10 places across the world where most expensive precious stones are found

Time of India

06-07-2025

If the discussion of the Kohinoor diamond always made you curious, or if you keep checking how the
gold prices
keep soaring, you know you have a knack for gem stones. You would want to know more about other precious stones that are known for their glitter and worth.
And it's interesting to note that the world is dotted with glittering corners where the Earth hides its shiniest secrets and they don't come cheap.
From emerald-rich Colombian mines to the diamond depths of South Africa, these places are basically some of the best places that are honoured with these dem stones. Whether you're a gem geek, treasure hunter, or just here for the sparkle, here are 10 dazzling destinations across the globe where you get to see the rarest and the precious gems.
Mogok, Myanmar – Rubies
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Nicknamed the 'Valley of Rubies,' Mogok is known to have produced some of the world's finest pigeon-blood rubies, which are deep red-colored stones with a hint of blue. These rubies are not just rare, they're among the most expensive gems on the planet, which can fetch more than $1 million per carat in auctions.
Golconda, India – Diamonds
Before Africa took over as the diamond capital, Golconda was where these precious stones were mined. This ancient region produced iconic diamonds like the Koh-i-Noor and the Hope Diamond.
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Golconda diamonds are revered for their size and near-flawless clarity.
Colombia – Emeralds
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Colombian emeralds are the most sought-after in the world, and some of the reasons include rich green hue and excellent transparency. The Muzo, Coscuez, and Chivor mines are especially famous and have been producing emeralds for over 500 years.
Sri Lanka – Sapphires
The 'Gem Island' of Sri Lanka, particularly the Ratnapura region, yields high-quality sapphires in a range of colours, though the blue variety is most famous.
The Ceylon sapphire's brilliance has reportedly adorned royalty for centuries.
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Tanzania – Tanzanite
Tanzanite is found only in one place on Earth, a small stretch of land in northern Tanzania. Nestled in the Mererani Hills of the Simanjiro District in the Manyara Region, the mining zone spans just about 7 kilometers in length and 2 kilometers in width. This rare gemstone was first discovered in 1967, near the foothills of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro.
The mines at Mererani are the only known source, and due to its limited supply, Tanzanite's value has risen dramatically in recent years.
Australia – Opals
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Coober Pedy and Lightning Ridge in Australia are considered the opal capitals of the world. Black opals from Lightning Ridge are particularly prised for their play-of-color and rarity, which are sometimes priced at over $10,000 per carat.
Russia – Alexandrite
Mined in the Ural Mountains, Alexandrite is famous for its color-changing properties—green in daylight and reddish-purple under incandescent light.
High-quality Russian alexandrites are extremely rare and expensive.
Brazil – Paraíba Tourmaline
Paraiba Tourmaline is a stunning gemstone celebrated for its electric blue-green glow and extraordinary rarity. What sets it apart is its vibrant color, owed to traces of copper, a feature rarely seen in other tourmalines. First discovered in Brazil's Paraíba state, it's as rare as it is radiant. Whether dazzling in a ring or lounging raw in a collector's case, no wonder gem lovers worldwide are obsessed.
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Madagascar – Various gemstones
A gem-hunter's paradise, Madagascar offers sapphires, rubies, garnets, and more. Ilakaka, once a sleepy town, became a gemstone hotspot in the late 1990s and continues to be a major global source.
Afghanistan – Lapis Lazuli
The Badakhshan region has been mining lapis lazuli for over 6,000 years. While not a precious gem in the traditional sense, top-grade lapis is extremely valuable and was once considered more prized than gold.