Gemstones. What comes to mind when you think of them? Sparkling diamonds? Lustrous sapphires? Maybe the cool, calm tranquillity of emeralds? But did you know that there are gemstones out there that defy everything you thought you knew about what a gemstone should look like? These are the strangest forming gemstones in the world.
Nature doesn't have a care in the world about convention, and here is proof. Some come weirdly shaped, others off the wall in colour, while some even seem like they must have come from places we can't really think of. But just like that unique friend who doesn't go along with the norm has always made every party a little different than everyone else's: such is the case for these stones, which have so much to say and are waiting for someone to hear them.
Let's dive into some of the strangest gemstones in the world and discover why you might just fall in love with the unexpected.
1. The Bizzare Formation of Opals: Nature's Kaleidoscope
Opals are weird. At least by our standards, almost like a photograph of nature's wild imagination. The gemstones reflect light and practically dance with it. One of nature's most magical phenomena is the play of colour in opal as light splits into every colour of the rainbow, creating an otherworldly effect that no two opals share.
But what's even weirder is how opals form.
Unlike most gems that crystallise in clear, ordered patterns, opals form in a water-rich, almost gooey environment. They are the result of water evaporating from silica-rich deposits in the Earth's crust. As the water is allowed to evaporate over time, it leaves silica in its wake, and silica forms brilliant, colourful structures. This "flashy" display is a result of minute spheres of silica stacked in such a manner as to diffract light into vibrant hues. It's like a cosmic accident — a beautiful mistake.
Opals are the perfect example of how nature can turn chaos into beauty.
2. The Illusionary Glass Gemstone: Moldavite
Moldavite is another gem that's straight out of science fiction. Unlike any gemstone on Earth, moldavite isn't a product of millions of years of deep Earth pressure and heat. No, it's extraterrestrial — a gem that formed when a meteorite crashed into Earth around 15 million years ago.
What's even crazier? The impact of the meteorite melted the local rock and created a glowing mass that solidified into moldavite. These green, glass-like stones are actually tektites, an unusual form of natural glass that forms from the impact of meteorites on the Earth at extremely high velocity. Imagine holding in your hand a piece that came from the heavens to land here just for you to discover. That's precisely what moldavite is, and it's one of the strangest gemstones in the world.
They're extremely rare and otherworldly in origin, which makes moldavites highly unique. Many believe that these stones carry mystical properties.
3. The Living Gemstone: Amber
Imagine a gem that was once alive, a living, breathing thing now fossilised into a gemstone. Sounds like something out of a fantasy novel, right? Amber is, however, very real and one of the strongest gemstones in the world because it literally contains life.
Amber is produced from tree sap, which, over the course of millions of years, dries and turns to stone. But now comes the interesting part of the matter: as sap dries, it often imprints small animals, insects or plant matter inside. Resulting in a snapshot-in-time, ancient living matter, that might contain a tiny mosquito, ant, or perhaps even an entire leaf that is imprinted inside some amber chunk.
Amber is a gemstone with stories from ancient ecosystems that remain frozen in time. No other gem has a past that can be touched and held — it is truly one of a kind.
4. The Unique Marvel of Tanzanite
Tanzanite is the sort of gemstone that can almost be imagined to be just that — too rare. Its only location in the whole of Tanzania is found in a few areas close to Mount Kilimanjaro. And perhaps this is why the Tanzanite is perhaps the most valuable and least-understood gemstone. Sometimes, it's even a little purple, and sometimes, the hue seems to change under one's very eyes.
But the strangest thing about tanzanite?
It's only to be found in one spot on Earth, making it unusually scarce.
5. Alexandrite: The Shape-Shifting Gem
If you thought tanzanite changing colours was impressive, just wait until you hear of Alexandrite. Its speciality is its ability to change colour based on what light it is exposed to. While daylight causes it to shine greenish-blue, it becomes reddish-purple when exposed to incandescent light. It is one of the few gemstones in existence that has this special quality.
But here is the most mind-blowing thing. Alexandrite is very, almost mythical in its rarity. The first discovery was made in Russia in the 1830s, and that's so rare that one may even consider it as the dream of a collector. Its strange formation process in which the chromium present inside the stone causes the particular colour transformation is still an unanswerable question for any gemologist.
6. The Enigmatic Fire Opal: A Fiery Mystery
If opals are mysterious, then fire opals are like their fiery cousins. Unlike the play-of-colour phenomenon of regular opals, fire opals are known for their striking orange-to-red hues, which come from the presence of iron within the stone. The most strange thing about fire opals? They can form in volcanic regions, where the intense heat and activity shape them in a totally unique way.
But unlike other precious opals, which shine because of their rainbow-like flashes, fire opals are desired for their bright, hot glow. They're either transparent or translucent, and inner fire makes them distinguishable from other opals. What attracts the fire opal is its warmth and the phenomenon that these stones somehow glow with some sort of inner energy. Their formation is the result of volcanic activity, making them incredibly rare and a true treasure for collectors.
While Not as Rare, These Pieces Are Out of This World
Van Cleef & Arpels has a certain artistry to make the most ordinary stones look extraordinary. Though these stones may not be as rare as some of the more exotic pieces, their beauty and craftsmanship are equally spectacular.
Here’s a closer look at some of these amazing stones that have been turned into timepieces and what makes Van Cleef & Arpels so special.
1. Malachite
One of the most popular choices for Van Cleef & Arpels, malachite boasts a rich, vibrant green colour and naturally occurring banded patterns. This gemstone is often associated with balance, transformation, and healing. Its swirling green patterns evoke a sense of nature's elegance, making it a perfect complement to the Maison's designs, whether in bracelets, necklaces, or rings.
2. Carnelian
Van Cleef & Arpels generally favour Brazilian carnelian, which has the appearance of a deep, rich colour with a translucent sheen. This warm, firey red-orange gem is frequently combined with rose or yellow gold for contrast. Its natural radiance, seen here from a well-polished surface, along with the vibrant tones, makes carnelian one of the more impressive gems when set in earrings, brooches, and rings, adding vitality and warmth to any jewellery.
3. Onyx
The deep colour of onyx is used by Van Cleef & Arpels for beautiful contrasts in their designs. Onyx has a certain something that brings out the brightness and shine of diamonds and gold perfectly. The stark black tint of the onyx adds sophistication and poise, making it one popular choice for timeless, bold jewellery designs. Its smooth, polished surface catches the light beautifully, making it an integral part of Van Cleef & Arpels' gorgeous collections.
4. Rubies
Rubies epitomise passion and luxury. It was the first to use rubies in their iconic Mystery Set. Rubies are known for their deep, rich red hue, symbolising love, vitality, and power. The Mystery Set, which allows the stones to appear "floating" without visible prongs, gives rubies an ethereal quality. Their fiery colour and ability to catch the light with every movement make them a staple in Van Cleef & Arpels' most treasured creations.
5. Sapphires
Sapphires have long been associated with wisdom, loyalty, and nobility, making them a perfect choice for the Mystery Set by Van Cleef & Arpels. These stones, deep blue with a brilliance that is unmatched anywhere, were used extensively in some of the Maison's most beautiful pieces. In its setting, the sapphire will shine with an almost mystical glow and make the pieces as captivating as it is sophisticated.
The Wonders of Earth’s Strange Gems
There’s a lot we can learn from the strangest forming gemstones in the world. These gems remind us that the Earth is full of unexpected beauty. Sometimes, the strangest things are the most captivating — and when it comes to gemstones, the more bizarre, the better.
So, next time you find yourself gazing at a gemstone, take a moment to consider how strange and marvellous its formation truly is. After all, life, like these stones, is full of surprises.
