In recent years, exceptionally rare collector gems have seen a meteoric rise in both popularity and value. These are not your average gemstones—they are the crown jewels of elite gem collections. From the neon fire of Benitoite to the oceanic allure of Grandiderite, the world of rare gems is expanding into once-obscure territory, capturing the imagination of collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Among the growing pantheon of coveted stones are Väyrynenite, Taffeeite, Clinohumite, Hackmanite, Muscovite, and Triplite—gems so rare that eye-clean examples over a few carats are nearly impossible to acquire. For collectors, any extra fine quality specimen over 5 carats is considered a “Holy Grail”—a once-in-a-lifetime find.
One of the most fascinating members of this elite circle is Triplite. This rare phosphate mineral, with a chemical formula of (Mn, Fe)₂PO₄(F, OH) and a modest hardness of 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale, typically forms as opaque, brownish masses in phosphate-rich granitic pegmatites. First described in 1813 in Chanteloube, Limousin, France, Triplite’s name derives from the Greek “triplos”—meaning triple—due to its distinctive cleavage in three directions, which makes it exceptionally difficult to cut and polish.
But what makes Triplite truly extraordinary in the collector world is its appearance when it occurs in gem quality. Vivid orange Triplite, with a color that rivals spessartine garnet, is breathtaking. Combine that with loupe-clean clarity and a size over 5 carats, and you have a stone so rare it borders on mythical. These specimens are exceedingly scarce and are considered dream stones among rare gem aficionados.
The best facet-grade Triplites hail from Skardu, a small city nestled in the Shigar Valley of Kashmir, within the Gilgit-Baltistan district in the far north of Pakistan near the Himalayan mountain range. This region has emerged as a treasure trove for collectors, producing not only Triplite but also a wide range of other rare and exotic minerals.
Pakistan’s gemological richness is staggering, with its mines producing a lengthy list of collector-worthy stones, including:
Anatase, Apatite, Aquamarine, Azurite, Bastnaesite, Brookite, Clinozoisite, Diopside, Emerald, Epidote, Fluorite, Garnet, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Morganite, Nephrite, Obsidian, Pargasite, Peridot, Pollucite, Quartz, Ruby, Rutile, Sapphire, Scapolite, Scheelite, Sphene, Spinel, Spodumene, Topaz, Tourmaline, Vayrynenite, Zircon, Zoisite, and many other uber-obscure minerals that are occasionally faceted for the collector market.
In a world where mass-produced stones flood the market, rare collector gems like Triplite offer something truly special: uniqueness, history, geological fascination, and the thrill of owning something very few people on the planet will ever see in person.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your journey into rare gemstones, keep an eye out for these elusive treasures—because once they’re gone, they may never be seen again.