The Most Valuable Minerals on Earth

While diamonds are famous, they are not the most valuable per carat. Painite once held the Guinness record at $60,000 per carat. Grandidierite can exceed $20,000 per carat.

Serendibite reaches $18,000. Red beryl (bixbite) sells for $10,000 per carat. Black opal can reach $15,000.

Benitoite, Californias state gem, commands $3,000-4,000. Jadeite, especially imperial jade, can exceed $3 million for a single piece. Value depends on rarity, color, clarity, and demand..