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Varied and various, there are many different gem stones in this world but each one is unique in its own way. More than just beautiful, these striking gems are valuable due to their construct and their rarity.
There are more than 4000 naturally occurring minerals on this Earth that we know of. These minerals commonly develop from the cooling of molten rock or magma but it’s what they can become that is particularly intriguing.
When clusters of minerals form, or different combinations come together, they can develop into precious natural resources such as gold, tin, iron, marble and granite. Many minerals also form beautiful crystals, with the most sought after being gemstones. While uncut gemstones are arguably plain in appearance, once cut to shape and polished, they display the beauty and appeal that has seen them become so desirable.
Historically gemstones have been categorized into two distinctive classes; precious and semiprecious stones. While there are any number of semiprecious gems, diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds continue to be deemed precious. This status is determined by supply and demand as well as the perceived quantities existing on Earth.
Read through some of the most interesting facts there are to learn about gem stones below!
Did you know that the amethyst was once considered a precious gem?
Indeed, until large reserves were found in Brazil, amethysts were deemed highly precious and considerably valuable. Once these reserves were discovered the value of the amethyst dropped significantly.
Did you know that diamonds are the hardest natural substance to find on Earth?
These precious gemstones are formed from carbon atoms that have experienced extremely high pressure, hundreds of miles underground. They are only found in a few locations around the world.
Did you know that a rough, unpolished diamond is the hardest mineral?
It’s for this reason that diamonds are used to cut and drill many different materials as well as create smooth down surfaces. Interestingly, graphite (the mineral used in pencils) is also made from carbon atoms but is considered one of the softest minerals. This is due to the different arrangement of atoms.
Did you know that in 1997, Christie's auction house sold a Jadeite necklace for nearly $10 million?
While similar in sound to the semiprecious gemstone ‘Jade’, jadeite is extremely rare and highly valuable with the price of one carat set at around $20,000.
Did you know that the most expensive gemstone ever sold was the Pink Star Diamond sold for $83 million?
Also known as the ‘Fancy Vivid Pink’ diamond, this stunning gemstone was mined in 1999 in South Africa, with a weight of 59.6 carats. With a selling price of $83 million, this diamond became the most expensive gem ever sold.
Did you know that the famous Hope Diamond is the world’s largest deep blue diamond?
Weighing in at 45.52 carat, the Hope Diamond is one of most visited museum objects in the world (kept at the Smithsonian museum) and remains riddled by mystery!