Interesting Facts About Poudretteite
Did you know that poudretteite is considered one of the ten rarest gemstones in the world01?
It was first discovered in 1965 in Quebec, Canada.
More specifically, it was discovered in Quebec’s Poudrette Quarry as tiny non-gem crystals02.
It was in 2000 in Mogok, Myanmar, that gem-quality stones were found.
Poudretteite exude delicate pink color03.
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Origin, Description, and Where Can It Be Found?
Poudretteite was first identified in 1965 in Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec.
More specifically, it was found at the Poudrette Quarry02.
For decades, the gemstone was only identified as microscopic, colorless crystals. It was not until 2000 that a rough stone from the Mogok Valley in Myanmar was cut into a 3-carat gem. This reveals the mineral’s true potential as a beautiful gemstone04.
Poudretteite belongs to the oshimilite group.
It has the chemical composition of a complex potassium sodium boron silicate05.
The gemstone is notable for its soft pink to violet colors, although it can be colorless.
The gemstone also possesses a vitreous luster.
Furthermore, it has a hexagonal crystal structure, which gives it a distinct geometric look05.
The gemstone remains one of the most geographically restricted minerals.
Although its original place of discovery was in Poudrette Quarry, Canada, its gem-quality specimens are found in Mogok, Myanmar.
This remains the only source for quality crystals06.
How It Is Processed or How It Is Made
The gemstone is a naturally occurring mineral that is not processed synthetically.
The initial process for poudretteite involves the extraction process.
The gemstone is extracted from Mogok’s primary marble deposits07.
As for the cutting process, gem cutters must use an advanced polarizing filter for the identification of the most stable axis for faceting.
Cutters also prioritize color retention and clarity over carat weight08.
This is because the bubblegum pink saturation is highly localized in the crystal.
Why It Is Expensive and How Rare It Is
The gemstone is expensive since it is known to be one of the scarcest minerals in the world.
There are only 50 high-quality stones known to exist worldwide09.
In terms of its rarity, poudretteites are mined in a limited amount of handfuls of carats per year.
In comparison, there is only a handful of carats mined out of thousands of tons of diamonds that are mined annually.
With this finite supply, poudretteites are exponentially rarer than any mainstream gemstone.
Examples of Jewelry Made From This Gemstone
Most pieces of jewelry made from poudretteite stones are found in bespoke high-jewelry collections.
Most notable pieces containing these stones are:
- Solitaire Rings – These are high-clarity stones often set in rose gold or platinum in order to compliment poudretteites pink hues10
- Collector Brooches – Some fashion designers like Henry Dunay have created brooches made from poudretteites into museum-quality brooches11
Poudretteite’s Market Value (Price per Carat)
Poudretteite’s price is high due to its extreme rarity.
As for commercial-grade stones, the prices range from $3,000 to $6,000 per carat12.
As for high-quality gemstones with vivid pink saturation and high clarity, the prices range from $20,000 to $50,000 per carat12.
The prices can even be higher for rare stones with over one carat in weight.
