The Second Rarest Gem Material Ever Discovered! @GemologicalInstituteofAmerica

Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago

What happens when leading gemologists encounter a stone they don't recognize?

Dr. Aaron Palke, Senior Manager of Colored Stone Research, shares the story of an unidentifiable mineral that led to the discovery of a new species.

A dealer submitted this specimen, and it was unlike anything the team had seen before. Advanced testing by GIA's research team confirmed this was a special discovery. This member of the beryl family remains extremely rare today.

What's the rarest gemstone you've ever seen?

Learn more about this discovery here: https://www.gia.edu/gia-news-press/new-mineral-named-for-john-koivula

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$This is one of the rarest gems in the world... Red beryl is one of the rarest gemstones in the world. Like emerald and aquamarine, it belongs to the beryl mineral family, but its distinct red hue comes from traces of manganese within its crystal structure. Because of its rarity and distinctive color, red beryl has become highly prized among collectors and gem enthusiasts. Most gem-quality red beryl comes from a single region: the Wah Wah Mountains of Utah in the United States, where it forms in cavities within rhyolite volcanic rock. Because the crystals grow in small cavities, red beryl crystals are typically very small, and fine stones over one carat are extremely rare. Many crystals are heavily included or fractured, making clean, faceted stones especially valuable. Beyond its rarity, red beryl is fascinating to scientists because it forms in very unusual geological conditions, requiring both beryllium and manganese to occur together in volcanic environments—an uncommon combination in nature. Today, red beryl is regarded as a collector’s gemstone, prized for its rarity, its connection to American history and its striking color—making it one of the most extraordinary members of the beryl family. Which is your favorite beryl variety?$