Rare Yet Within Reach: Underrated Gemstones Worth Knowing

When we think of precious gemstones, the usual suspects come to mind — diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds. However, there’s an entire category of lesser-known gems that offer remarkable beauty, fascinating properties, and true individuality.

Take pezzottaite, for example — a rare pink beryl often mistaken for morganite. Unlike morganite, pezzottaite features a richer hue and a distinctive trigonal crystal structure, setting it apart both visually and gemmologically.

Or consider taaffeite. Frequently overlooked, this gemstone exhibits a unique pleochroic color range, from lavender to mauve, and has been gaining traction among collectors and high-end designers for its rarity and elegance.

Then there’s forsterite, a gem-quality variety of olivine. Though seldom seen in mainstream jewelry, its notable dispersion and vitreous luster make it a stunning — and unconventional — alternative to more familiar stones.

These gemstones may not dominate headlines or window displays, but that’s part of their charm. They offer individuality, distinctiveness, and in many cases, more accessible pricing compared to their well-known counterparts.

Which rare yet affordable gemstones do you admire — or wear? Let us know in the comments.

Olga Bachurina,
Co-Founder of Venus in Libra,
Certified by GIA & Gübelin Academy