50 Most Valuable Gemstones and Minerals in the U.S.
The United States is a treasure trove of gemstones and minerals, making it a paradise for rockhounding and geology enthusiasts. From dazzling precious stones to rare minerals, the diversity and value of these natural treasures are astonishing. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the top gemstones and minerals found across the U.S., their locations, and their estimated values.
Top 10 Precious Stones Found in the U.S.
Discover the brilliance and rarity of these precious stones that have captivated enthusiasts for centuries.
- Diamond: Diamonds are the hardest natural substance, highly prized for their clarity, brilliance, and durability. They are commonly used in fine jewelry.
- Locations: Arkansas (Crater of Diamonds State Park)
- Estimated Value: $4,000-$15,000 per carat (depending on clarity and color)
- Sapphire: Known for their stunning blue hues, sapphires symbolize wisdom and royalty. They are also found in rare pink and green varieties.
- Locations: Montana (Yogo Gulch, Rock Creek)
- Estimated Value: $500-$5,000 per carat
- Ruby: Rubies are cherished for their deep red color and association with passion and love. Their rarity makes them incredibly valuable.
- Locations: North Carolina (Macon County)
- Estimated Value: $1,000-$10,000 per carat
- Emerald: These vibrant green gemstones are symbols of renewal and growth. High-quality emeralds are among the rarest gemstones.
- Locations: North Carolina (Hiddenite)
- Estimated Value: $500-$8,000 per carat
- Topaz: Topaz comes in various colors, with imperial topaz being the most valuable. It is associated with strength and creativity.
- Locations: Utah (Topaz Mountain)
- Estimated Value: $50-$1,000 per carat
- Garnet: Garnets are versatile gemstones found in colors ranging from deep red to vibrant green. They are popular in both jewelry and industry.
- Locations: Idaho (Emerald Creek)
- Estimated Value: $20-$500 per carat
- Spinel: Often mistaken for ruby or sapphire, spinel comes in a variety of striking colors and is valued for its brilliance and durability.
- Locations: New York (Herkimer County)
- Estimated Value: $200-$2,000 per carat
- Turquoise: Known for its vibrant blue and green hues, turquoise is a staple in Southwestern jewelry. It has been cherished for centuries.
- Locations: Arizona, Nevada
- Estimated Value: $1-$100 per gram
- Aquamarine: This light blue gemstone evokes the tranquility of the sea and is a favorite for fine jewelry.
- Locations: Colorado (Mount Antero)
- Estimated Value: $100-$1,500 per carat
- Peridot: With its vibrant green hues, peridot is often associated with prosperity and warmth. It is formed in volcanic regions.
- Locations: Arizona (San Carlos Apache Reservation)
- Estimated Value: $50-$500 per carat
RELATED READ: Everything about gemstones, crystals, rocks, & minerals
Rare Minerals Found in the U.S.
Uncover some of the rarest and most fascinating minerals that can be found across the country.
- Beryl: Beryl is a mineral family that includes emerald and aquamarine. Its clarity and vibrant colors make it highly desirable.
- Locations: Utah, Colorado, New Hampshire
- Value Estimate: $500-$7,000 per specimen
- Rhodochrosite: Known for its bright pink to red hues, rhodochrosite is a carbonate mineral often used in ornamental designs.
- Locations: Colorado (Sweet Home Mine)
- Value Estimate: $500-$10,000 per specimen
- Benitoite (California's State Gemstone): This rare blue gemstone is fluorescent under UV light, making it a favorite among collectors.
- Locations: California (San Benito County)
- Value Estimate: $3,000-$6,000 per carat
- Alexandrite: A rare variety of chrysoberyl, alexandrite is famous for its color-changing properties under different lighting.
- Locations: Montana
- Value Estimate: $10,000-$70,000 per carat
- Opal: Opals are prized for their play-of-color, a mesmerizing display of rainbow-like hues.
- Locations: Nevada (Virgin Valley)
- Value Estimate: $100-$5,000 per carat
Top 10 Gemstones by Value
This section highlights the gemstones with the highest estimated values in the U.S.:
| Gemstone | Estimated Value (per carat) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Diamond | $4,000-$15,000 | Arkansas |
| Alexandrite | $10,000-$70,000 | Montana |
| Ruby | $1,000-$10,000 | North Carolina |
| Emerald | $500-$8,000 | North Carolina |
| Sapphire | $500-$5,000 | Montana |
| Benitoite | $3,000-$6,000 | California |
| Aquamarine | $100-$1,500 | Colorado |
| Opal | $100-$5,000 | Nevada |
| Rhodochrosite | $500-$10,000 | Colorado |
| Peridot | $50-$500 | Arizona |
American Mined Gemstones
The U.S. is home to a variety of gemstones that are sought after for their unique characteristics and beauty. Some notable mentions include:
- Herkimer Diamonds (Quartz): Found in New York, these unique double-terminated quartz crystals are highly prized.
- Turquoise: Renowned for its vibrant blue and green hues, mined in Arizona and Nevada.
- Morganite: A pink variety of beryl, found in California and Maine.
- Fire Agate: Known for its fiery iridescence, found in Arizona and New Mexico.
RELATED READ: Top Herkimer Diamond Mines to Visit in New York | Rockhounding Tips
Comparison Table of Estimated Values
Before diving into the detailed table, it's important to note that gemstone and mineral values vary based on factors like clarity, rarity, size, and market demand. Here's an overview:
| Gemstone/Mineral | Location | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Diamond | Arkansas | $4,000-$15,000 per carat |
| Sapphire | Montana | $500-$5,000 per carat |
| Ruby | North Carolina | $1,000-$10,000 per carat |
| Emerald | North Carolina | $500-$8,000 per carat |
| Topaz | Utah | $50-$1,000 per carat |
| Rhodochrosite | Colorado | $500-$10,000 per specimen |
| Benitoite | California | $3,000-$6,000 per carat |
| Alexandrite | Montana | $10,000-$70,000 per carat |
| Turquoise | Arizona, Nevada | $1-$100 per gram |
| Opal | Nevada | $100-$5,000 per carat |
Where to Find Gemstones and Minerals in the U.S.
Use our comprehensive gemstone map for enthusiasts to easily locate your next treasure hunt destination:
- Arkansas: Crater of Diamonds State Park-the only diamond-producing site open to the public.
- Montana: Known for Yogo Sapphires and Alexandrite.
- Colorado: Famous for Rhodochrosite and Aquamarine on Mount Antero.
- Nevada: Renowned for its fire opals and turquoise.
- North Carolina: A hot spot for rubies, emeralds, and garnets.
- Utah: Home to vibrant topaz and red beryl (bixbite).
- California: Notable for Benitoite and pink tourmaline.
- Idaho: Known for garnets and star garnets.
- Arizona: A haven for turquoise, fire agate, and peridot.
- Maine: Renowned for tourmaline and aquamarine.
Conclusion
The U.S. offers a remarkable variety of gemstones and minerals that cater to collectors, jewelry enthusiasts, and geology lovers alike. From the vibrant turquoise of Arizona to the rare benitoite of California, these treasures are not just beautiful but also hold significant value. Whether you're a seasoned rockhound or a curious beginner, the journey to discover these gems is as rewarding as the finds themselves.
Start planning your next adventure and uncover the treasures hidden in America's diverse landscapes!