In the realm of Earth's geological treasures, a singular specimen stands unparalleled in rarity and distinction. Originating from the heart of Myanmar, the kyawthuite mineral claims the title of the rarest on our planet. A solitary crystal, unearthed in the Mogok region, exists as the sole testament to its unique existence. According to Caltech's esteemed mineral database, this diminutive 1.61-karat jewel boasts a deep orange hue, an accolade officially bestowed upon it by the International Mineralogical Association in the year 2015.
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| The Rarest Mineral on Earth. Kyawthuite, found in Myanmar, is the rarest mineral in the world. Photo: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) |
Recognized as a synthetic compound, kyawthuite stands alone as the sole approved Bi-Sb oxide mineral. It may bear a resemblance, albeit faint, to clinobisvanite (BiVO4), yet the subtle divergences in their space groups distinguish them. This mineral bears no analogy to bismutocolumbite or bismutotantalite, solidifying its distinct identity in the world of minerals.
The genesis of kyawthuite traces back to the gem-laden soils of Chaung Gyi village in Mogok township, an integral part of Mandalay Region, famously dubbed "Ruby Land" in Myanmar. Unbeknownst to the prospectors who stumbled upon it, this precious gem initially found itself on display in a local market. It was during this fortuitous encounter that U Kyaw Thu, with a discerning eye, recognized the extraordinary nature of this raw stone.
Recalling the moment of discovery, U Kyaw Thu remarked, "From years of studying in the field and procuring stones from the Khanae market, this stone possessed an unusual quality. Intrigued, I acquired it. Upon closer examination in Yangon, it became evident that this gem defied comparison to any other we had ever encountered."
While the acquisition transpired in 2010, verifying its rarity within Myanmar proved to be a formidable task. Collaborating with experts from the United States and the International Mineralogical Association, U Kyaw Thu sought validation for his extraordinary find. Finally, in December 2015, the Association officially acknowledged kyawthuite as the world's first-ever discovery of its kind.
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| The only known Kyawthuite sample is currently housed in the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. |
Maintaining a veil of secrecy around the mineral named in his honor, U Kyaw Thu patiently awaited confirmation from the International Mineralogical Association. Presently, the kyawthuite stone commands attention as it graces the exhibits of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County in the United States. The museum's bi-monthly publication proudly declared the addition of "the world's rarest gem" to its esteemed collectiThe kyawthuite stone is reddish orange in colour and weighs in at 1.61 carat.
Formula: Bi3+Sb5+O4
System: Monoclinic
Colour: Reddish orange
Hardness: 5½