Blue gemstones have always captivated humanity. From the deep, mysterious shades of sapphire to the surreal glow of larimar, blue has long been associated with royalty, wisdom, calmness, and the infinite sky. While many people are familiar with the classic blue sapphire, the world of blue gemstones is far more diverse and full of hidden treasures.
If you’re a collector, jeweler, or simply a gemstone enthusiast, you’ll want to explore these rare blue gemstones that are as stunning as they are unique. In this article, we’ll dive deep into rare blue stones, their origins, characteristics, value, and why they deserve a spot in your collection.
1. Benitoite
Color: Bright sapphire-blue to violet-blue
Mohs Hardness: 6.5
Origin: Primarily California, USA
Rarity: Extremely rare
Benitoite is one of the rarest blue gemstones on Earth and is even the official state gem of California. It was first discovered in 1907 near the San Benito River, hence the name. What makes benitoite extraordinary is its brilliant blue color combined with strong dispersion—meaning it gives off fire similar to a diamond.
Most benitoite specimens come from a single mine in San Benito County, which has since been closed to commercial operations. This scarcity, along with its mesmerizing sparkle, makes benitoite a prized possession among collectors.
Fun Fact:
High-quality benitoite gems over 1 carat are extremely rare, and even specimens suitable for jewelry are hard to find.
2. Larimar
Color: Sky-blue to blue-green
Mohs Hardness: 4.5–5
Origin: Dominican Republic
Rarity: Rare and geographically limited
Larimar is a dreamy, opaque blue stone often reminiscent of the Caribbean Sea—fitting, since it’s only found in the Dominican Republic. This rare variety of pectolite is formed in volcanic environments and is known for its wave-like patterns and tranquil coloration.
Due to its softness, larimar is best used in pendants and earrings rather than rings. It’s a favorite among those seeking something more spiritual or nature-inspired.
Spiritual Associations:
Larimar is sometimes referred to as the “Stone of Atlantis” and is associated with tranquility, communication, and feminine energy.
3. Grandidierite
Color: Greenish-blue to bluish-green
Mohs Hardness: 7.5
Origin: Madagascar
Rarity: Exceptionally rare
Discovered in 1902 in Madagascar, grandidierite is a strikingly rare gem known for its translucent, bluish-green hue. Facetable, gem-quality grandidierite is extremely limited, making it one of the world’s rarest colored gemstones.
When clean and well-cut, it exhibits an ethereal glow. However, due to its rarity and high value, most specimens are small and opaque.
Collectors’ Note:
Prices for fine grandidierite can exceed $20,000 per carat, making it a luxury collector’s dream.
4. Jeremejevite
Color: Pale sky-blue to colorless
Mohs Hardness: 7.5
Origin: Namibia, Tajikistan
Rarity: Extremely rare
Jeremejevite (pronounced yeh-REH-meh-yev-ite) is a little-known but incredibly rare gemstone. Though it occurs in several colors, the pale blue variety is the most prized.
Gem-quality jeremejevite is found mostly in Namibia, and even then, cut specimens are exceedingly scarce. The crystal structure is hexagonal, and its clarity and sparkle make it a wonderful, albeit niche, gem.
Investment Potential:
Collectors seek out even small stones (under 1 carat) due to their extreme rarity.
5. Apatite (Blue Neon Apatite)
Color: Bright neon blue to blue-green
Mohs Hardness: 5
Origin: Madagascar, Brazil, Mexico
Rarity: Moderately rare in high-quality
Though apatite itself is not particularly rare, the neon blue variety that resembles Paraíba tourmaline is highly prized. This type of apatite boasts an electric glow that makes it look much more expensive than it actually is.
It’s a softer stone, so it’s best used in earrings or necklaces rather than rings. If you’re drawn to vivid color and don’t mind being a bit gentle with your jewelry, blue apatite is a stunner.
Note for Buyers:
Be cautious of durability and avoid harsh wear, as apatite can scratch or chip easily.
6. Blue Garnet (Color-Change)
Color: Blue-green in daylight, purplish-red in incandescent light
Mohs Hardness: 7–7.5
Origin: Madagascar
Rarity: Exceptionally rare
Garnet is typically known for deep red hues, but there exists a color-change variety that appears blue-green in daylight and shifts to raspberry red under incandescent lighting.
Discovered in the 1990s in Madagascar, blue garnet is a rarity even among gem experts. This gem combines pleochroism (color change with angle) and color shift, making it a visual delight.
Collector’s Insight:
Blue garnets are some of the most expensive garnets, fetching up to $10,000 per carat or more.
7. Haüyne (Hauyne)
Color: Vivid royal blue
Mohs Hardness: 5.5–6
Origin: Germany, Afghanistan
Rarity: Very rare in gem-quality
Haüyne is a lesser-known gemstone belonging to the sodalite group. Its intense ultramarine blue color resembles lapis lazuli but is much rarer. Most specimens are small—often under 0.5 carats—and may contain visible inclusions.
Gem-quality haüyne is primarily found in Germany and is rarely seen in the commercial market. Due to its tiny size and vivid saturation, it’s a collector’s gem more than a jeweler’s staple.
8. Kyanite
Color: Deep blue, often with streaks
Mohs Hardness: 4.5–7 (depending on direction)
Origin: Nepal, India, Brazil
Rarity: Uncommon, but available
Kyanite is an interesting gemstone with a unique feature: its hardness varies depending on the direction you scratch it. This makes cutting kyanite difficult, and clean, well-cut stones are not easy to come by.
The royal to teal blue varieties from Nepal are considered the best. Due to its vibrant color and silky luster, it’s growing in popularity, especially among artisan jewelers.
Jewelry Note:
Because of its directional hardness, kyanite should be worn with care—best for earrings or pendants.
9. Tanzanite
Color: Blue to violet
Mohs Hardness: 6–6.5
Origin: Tanzania
Rarity: Rare and location-limited
Though tanzanite has gained popularity since its discovery in the 1960s, it remains rare due to being found in only one location on Earth—Mount Kilimanjaro’s foothills.
Tanzanite can range from bluish-violet to deep indigo, depending on how it’s cut and viewed. The richer the color saturation, the more valuable the gem. It’s also a December birthstone, adding to its market appeal.
Market Outlook:
Tanzanite mines are reportedly running low, and scarcity may drive prices up in the future.
10. Paraíba Tourmaline
Color: Neon blue to greenish-blue
Mohs Hardness: 7–7.5
Origin: Brazil, Mozambique, Nigeria
Rarity: Incredibly rare
Perhaps the most electric blue gemstone in the world, Paraíba tourmaline is famous for its copper content, which gives it that neon glow. First discovered in the 1980s in Brazil’s Paraíba state, it’s now one of the most valuable gemstones per carat.
Even stones under 1 carat can fetch thousands. Mozambique and Nigerian sources have been found, but the original Brazilian Paraíbas are still the most prized.
Investment Note:
Prices can exceed $50,000 per carat for top-grade Brazilian stones.
Why Are These Blue Gemstones So Valuable?
Rare blue gemstones are valued for a few reasons:
- Limited geographical source (e.g., tanzanite, larimar)
- Unusual optical effects (e.g., color-change garnet)
- Rich, vibrant color that is naturally occurring
- Crystal clarity and size availability
- Historical and collector interest
Additionally, blue has always been a color associated with serenity, wealth, and sophistication, increasing the desirability of blue gemstones across cultures.
Tips for Buying Rare Blue Gemstones
- Always buy from reputable dealers. Rare gems attract fakes.
- Ask for certification from GIA, IGI, or other trusted labs.
- Check origin disclosures, especially for Paraíba tourmalines and tanzanite.
- Understand durability. Some stones like apatite or larimar are soft.
- Invest wisely. Not all rare gems hold value; some are for beauty and passion.
Final Thoughts
While diamonds and sapphires may dominate the market, these rare blue gemstones offer something truly special. Whether you’re a collector on the hunt for the next addition to your vault or a jewelry enthusiast looking for a unique piece that stands out, these lesser-known blue beauties are well worth your attention.
From the glowing depths of Paraíba tourmaline to the celestial hues of larimar, the world of rare blue gemstones is as deep and mysterious as the ocean itself. Their stories, origins, and sheer rarity make them more than just stones—they’re pieces of Earth’s art.
So next time you’re thinking blue, think beyond sapphire. Explore the rarities. Embrace the uncommon. Because sometimes, the most beautiful treasures are the hardest to find.