.

Type C objects should be purchased at a price that assumes temporary use for a few years. Anyone spending the considerable money on jade should know the difference between jadeite and nephrite, have a good knowledge of jadeite treatments and how they affect value and future durability and appearance.

• More desirable colour than type b
• Type C treatments should always be disclosed
• Price that assumes temporary use of a few years

Red emerald: the gemstone

Red beryl is an extremely rare type of beryl that gets its red color from traces of manganese. It is known to most, however, by the name red emerald. In the entire world, crystals suitable for gem cutting have only been found in one place, the Ruby Violet Claims in the Wah Wah Mountains of Beaver County, Utah. The Utah Geological Survey estimated that one crystal of red beryl is found for every 150,000 gem-quality diamonds.

• Rare beryl type
• Red colour due to traces of manganese
• Only in the Wah Wah Mountains of Beaver County, Utah…

Wah Wah Mountains Utah

Buy Gemstones: Value & Price

Gemstones have always been and will always be a sought-after commodity. Even when the economy is in shambles, the prices of gemstones continue to rise. And there are always people willing to buy them. If you have the money to invest, gemstones might be a good move. The key to investing is buying and selling at the right time. This means that you want to buy your gems when the price is low, and then sell them when the price goes up. Sometimes you need to hold onto the gems for a while to get the best profit.

• Gemstone prices rise constantly
• Buying and selling at the right time

Bixbit Jewellery: Rings & Chains

Because of its rarity, bixbite is above all a sought-after mineral for mineral collections or jewelry. Red beryl is almost exclusively processed into gemstones, but due to its rarity it is often replaced by irradiated or fired beryl varieties or syntheses. Faceted, pure stones with the coveted “stoplight” red are highly sought after. If they weigh more than 1 carat, they are extremely rare and have a corresponding price.

• Coveted mineral for mineral collections
• Popular gemstone
• Also fired beryl varieties or syntheses
• Over 1 carat is very rare

Buying citrine: What should I look for?

When buying gemstones, you should always make sure that the full name and the place where they were found. In addition, the crystals should be naturally grown. If you want to be on the safe side, when buying minerals – whether online on the Internet or in a specialty store – it is best to turn to dealers who are registered in the DMF e.V..

• Pay attention to full name and place of discovery
• Purchase online or in a specialty store
• Dealers should be registered with DMF e.V.

Value of the gemstone: investment citrine

There is no exponential increase in value per carat as size increases, as larger sizes are readily available. Inclusions decrease the value. As with any gem material, the value increases when cut to size. With many fancifully cut or carved specimens, most of the value is due to the artistry of the cut.

The price of citrine per carat can range from $10 to $30. Although the overall cost of citrine rings, wedding bands and engagement rings can have a wide price range due to the color, clarity and cut of the stone. The carat size of the gemstone does not greatly affect the price.Custom cut citrine gemstones that maximize the brilliance and color of the stones are priced at higher prices, as are stones that are free of any flaws or inclusions.

The most highly valued citrine color is a deep reddish orange, valued at about $30 per carat and most commonly found in Brazil – gems of this color are sometimes called fire citrine. The lighter varieties of pale yellow citrine color, often found in Bolivia, have a lower value of about $10 per carat.

• No exponential increase in value per carat
• Value increases with dimensional grinding
• 10-30 dollars per carat
• Deep red-orange citrines are most valuable

Genuine citrine: the rare yellow gemstone

Citrine is rare in nature. In the days before modern gemology, it was mistaken for topaz because of its yellow-brown color. Today, it is the best-selling yellow-orange gemstone because of its attractive color and the durability and affordability it shares with most other quartz. In today’s market, the most popular shade of citrine is an earthy, deep brownish or reddish orange.

Like all quartz, citrine is composed of silicon and oxygen atoms arranged in a tetrahedral pattern, essentially a triangular pyramid. Citrine is found in many places, including France, the UK, Russia, Madagascar, Burma, Spain, the US and Brazil. But the crystal – and its supposed healing powers – go back centuries, to the time of the ancient Greeks.

• The best selling yellow-orange gemstone
• Most popular shade: earthy, deep, brownish or reddish orange.
• Consists of silicon and oxygen atoms

Origin of the citrine: South America, Asia & Europe

The crystal is mined in South America and Asia, but also in Europe. Large mining areas are found in Brazil and in Russia. Citrine, like most other quartz crystals, forms predominantly magmatically in pegmatite with granitic composition. Natural citrines are very rare and pale yellow with slight pleochroism. This means that the stone shows a different coloration in different light. Most citrines found in the trade are orange-yellow burnt amethysts.

• Mining in South America, Asia and Europe
• Formation magmatic in pegmatite with granitic composition
• Different colouring in different light

Citrine: how durable is the gemstone?

Citrine has a hardness grade of 7, which makes it a rather soft gemstone. It can be easily scratched if it is bumped or rubbed against other objects. However, citrine has very good toughness, which means that it will not chip or break easily.

If cared for, citrine can last a very long time. While ideal for pendants and earrings, citrine is not the best gemstone for rings or bracelets of daily use, as they are subject to high stress.

• Hardness grade 7
• Scratches easily
• Good toughness

Cleaning and care of citrines

Caring for your citrine is an important thing to read up on, as improper care can cause the stone to become dull and lose value. The best way to clean the stone is to simply use a small soft bristled toothbrush, a small amount of a mild liquid soap and lukewarm water. Gently scrub the stone and the base with the brush and soap and rinse thoroughly.

If you feel that your stone is still dirty or just not shining as vividly as you would like, visit a jewelry store where you can have the stone professionally cleaned. Another good tip to preserve the value of the stone is to keep it separate from your other gemstones.

This will prevent citrine from scratching softer gemstones like pearls or opals and from being scratched by harder gemstones like sapphires or diamonds. When you store citrine, wrap it in a cloth or jewelry box. This will keep it free from dust. Also, keep citrine away from chemicals such as harsh cleaners, bleach, and cosmetics.

• Improper care leads to loss of value
• Jewellery shops clean citrines
• Storage in a cloth or jewellery box

Natural Citrines vs. Burnt Amethysts: Video

This video shows the differences between natural citrines and fired amethysts.

Citrine Jewellery: Chain, Ring & Pendant

The citrine is not only very popular as a healing stone, but is also used as a gemstone. Due to its transparency, the citrine usually receives a faceted cut. As a gemstone it is often used in necklaces, rings and earrings. The citrine is of high quality and looks elegant when worn as jewelry. Especially as an engagement ring or anniversary gift, rings with citrine are often used. Those who have a birthday in November are also happy about jewelry with your birthstone as a lucky charm.

Citrine is popularly used as a gemstone because it has spiritual significance in addition to an extraordinary appearance. It cleanses the chakras, opens intuition and attracts wealth, prosperity and success. The citrine and topaz also form the birthstones of November. When worn on the body, it has an emotionally balancing effect and releases mental, physical and spiritual blockages.

• Often faceted cut
• Chains, rings and earrings
• Engagement Ring, Anniversary Gift, Birthday Gift
• Spiritual meaning
• Birthstone of November
• Has an emotionally balancing effect

Gemstone Zircon: The oldest mineral on earth

The zircon forms its own mineral group. To make its sparkle stand out, zircon is usually made into a round or oval faceted cut. Colorless zircon is sometimes used as a less expensive alternative to diamond. Zircon should not be confused with cubic zirconia, as cubic zirconia is a synthetically produced stone that is used in inexpensive costume jewelry. The hardness of zircon varies from 6.5 – 7.5. Zircon is the oldest mineral found on earth to date, with some crystals found in Australia estimated to be over 4.4 billion years old!

• Own mineral group
• Mostly round or oval facet cut
• Hardness: 6.5-7.5
• Oldest mineral on earth

Origin of the zircon: From Antarctica to Nigeria

Zircon in one form or another is found on every continent including Antarctica, but larger gem quality zircon crystals have been produced from alluvial deposits in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam for hundreds of years. More recently, gem deposits have been mined in Australia, South America, Nigeria, Madagascar, and wherever pegmatite rocks are found.

• Antarctica
• Sri Lanka
• Cambodia
• Myanmar
• Vietnam
• Australia
• South America
• Nigeria
• Madagascar

Value of zircon: quality factors

There are four quality factors that determine the value of a zircon, namely color, weight in carats, clarity and cut. The most sought-after colors in zircon are blue, red and green. The value of a gemstone is mostly determined by its weight. The unit of measurement is the carat (ct), where one carat is approximately 0.2 grams. A zircon usually weighs more than other gemstones of its size.

Also, the zircon is usually very eye clean. Gemstones with noticeable inclusions are less valuable. Zircons are usually processed into a round or oval facet cut, as this particularly emphasizes its shimmer.

• Most valuable colors: Blue, red and green
• Weight: Zircon is heavier than average
• Zircon is usually very eye clean
• Mostly round or oval facet cut

Price of a carat of zircon

Although some varieties of zircon are much rarer than diamonds, the prices of these stones are generally much more affordable. This means that you can get an amazing stone for a good price, making zircon a great option for jewelry.

Zircon can cost anywhere from $50 to $400 per carat depending on the quality factors of the stone. You need to evaluate the stone and make sure it is worth the asking price. Also, the richer the color the more expensive the gemstone.

• White: $24
• Strong dark red: $26
• Yellow: $26
• Orange: $28
• Light orange: $30
• Light green: $41
• Green yellow: $44
• Blue/Green: $52
• Dark green: $53
• Blue light: $56
• Purple: $67
• Blue medium: $103
• Royal blue : $151

Jewellery: ring, necklace or bracelet?

Zircon is a popular gemstone because it comes in a variety of appealing colors. Blue is the most popular zircon color and about 80% of zircons sold today are blue. Zircon is especially popular as a gemstone because the mineral can rival diamonds in terms of luster.

It is also interesting to know that zircon is not only used as a decorative stone, but can also be used as a dental prosthesis. Zircons contain minute traces of radioactive elements such as uranium, thorium and strontium. However, the alpha radiation emitted by these elements is extremely low and also completely harmless.

• About 80% of the zircons sold are blue
• Shines like a diamond
• Zircon can also be used as a dental prosthesis
• Low radioactive radiation

Care of the zircon: for long durability

It is best to store gemstones and jewelry separately to avoid scratches and breakage. When storing zircon gemstones, it is advisable to wrap them in a soft cloth or place them in a cloth-lined box. Always remove jewelry when you are doing any type of physical activity, including housework, sports, or exercise. When not worn, it is recommended to keep the zircons out of direct sunlight and away from strong heat sources, as this could alter the coloration.

Simply wipe your zircons with a soft cloth or brush, or wash them as needed with a mild soap or detergent and rinse with warm water. Avoid steam cleaners or ultrasonic cleaners when cleaning zircon gemstones and jewelry.

• Separate storage
• Storage in a cloth or box
• Protect from sunlight or strong heat sources
• Wipe with a soft cloth or brush
• Wash with mild soap or detergent
• Do not clean with steam jet or ultrasonic cleaner

Color of zircon: Red, Blue, Yellow & Green

Zircon comes in a wide range of colors from yellow, orange, red, brown to blue and colorless. There are three types of zircon, each with a different color. High zircon is mainly pinkish orange, blue, brown and colorless and medium zircon is more reddish yellow, green and greenish brown. Low zircon comes in various shades of green. The colourless and blue but also red and yellow zircons are mostly obtained by firing brownish varieties. The green zircons are very rare and especially sought after by collectors.

• High zircon: pink-orange, blue, brown and colourless
• Middle zircon: reddish-yellow, green and greenish-brown
• Deep zircon: Green tones

Grandidierite gemstone: origin

Grandidierites are lagoon and deep ocean blue gemstones discovered in Madagascar in 1902. Besides Madagascar, there are other deposits of grandidierite in Algeria, Antarctica, Canada, Czech Republic, India, Italy, Malawi, New Zealand, Norway, Sri Lanka, Suriname, and the United States. Despite all this, faceted grandidierites larger than one millimeter were found only in Madagascar and Sri Lanka. Despite the number of sources, grandidierite remains extremely rare; pockets are usually small and quickly depleted.

• Lagoon and deep ocean blue
• Discovered in Madagascar in 1902
• Facetable Grandidierites only in Madagascar and Sri Lanka
• Very rare gemstone

Buying Grandidierite: Value & Price

Grandidierite is a very rare gemstone that can fetch up to $20,000 per carat. It is often found as a companion mineral on aluminous, boron-bearing rocks with a pearly, semi-transparent, bluish-green hue.

Once you have a translucent piece of grandidierite rough, this is only the beginning of the challenge, as cutting and faceting this gemstone is difficult. The cutter will try to maximize the effect of pleochroism, which flashes two or three colors when turned to different angles, while retaining as much weight as possible. In addition, the gemstone tends to break in two directions if it is not cut with great care. This is another reason why anything larger than a carat of grandidierite becomes enormously expensive.

• Up to $20,000 per carat
• Accompanying mineral on alumina-bearing, boron-bearing rocks
• Difficult grinding and faceting

Jewellery: Grandidierite as a gemstone?

A rather rare mineral, a beautiful blue-green grandidierite is rarely found in gemstone or jewelry collections. Translucent material is sometimes cut into cabochons. Faceted pieces are very rare, but recent discoveries of translucent material may bring more to market. As cabochons, translucent grandidierites can range from 1 to 10 carats and up to about 1 inch in size. A lot of material is generally opaque.

• Rare in gemstone or jewelry collections
• Translucent material sometimes in cabochons
• Mostly 1 to 10 carat

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