Interesting Facts About Taaffeite
Did you know that taaffeite is known as one of the rarest gemstones in the world? It was once misidentified as spinel but was identified as a separate gemstone. It is notable for its unique composition with the chemical elements magnesium-beryllium01. Taaffeite is named after Count Edward Charles Richard Taaffe, who discovered the first specimen in 194502. This gemstone serves as a holy grail among collectors
Want more amazing facts? – Visit here
Where Taaffeite Comes From
Historically, taaffeite serves as the first mineral from a faceted stone than a raw crystal03. The discovery was by pure chance as Count Edward Charles Richard Taaffe, an Irish-Austrian gemologist, identified the new mineral from a faceted, cut gemstone rather than a raw crystal. It showed unusual optical properties, specifically double refraction, unlike spinel04.
Taaffeites have colors ranging from pale violet and mauve to rare greens and reds05. This gemstone is prized for its vitreous luster and soft, luminous hues. Its extreme rarity, which is estimated to be a million times rarer than diamonds, makes it exclusive as a collector’s gem06.
The primary source of gem-quality taaffeite is in Sri Lanka. It is often found in alluvial deposits07. This gemstone is also found in small quantities such as in China, Tanzania, and even Myanmar (in Mogok)08.
How Taaffeite are Processed
Taaffeites are mined naturally. It is rarely made in a lab. The extraction of taaffeites occur in alluvial deposits as water-worn pebbles. Careful extraction is done from river gravels using traditional artisanal mining09. After extraction, advanced lab testing such as Raman spectroscopy is applied upon identification of a rough stone10. This is to distinguish it from spinel. Cutters prioritize weight retention over standard shapes. Other stones also undergo heat treatment in order to enhance its violet or mauve hues before being polished into a vitreous luster11.
How Expensive and Rare Taaffeite Are
Taaffeites are expensive as its price is driven through its rare chemical composition brought by a geological “perfect storm”. The gemstone requires the rare combination of elements beryllium, magnesium, and aluminum to form. This rare chemical combination, therefore, makes the gemstone a million times rarer than diamonds12.
Famous Jewelry Made from Taaffeite Gemstones
Taaffeite jewelry is often custom-made. It is also part of exclusive haute joaillerie collections. Some notable examples include:
- Bespoke rings – Taaffeites are often set in 18k white gold or platinum, often surrounded by a diamond halo in order to accentuate its soft mauve tones13
- Designer pieces – The gemstone was occasionally featured in diamond-accented rings in collections of high-end houses like Harry Winston14
- Museum displays – Taaffeites are also featured in museum displays such as in the National Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian), Natural History Museum, and GIA Museum15
Taaffeite’s Market Value (Price per Carat)
Taaffeites are exceptionally expensive due to its rarity. Top-quality gemstones continue to be scarce. The exclusivity of the gemstone reflects its price range. As for light-colored stones, the prices range from $1,500 to $2,500 per carat16. As for highly saturated violets or pinks, the prices range from $5,000 to $7,500 per carat16. Whereas exceptional red or “eye-clean” taaffeite gems have prices ranging up to $15,000 per carat 16.
