What is the Rarest Rock on Earth?

The absolute rarest mineral on Earth, based on current knowledge, is kyawthuite. Only a single crystal, a 1.61-carat deep orange gemstone discovered in the Mogok region of Myanmar, is known to exist. It was officially recognized by the International Mineralogical Association in 2015 and is cataloged in Caltech’s mineral database. Its singularity makes it, by definition, the rarest of the rare.

Diving Deep into Rarity: Beyond Diamonds and Gold

While diamonds and gold often dominate discussions of value and scarcity, the world of minerals and gems is far more complex. Rarity isn’t solely determined by price or market demand. It’s about the geological conditions required for a mineral to form, the likelihood of those conditions occurring, and the chances of the mineral surviving erosion, weathering, and other natural processes long enough to be discovered. Factors like chemical composition and unique crystal structures contribute significantly to a mineral’s rarity. Other factors, such as political access to mining locations and ethical considerations about mining, can come into play as well.

Many factors contribute to a rock being rare. When considering the rarest rock on Earth, we need to consider all of these factors. Rarity is often conflated with price. In the rare gemstone world, painite is an exceptional gem in many ways. For one, only a little over 300 painite crystals have been discovered. Another, its rarity means it has a very high value. The average price per carat for painite is between $50,000 and $60,000.

Contenders for the Throne: More Rare Finds

While kyawthuite holds the title of rarest mineral, several other gems and minerals are incredibly scarce and deserve recognition. These include:

• Painite: As mentioned, this reddish-brown to orange mineral held the Guinness World Record for the rarest gemstone for many years. Although more crystals have been found in recent years, it remains exceptionally rare, commanding a high price per carat.

• Benitoite: This sapphire-blue gemstone, found primarily in San Benito County, California, is known for its brilliance (“fire”) and rarity. It’s the official state gem of California.

• Red Diamond: These colored diamonds are exceptionally rare. Arguably, fancy blue diamonds are the second rarest diamonds on the market.

• Tanzanite: Discovered in 1967, Tanzanite is only found in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, these gemstones go for about $1,500 per carat.

• Alexandrite: As noted in the article, Alexandrite is the most expensive birthstone. Alexandrite is a June birthstone.

The Shifting Sands of Rarity

It’s important to understand that rarity can change. New discoveries can increase the supply of a previously rare mineral. Also, mineralogical understanding of the geological composition of the world continues to change as we continue to explore it. For example, until 2001, only two more crystals of painite were found. Since then, more painites have been discovered. Over a thousand crystals and fragments have now been recovered, but most of this material isn’t facetable.

Furthermore, improved mining techniques can make previously inaccessible minerals available. However, some minerals are so geologically unique and require such specific formation conditions that their rarity is unlikely to change significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rare Rocks and Minerals

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about rare rocks and minerals, covering various aspects of their identification, value, and discovery:

1. What makes a mineral “rare”?

A mineral’s rarity is determined by a combination of factors, including the specific geological conditions required for its formation, the limited availability of the necessary elements, and the chances of the mineral surviving natural processes like erosion. Chemical composition and specific crystal structure also contribute to a mineral’s rarity.

2. Is a diamond the rarest gemstone?

While diamonds are highly valued and popular, they are not the rarest. Several gemstones, like painite, benitoite, and alexandrite, are far rarer than diamonds. Also, colored diamonds like red diamonds are especially rare.

3. What is the most expensive gemstone in the world?

The most expensive gemstones can vary depending on market conditions and quality. However, top contenders often include red diamonds, jadeite, alexandrite, and exceptionally high-quality emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. Alexandrite specifically, is one of the most valuable birthstones available today.

4. How much is a painite worth per carat?

The average price per carat for painite ranges between $50,000 and $60,000, reflecting its extreme rarity and demand among collectors.

5. Where is painite found?

Painite was first discovered in Myanmar (Burma), and the majority of known specimens have been found in the Mogok region.

6. What does raw painite look like?

Painite is a red stone, though raw crystals may appear pink due to pink rubies growing on the stone.

7. How can you identify a rare mineral?

Identifying rare minerals often requires expert analysis. Characteristics like crystal structure, hardness, density, refractive index, and chemical composition need to be examined in a laboratory setting. Consulting with a gemologist or mineralogist is recommended.

8. Is it ethical to collect rare minerals?

Ethical considerations are crucial when collecting rare minerals. It’s important to ensure that specimens are obtained legally and sustainably, without causing environmental damage or disrupting local communities. Supporting reputable dealers and organizations that promote responsible mineral collecting practices is essential.

9. How does the hardness of a mineral affect its rarity?

The hardness of a mineral, measured on the Mohs scale, doesn’t directly determine its rarity. However, harder minerals like diamonds are more resistant to scratching and abrasion, increasing their chances of survival and discovery. Softer minerals are often more fragile and less likely to be found intact.

10. What role does the Games Learning Society play in understanding minerals?

The Games Learning Society, available at GamesLearningSociety.org, explores the intersection of games, learning, and complex systems. While not directly focused on mineralogy, their research on problem-solving, systems thinking, and data analysis can be applied to geological studies, mineral identification, and understanding the complex processes that lead to the formation of rare minerals. Also, the field of learning can benefit from the study of how geological discovery takes place.

11. Are rubies rarer than diamonds?

Gem-quality rubies are generally rarer than diamonds, although certain types of colored diamonds (like red diamonds) are exceptionally rare and valuable.

12. Why is kyawthuite so rare?

Kyawthuite is so rare because it requires a unique combination of elements and geological conditions to form. Only one known crystal has ever been found, suggesting that these conditions are exceptionally uncommon.

13. What is the rarest ore on Earth?

Although the article notes that kyawthuite is the rarest mineral on Earth, this also makes it the rarest ore on earth.

14. Is moissanite rarer than diamonds?

Moissanite has unparalleled sparkle! It has a higher refractive index than diamond, resulting in greater brilliance than diamond.

15. What is a “gem of a person”?

While not directly related to mineralogy, the phrase “gem of a person” is a metaphor for someone who is rare, valuable, and precious. They possess exceptional qualities, like kindness, talent, or generosity, making them a treasure to be cherished.