Top 10 Most Expensive Pebbles on Earth

5. Red Beryl (Bixbite): The Rarest of Beryls

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Though gemological experts discourage this designation, red beryl—also known as bixbite or "red emerald"—is an incredibly uncommon form of beryl that has captivated gem collectors and aficionados all across. One of the rarest minerals on Earth, this beautiful gemstone boasts a strong crimson to pink-red hue; gem-quality examples are even more rare. Red beryl is rare mostly because of the special geological conditions needed for its creation. Unlike its more common beryl siblings, emerald and aquamarine, red beryl occurs only under very particular conditions and requires a careful balance of components including manganese, which is responsible for its unique red colour. The Wah Wah Mountains in Utah, USA, are the main source of red beryl; smaller reports of it have come from New Mexico and Mexico Red beryl is among the most difficult gemstones to find since there are few suitable deposits, which greatly adds to its great value and demand among collectors. One of red beryl's most sought-after qualities is its strong colour, which runs from deep red to raspberry pink. This bright colour and the great rarity of the stone have resulted in comparisons in terms of desirability and value with great rubies and pink diamonds. Red beryl is usually discovered in smaller quantities than many other precious gemstones, but; examples above one carat are quite unusual and much sought for. Red beryl's great rarity and beauty help to define its market worth. For smaller, less-quality stones, this gemstone's prices may go from a few thousand dollars per carat; for rare specimens, tens of thousands of dollars or more per carat. Factors affecting the price include clarity, colour intensity and evenness, size, and general quality of the stone. Large, gem-quality red beryl crystals are rare, hence even little changes in size will cause exponential value rises. Red beryl is one of the rarest creations in nature, thus its appeal beyond its financial value. Its relative novelty to the gemstone scene—discovery in the late 1800s and later categorisation as a separate variation of beryl in the 1960s—adds to its mystery and fascination among collectors and gemologists. Red beryl's limited availability combined with growing knowledge of its beauty and uniqueness keeps people interested in and demanding for this unique gemstone.