Painite

Painite is a rare mineral, a borate mineral of aluminum and zirconium. It was first discovered in Myanmar in the 1950s and for decades, only a few specimens were known to exist, making it one of the rarest gemstones on Earth. Initially, it was thought to be a ruby due to its red color.

The chemical formula for painite is CaZrAl9O15(BO3). It crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system and typically forms prismatic crystals. Its color ranges from reddish-brown to orange-red and sometimes exhibits a greenish tint. The intense color is attributed to impurities within its structure.

Due to its extreme rarity and beautiful color, painite is highly sought after by gem collectors and jewelers. However, the limited availability and difficulty in cutting and polishing these rare crystals contribute to their high value.

Large, faceted painite gemstones are exceptionally rare, and most specimens are small and intended for mineral collections rather than jewelry. The primary source for painite has historically been Myanmar, particularly the Mogok region, though new deposits have been discovered in other parts of the country. Ongoing exploration may yield more specimens, but it is expected to remain a highly prized and uncommon gemstone.