Unique on Earth: Scientists have discovered a mysterious gemstone (video).

Kyawthuite, found in the Mogok region of Myanmar, is an exceptionally rare geological gemstone, likely the rarest of all known minerals. This crystal, weighing just 1.61 carats (0.3 grams), poses a significant mystery for geologists, providing insights into the complex geological processes on Earth, as noted by ZME Science.

Kyawthuite was identified by Dr. Kyaw Tu, a renowned mineralogist, after sapphire hunters discovered it in the Chaung Gyi Valley in Myanmar. In 2015, the International Mineralogical Association recognized it as a new mineral. Currently, this unique gem is housed in the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, preserved as a scientific treasure. Its composition—bismuth and antimony oxide (Bi₃⁺Sb₅⁺O₄)—includes common elements, yet their unique arrangement and formation under rare geological conditions render kyawthuite exceptional. The mineral's dense, checkerboard-like atomic structure makes it eight times heavier than water, highlighting its intriguing physical properties.

From a geological perspective, kyawthuite is believed to have formed in a pegmatite—a magmatic rock that arises during the final stages of magma crystallization. The collision of the Indian and Asian tectonic plates, which shaped Myanmar's topography during the Paleocene-Eocene era, provided the intense heat and pressure necessary for the formation of such rare minerals. This tectonic activity not only created kyawthuite but also enriched the Mogok region with other gemstones, including painite, another rare mineral known for its zirconium and boron content.

However, the extraction of Myanmar's mineral wealth has a controversial backdrop. The region's mining industry is under scrutiny due to unsafe practices and human rights violations, including forced labor and child exploitation. These ethical concerns have led to calls for boycotts of materials sourced from Myanmar, complicating both the study and commercial distribution of rare minerals.

Kyawthuite remains a marvel of nature, embodying millions of years of geological evolution. While synthetic versions of the mineral can be created, natural specimens hold an irreplaceable place in the history of science. For researchers, it opens a window into complex Earth processes, from tectonic shifts to mineral crystallization, making it a cornerstone in understanding our planet's geological heritage.