When most people think of rare gemstones, diamonds come to mind. But here's what the jewelry world doesn't often talk about: diamonds are mined in massive quantities every year, and their perceived rarity is largely a product of clever marketing. The stones that truly deserve the spotlight are far less known — and far harder to find. Here are three extraordinary gems that are genuinely rarer than diamonds.
Alexandrite — Color-change chrysoberyl
Alexandrite is perhaps the most dramatic gemstone on Earth. Under daylight, it appears a rich forest green. Move it under incandescent light, and it transforms into a deep raspberry red — which is why it's called "emerald by day, ruby by night."
Where it's found: Ural Mountains, Russia (original source); also Sri Lanka, Brazil, and East Africa.
Why it's scarce: It requires beryllium and chromium to coexist in the same environment — something that is geologically almost impossible. Quality specimens with a strong color change are vanishingly rare.
Did you know? Alexandrite was first discovered in Russia's Ural Mountains in 1830 — reportedly on the same day as Tsar Alexander II's birthday, which is how it got its name. Its green and red colors also happened to mirror the Russian Imperial colors, making it an instant national treasure.
Price: Fine alexandrite can fetch $15,000–$70,000 per carat — often exceeding the price of top-quality rubies and emeralds.
Hardness: 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it durable enough for everyday jewelry.
Paraíba Tourmaline — Exceptionally Rare
Discovered in 1989 in Brazil, Paraíba tourmaline caused an immediate sensation. Its electric neon blue-green color seems to glow from within — unlike anything else in nature. For every 10,000 diamonds mined, roughly only 1 Paraíba tourmaline is found.
Where it's found: Paraíba state, Brazil (original); later also Mozambique and Nigeria.
Why it's scarce: The original Brazilian deposits are nearly exhausted. Copper and manganese impurities give it a luminous "swimming pool" glow that no other gem can replicate naturally.
Did you know? The man who discovered Paraíba tourmaline, Heitor Dimas Barbosa, spent nearly a decade digging by hand through a hillside in Brazil before finding it. He was convinced something extraordinary was hidden there — and he was right.
Price: Brazilian Paraíba tourmalines can sell for $10,000–$50,000 per carat. Even stones from Mozambique and Nigeria — which are more available — command premium prices for their color intensity.
Hardness: 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale. Best suited for pendants, earrings, and rings with protective settings.
Red Beryl — 1,000× rarer than emerald
Red beryl belongs to the same mineral family as emerald and aquamarine, but it is far rarer than either. Its deep raspberry-red color comes from manganese — the same element that colors amethyst purple — but manganese almost never enters beryl's crystal structure.
Where it's found: Almost exclusively the Wah Wah Mountains of Utah, USA — one commercial mine, now largely depleted.
Why it's scarce: Only one location on Earth reliably produces gem-quality material. Facetable stones over one carat are extraordinarily rare.
Did you know? Red beryl was first described scientifically in 1904 by mineralogist Maynard Bixby — which is why it was originally called "bixbite." Most faceted red beryl stones weigh under 0.5 carats. Finding one above 2 carats is considered a major event in the gem world.
Price: Gem-quality red beryl typically sells for $2,000–$10,000 per carat, though exceptional stones can go much higher at auction.
Hardness: 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale — solid enough for fine jewelry but best kept away from hard daily wear.
How Do They Compare to Diamonds?
Diamonds score a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes them extremely durable. However, hardness is just one measure of a gem's value. Rarity, color, and origin all play a major role — and by those measures, alexandrite, Paraíba tourmaline, and red beryl leave diamonds far behind.
Next time you shop for fine jewelry, look beyond the diamond. Rarity in gemstones comes down to the right minerals, the right geological conditions, and the right moment in time — and alexandrite, Paraíba tourmaline, and red beryl each require such an unlikely combination that their existence feels almost accidental.
This is also why rare gems tend to hold and grow in value over time. Supply is finite, and no amount of money can create more of them.
The most special piece you will ever own might not be a diamond at all.
Discover what rare really means — explore our collection at www.nishiatelier.com
