Digging up facts about rare gems? You'll see a few names that come up again and again. A stone is usually considered rare if it is very hard to find or access. Let's get to know a few of the rarest jewels on Earth!
Tanzanite is a stone with a beautiful deep blue colour. It is super rare because it can only be found in one specific part of Tanzania. It was first discovered in the 1960s and made popular by a big jewelry company.
Alexandrite changes colour depending on the light, ranging from purple to green and blue. Discovered in the Ural Mountains in Russia, this stone is supposed to bring good fortune.
Black opals are found in Australia's Lightning Ridge. Most opals are formed in areas with some volcanic activity. Usually, opals have a creamy white background with flashes of different colours. Black opals, as you might expect, have a dark background with a shimmering play of colour.
Kashmir sapphires are a softer blue than regular sapphires. They're extremely rare because the old mine deposits in the Himalayas were emptied in the 1930s. Today, Kashmir sapphires are mainly seen in museums and private collections.
Want to explore more facets of Earth's rarest rocks? Check out some of these great books from your library to learn more geology deep cuts!
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