10 most expensive minerals in the world

Is there a formula that determines which mineral is of high value and which is not? Or are there certain laws that determine the value of these minerals? Let's satisfy the curiosity burning inside of you. Some of the determining factors that determine the value of a mineral are:

Require.

rarity

Chandeliers

The presence of a matrix

Treat the above determinants as a mere sketch. By no means is this an exhaustive answer to your question, but at least it gives you a starting point and a basis for further understanding of the information contained in this article.

Here is a list of some of the most expensive minerals of 2022 that we are blessed with today:

Note: Prices for all minerals listed are constantly fluctuating depending on the world market conditions. Therefore, do not strictly adhere to the prices indicated in this article.

10. Rhodium (approximately US$35,000 per kg)

The reason why rhodium has such a high price in the market is primarily due to its rarity. It is a silvery white metal that usually occurs either as a free metal or in alloys with some other similar metals. It was opened back in 1803. Today, it is most commonly used as a catalyst, for decorative purposes, and as an alloy of platinum and palladium.

9. Diamond (approximately $1,400 per carat)

Diamond is one of the minerals on this list that needs no introduction. For centuries, it has been a symbol of wealth in all countries of the world. It is a mineral that has caused empires or kings to clash with each other. No one can be truly sure when people first encountered this wonderful mineral. According to original records, the Eureka Diamond, found in South Africa in 1867, is the first diamond to be found. But if anyone has read books about kings who ruled India many centuries ago, he knows that this is not true. However, as the years have passed, the only thing that has not changed is the commercial value of the minerals.

8. Black Opal (approximately $11,400 per carat)

Black opal is a type of opal gemstone. As the name suggests, this is a black opal. Fun Fact: Opal is the national gemstone of Australia. Of all the different shades in which the opal gemstone is found, black opal is the rarest and the most valuable. Different opal gemstones have different colors due to the different conditions in which each one is formed. Another important fact about opal is that by traditional definition it is not a mineral, rather it is called a mineraloid.

7. Blue garnet (approximately $1500 per carat).

If rumors about the value of this mineral are to be believed, it will surely surpass any other item on this planet. Blue garnet is part of the mineral garnet, which is a silicate-based mineral. It was first discovered sometime in the 1990s in Madagascar. What really makes this mineral extremely pleasing to the eye is its ability to change color. Depending on the temperature of the light, the mineral changes its color. Examples of color change: from blue-green to purple.

6. Platinum (approximately US$29,900 per kg)

Derived from the word "platina", which translates as "little silver", platinum is one of the most expensive minerals in the world. It is an extremely scarce metal that has some unique qualities that make it a very valuable precious metal. According to written sources, people first encountered this rare metal in the 16th century, but it was not until 1748 that people began to study this mineral for real. Today, platinum has a wide range of uses. Its uses range from medical use to electrical use and decorative use.

5. Gold (approximately 40,000 US dollars per kg)

We all know what gold is. Most of us even have some gold items. Like diamond, gold has been around for centuries. Gold was once the currency of kings. However, over the years, the amount of gold available has dwindled, resulting in demand never being met. This fact determined the high price of this mineral. Today, China is the largest producer of this mineral. Today, people consume gold in three different ways: (a) in jewelry; (b) as an investment; (c) for industrial purposes.

4. Rubies (approximately $15,000 per carat)

Ruby is that red gem you mention in different stories. The most valuable ruby ​​will be a good-sized, brilliant, clean-cut, and blood-red ruby. As with diamonds, no one can be completely sure about the first ruby ​​to exist. Even in the Bible there are certain chapters devoted to this mineral. So how old can they be? Well, the answer is as good as any guess.

3. Painite (approximately $55,000 per carat)

In terms of minerals, painite is a relatively new mineral to mankind, having been discovered sometime in the 1950s. Its color ranges from orange red to brownish red. The extremely rare mineral was first discovered in Myanmar, and until 2004 there were very few attempts to use this mineral for decorative purposes.

2. Jadeite (no data)

The origin of this mineral lies in the name itself. Jadeite is one of the minerals found in the gemstone: jade. Mostly this mineral has a green color, although the shades of green do vary. Historians have found Neolithic weapons that used jade as a material for ax heads. To give you an idea of ​​how valuable this mineral is today; in 9.3, jadeite-based jewelry was sold for almost 1997 million dollars!

1. Lithium (no data)

Unlike most of the other minerals in this article, lithium is not primarily used for decorative purposes. Its application is much more varied. Electronics, ceramics, nuclear power and medicine are just some of the areas in which lithium plays an important role. Everyone knows lithium from its use in rechargeable batteries. It was first discovered sometime in the 1800s and today the entire lithium industry is worth over billions of dollars.

Each mineral in this article has added something to a person's life. However, the problem was how we used these scarce resources. Minerals are like many other natural resources. After it disappears from the surface of the earth, it will take years to replace it. That being said, given its relevance to this article, it actually means that the price of these minerals will only rise.