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Gold, platinum… what is the most expensive mineral on Earth? While we are already tired of hearing that the global economy is going through uncertain times… the prices of precious metals keep rising.
Have you seen what an ounce of gold costs? More than $3,300!
So, imagine accumulating, for example, 926 gold bars… 3 million dollars! It’s pure madness… But there’s someone stealing the spotlight from gold, which until now was our favourite precious metal…
It’s called jadeite, and it’s the most expensive mineral in the world. The most surprising part? You probably just found out this mineral exists! But here we are to tell you everything about jadeite.
Jadeite: the most valuable gem of nature
Jadeite is a type of jade that, with just one carat or 0.00643 ounces, could have the same value as 926 gold bars. Interested, huh?!
This mineral has been admired and worked since the Neolithic era. Its impact resistance even surpasses that of diamond, and its beauty and rarity have turned it into one of the most coveted gems in today’s world.
This mineral is part of the pyroxene family and is known for its incredible tones, which can display all the colours of the rainbow, but if there’s one that captivates the world, it’s imperial green, purer and deeper than emerald itself… and much more expensive.
Origin and formation of jadeite
Jadeite forms in subduction zones, where continental plates create high pressure and low temperatures. This geological environment allows jadeite to reach a hardness between 6.5 and 7, surpassing the hardness of other types of jade such as nephrite.
70% of the world’s jadeite production comes from Myanmar, but it’s also found in countries like Guatemala, Japan, Russia, Kazakhstan and some areas of California too!!
The Hutton-Mdivani necklace
The most impressive case of jadeite in the market is the Hutton-Mdivani necklace, auctioned in 2014 for $27.4 million!!! Made up of 27 graduated jadeite beads, this necklace belonged to the heiress Barbara Hutton and, according to experts, its origins go back to the imperial court of China’s Ching dynasty, amazing, right?
But look a bit further, this necklace is not only a sample of the rarity of jadeite but also of how history and culture can turn a mineral into a legendary piece!
Dubbed the “Royal Gem,” Burmese Jadeite boasts a pure green hue and strong Feng Shui energy, believed to attract wealth, peace, and good fortune. It is regarded as the finest jadeite in the world in terms of beauty and value.
The image of a rice panicle heavy with grains is…
pic.twitter.com/vxj0hbtr8k
— AME Jewellery (@AMEJewellery)
May 22, 2025
Why is jadeite so valuable?
But haven’t you seen how beautiful this stone is?! Its value is explained, first, by how rare it is, second, because it’s beautiful and then because it has an intensity of colours that sets it apart from other precious stones.
It might look a bit like nephrite, but nephrite is much more common and also less vibrant. Moreover, jadeite can be found in other colours like blues, browns, aquamarine greens… but imperial green is imperial green, and it’s gorgeous!
But of course, culture and tradition also come into play here, especially in China. This stone has been a symbol of nobility, spirituality and good fortune for centuries, and today there are even those who use it to attract fortune (although it’s a luxury investment, if you believe in the world of stones, better use a pyrite with a citrine to attract money, we’ll leave you that tip!)
Other minerals
Yes, for now, jadeite is the most expensive mineral in the world, but there are others not far behind, like pink diamonds, Kashmir sapphires or Burmese rubies, such beauty!
However, the combination of history, rarity and beauty of jadeite puts it on a unique pedestal, and we love it!
Gold and platinum always tend to steal the show, but jadeite is a treasure still hidden, a gem of the earth… the most valuable gem!
