Top 10 Most Expensive Pebbles on Earth

8. Taaffeite: The Gem of Accidental Discovery

Advertisement

One of the rarest gemstones in the world, taaffeite has a remarkable background of discovery that adds to its worth and mystery. Originally mistaken for spinel, this remarkable mineral was only discovered in 1945 by gemologist Count Edward Charles Richard Taaffe, so underscoring its rarity and the difficulty it presented even to seasoned gemologists. Taaffeite is different from any other known mineral because of its unusual composition—beryllium and magnesium—which calls for geological circumstances so particular that it has only been discovered in a small number of sites all over. Though occasionally examples from China and Myanmar have been found, Sri Lanka and Tanzania are the main sources of taaffeite. Taaffeite's high market price reflects its great scarcity; gem-quality specimens frequently sell hundreds of thousands of dollars per carat. This appraisal ranks taaffeite among the most costly gemstones available worldwide, above even some of the most well-known and historically important precious stones. Taaffeite is a holy grail for both mineralogists and gem collectors since its discovery since few specimens were known to exist for many years afterward. Though examples ranging from colourless to pale pink and even a rare greenish tint have been recorded, taaffeite usually occurs in lavender to mauve tones. The most valuable taaffeites have great clarity and brilliance and a deep, saturated lavender colour. Though its exceptional rarity usually relegates it to collectors' specimens rather than ornamental use, the gem's hardness—measuring 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale—makes it appropriate for use in jewellery. Not only is taaffeite rare, but its value also depends on colour intensity, clarity, cut, and size. With larger stones of good grade almost priceless, even little examples can demand considerable sums given the scarcity of the mineral. A significant event in the gemological community, the identification of a new taaffeite specimen—especially one of gem quality—often generates fresh attention and may influence market values.