Discover the world’s rarest gemstone, “kyawthuite” its origin, value and scientific significance.
The world’s rarest mineral known from only a single specimen ever found on Earth.
Rarity Profile
1 of the rarest ever discovered
Geolocation
Mogok, Myanmar Origin
Classification
Global IMA Recognition
The Vault Selections
Discover rare mineral treasures and explore the complete NHM visitor guide to see the world’s only known kyawthuite specimen on display.
What is Kyawthuite? The Mineral Signature
A comprehensive breakdwon of bi3+sb5+O4-the chemical structure that defines its existence
Why is it Rare
Exploring the geological anomalies required to form a single crystal
Value In 2027
Projecting the valuation of world’s most unique geological asset
Recent Post
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Kyawthuite: The World’s Rarest Mineral Complete GuideMarch 31, 2026/3 Comments -
The Monograph
A Singular Presence
Kyawthuite (pronounced “chaw-too-ite”) stands as the ultimate anomaly in the world of mineralogy.
Formally recognized by the International Mineralogical Association in 2015, this deep reddish-orange mineral is composed of bismuth, antimony, and oxygen.What makes it truly extraordinary is its scarcity. While millions of carats of diamonds are unearthed annually, only one single specimen of Kyawthuite is known to exist in the world.
Found in the Chaung-gyi valley of the Mogok Stone Tract in Myanmar, a region famed for its rubies and sapphires, it was first mistaken for another rare mineral, pinalite.
The chemical formula;Bi3+Sb5+O4 reveals its unique synthesis of elements. Its color is attributed to its high refractive index and trace impurities, giving it a fire that rivals the most sought-after garnets.
Today, the sole specimen resides in the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
It remains a testament to the mysteries still hidden within the earth’s crust, representing the pinnacle of rarity for collectors, scientists, and curators globally.
The Condition of Rarity
Elemental Convergence
Bismuth and Antimony rarely oxidize in the specific ratios required to stabilize this monoclinic structure.
Thermal Stability
The volcanic activity in Mogok provided a unique cooling window that allowed the crystal to reach its singular 1.61-carat size.
Isolation
Unlike common minerals, Kyawthuite has no known secondary deposits, making it a “mineralogical unicorn.”
Asset Classification
The Ultimate Collector's Horizon
For the ultra-high-net-worth collector, rarity is the final metric. Kyawthuite transcends gemology to become a unique scientific artifact.
Topic Clusters
Mineral Properties
Density, Mohs scale, and refractive index data for the Kyawthuite specimen
Details
Price Analysis
Evaluating the priceless nature of a mineral with zero market supply.
Valuation
Rare Gems List
Where does Kyawthuite sit compared to Painite and Musgravite?
Comparision
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