WITH names like musgravite, jadeite, alexandrite or red-beryl, some gemstones are more valuable than diamonds yet for most people, they might never have heard of any of them.
Musgravite was discovered in 1967 and is arguably the rarest gemstone in the world. It was first discovered in Musgrave Ranges, Australia. As far as gem-quality stones, there are about ten specimens known and documented.
Unfortunately, due to the rare nature of this stone, it’s unlikely a consumer would come across it on the open market. The average price is $35,000 per carat based on specimens already sold. A one carat diamond will set you back around $12,000.
At the core of these rare gemstones are the people that forge into the wilderness and search for them.
Local gemologist, George Fadersen has spent the best part of a few decades seeking out gemstones from around the world.
George leads a small informal group of gemologists as the Goulburn Valley Gem Club here in Shepparton in searching for, and then cutting and polishing magnificent gems into things of beauty.
Bringing these beauties out into the open to trade or sell, or simply to show how it is done, the Goulburn Valley Gem Club in conjunction with the Victorian Gem Clubs Association presents the annual Combined Victorian Clubs’ Gem Show, at Kialla Raceway, Goulburn Valley Highway, on Saturday, June 5 and Sunday, June 6, 2021.
