zaro

What is the most rare in the world?

Published in Rarity 2 mins read

Determining the absolute most rare thing in the world is difficult because "rare" can be defined in many ways (abundance, creation process, etc.). Therefore, there isn't one definitive answer. However, here are a few candidates often cited, categorized for clarity:

Naturally Occurring Materials/Phenomena

  • Painite: Considered one of the rarest gemstones, Painite is a borate mineral. Only a few hundred crystals are known to exist, making it exceptionally scarce.

  • Ring Galaxies: These are very unusual galaxies formed when a smaller galaxy passes through a larger one. They aren't intrinsically rare in the universe, but seeing one aligned just right for observation is.

  • Frozen Bubbles: While bubbles are common, the specific conditions needed to create and preserve a frozen bubble are quite rare and ephemeral, making them a beautiful, fleeting example of rarity.

  • Rainbow Eucalyptus: Though eucalyptus trees are widespread, the striking multi-colored bark of the Rainbow Eucalyptus is a result of uneven shedding and requires specific environmental conditions, making truly vibrant specimens relatively uncommon.

Human Creations/Discoveries

  • Diquis Spheres: These perfectly round stone spheres, created by pre-Columbian cultures in Costa Rica, are rare due to their mysterious origin, unknown purpose, and the labor required to create them. The specific skills and knowledge used to make them have been lost, adding to their rarity.

  • Specific Works of Art/Historical Artifacts: Items like the Mona Lisa or the Hope Diamond are rare due to their unique historical significance, artistry, and the circumstances of their creation. While not naturally rare, their cultural importance elevates their scarcity.

Biological Entities

  • Jeweled Squid: This is referring to the Histioteuthis heteropsis squid which exhibits one large, blue eye, and one smaller, yellow eye. It's uncommon to encounter them as they live in the deep sea.

  • Rafflesia Arnoldii Flower: As one of the world’s largest and rarest flowers, the Rafflesia Arnoldii is parasitic and found only in specific regions of Southeast Asia. Its massive size and limited habitat contribute to its rarity.

Other Considerations

It's worth noting that "rarity" can be artificially created through actions like hoarding or restricting access. Furthermore, something might be rare now but become more common in the future with new discoveries or technological advancements.

Therefore, the "rarest thing in the world" is subjective and depends on the criteria used to define rarity.