Rubies and diamonds are two of the most sought-after stones in the world. Their differences are clear and easy to spot. However, getting enough information about them is challenging, so not many people understand them well enough to know which is rarer, diamond or ruby.
Diamonds are not nearly as rare as rubies. However, rubies seem to be the hardest to find of all gems, especially high-quality ones. That said, rubies also cost more per carat than diamonds, but things get complicated when comparing the grade of the stone.
As mentioned, finding reliable information regarding the rarity of these two gems is challenging. So, I want to discuss, in-depth, everything you need to know about how rare rubies are compared to diamonds. So, let’s get into it.
Are Diamonds Worth More Than Rubies?
In terms of their worth, this is where things become very complicated. Both rubies and diamonds come in different grades. Diamonds can cost more than rubies if the quality warrants it and vice versa.
Rubies and diamonds at the lower end are the most commonly bought gems. So, it is the best comparison to make, and diamonds are typically worth more in this market.
At the higher end, as ruby and diamond increase in quality, rubies become more expensive. As rare as rubies are, finding AAA-grade ones is extremely difficult, and they are typically found in Myanmar, a country in Asia formerly known as Burma.
That said, blue diamonds are sometimes the most expensive gems in the world. However, they are not often classed in the same bracket as standard diamonds as they are scarce. Also, it is essential to note that blue diamonds are not the same as sapphire gems.
What Stones Are Rarer Than Diamonds?
It is a common myth that diamonds are rare because they are not as rare as some people think. However, the higher the quality, the rarer the diamond, but that statement is true for all gemstones. So what stones are rarer than diamonds?
- Ruby
- Emerald
- Sapphire
- Tanzanite
Those are just some of the most common gemstones. There are several more that are extremely rare, even more so than the ones listed above.
The rarity of diamonds was artificially made by one of the biggest diamond companies in the world. Through clever marketing and diamond consolidation, they were able to control the diamond market, pushing the price up; that is not to say that diamonds are not beautiful stones, because they are.
Is Ruby The Rarest Gem?
Rubies are not the rarest gem, but high-quality rubies are incredibly scarce. Jadeite and rubies are in close competition, for which one is rarer. However, Jadeite is not the only one. Here are a few stones that are as rare, if not rarer, than rubies:
- Painite: Not much is known about this stone, and you will struggle to find one for yourself. The mineral is scarce and is considered the rarest mineral on earth. Therefore, many of the top jewelers in the world have not seen one.
- Black Opal: This gemstone costs around $15,000 per carat and is extremely rare. The stone is typically dark blue to black, with green and a lighter shade of blue.
Other stones include the likes of Tanzanite, which is not as valuable as diamonds or rubies but is a rare gemstone.
What Stone Is Worth More Than Diamond?
Diamonds are definitely pricey, especially for higher-grade ones. However, they are not the most precious stone. Now, if you receive a diamond ring from someone, don’t look down on it just because I said that because they are still extremely valuable.
That said, a few gemstones are significantly more costly than diamonds. I will not list all the gems. Instead, here are a few stones that are worth more than diamonds:
- Emerald
- Rubies
- Sapphires
- Tanzanite
There are several more, but those are the most common. There are a few things to note:
- Not all rubies are worth more than diamonds. Typically, rubies from Myanmar have a higher chance of being gem-quality and can be worth more than diamonds.
- Pink and blue diamonds are scarce, but they usually cost more than any other gem.
- Sapphires, emeralds, and Tanzanite stones that cost more than diamonds are rare, but they exist.
What Stone Is Worth More Than A Ruby?
I have discussed, in-depth, some of the significant differences between diamonds and rubies, with a heavy focus on diamonds. So, I feel that it is time to focus on rubies a little bit. Let’s take a look at a few stones that are worth more than rubies:
- Blue Diamond
- Pink Diamond
Few stones are more valuable than a flawless Ruby; however, a flawless emerald can come close. For example, one emerald that was just under 20 carats sold for over $5.5 million, but it is essential to remember that it was an extremely rare emerald that was flawless.
How Long Does It Take Diamonds And Rubies To Form?
While gemstones seem abundant, there is a limited supply that the earth can offer because they take a lot of time to form. That said, this section might seem a little confusing; here’s why:
- Diamonds can take up to 3 billion years to form.
- On the other hand, rubies only take up to 20 million years.
So, surely there should be a lot more rubies than diamonds; well, there might be; we just haven’t found them yet. It is also important to remember that many rubies are mined out of the ground but not all are gem quality.
A quick side note: Scientists are able to grow diamonds in a laboratory, and that can, in the future, significantly change the diamond market. We don’t know how strong these diamonds are and whether or not they can be made flawless. I have not heard of rubies being made in a lab as of yet.
What Is The Most Expensive Diamond Ever Sold
At just under 60 carats, the pink diamond is the most expensive ever to be sold. It went for a whopping $71 million.
What Is The Most Expensive Rubie Ever Sold?
The second most expensive gemstone in the world is the Sunrise Ruby which sold for just over $30 million. Keep in mind that the ruby was 25 carats.
Conclusion
This conclusion is tricky to be made because it’s not as simple as saying one is rarer than the other, although I did. When it comes to gemstones and diamonds, many factors, such as the cat carat, cut, clarity, and color, need to be considered. Hopefully, this article has given you a better idea about the rarity of both rubies and diamonds.
