5 Most Expensive Minerals Around The World

It is a well-known fact that planet Earth possesses mineral wealth which is regularly utilized by mankind for various purposes. From gold to lithium, many minerals have tremendously high value and play a major role in creating the world trade economy. But have you ever wondered which are the world’s most valued and expensive minerals? Following is a list where you can find the answer to that question.

* Lithium

This mineral which is commonly known as a crucial ingredient in the production of rechargeable batteries was first discovered in 1817 in Stockholm by the Swedish chemist Johan August Arfvedson. Lithium is a highly valued mineral which represents a billion dollar industry. The largest supplies of this mineral are found in Afghanistan, and this country was hailed as the “Saudi Arabia of Lithium” in a Pentagon memo.

* Blue Garnet

Garnets can be found in various colors like brown, green, orange, pink, purple, red and yellow. Among all these colors the blue garnet is the only one with a considerably high value. This mineral was first discovered in the 1990s in Madagascar, and since then it has been mined in Russia, Turkey and the United States. The current value of this precious mineral is $1.5milion per carat.

* Rubies

Rubies are considered to be the most expensive gemstones in the world. They get their alluring red color from the presence of chromium. The largest supply of this mineral was harvested in Burma, which is known as the Mecca for rubies.

* Gold

Many people think gold is the most valuable and most expensive mineral in the world, but this is a common misconception because there are other minerals that are far more worthy than gold. Still, it is a highly valued, expensive mineral with a price around $56 per gram.

* Platinum

Platinum has a major role in the world of jewelry. This dazzling silvery metal is worth $60 per gram and can often be found in South Africa, Russia, and Canada.