Learn about Ruby
Did you know ruby and sapphire are cousins? They come from the same mineral family, which is corundum!
Ruby
- Corundum
- 9 Mohs
- Cancer Leo
- Love, Power, Passion
- July Birthstone
Round
Heart
Emerald
Overview
The word ruby comes from the Latin ruber, which means red. In Sanskrit texts, the ruby is referred to as the ‘king of gems’. This magnificent gemstone is available in different hues of red – from pinkish to bluish red. Like sapphire, ruby is also a variety of corundum, one of the hardest minerals on the earth.
From the beginning of civilization, rubies were prized possessions of many kings and queens. In the middle ages, the royals and the aristocrats in Europe coveted rubies more than any other gemstone.
1. Key Origin
- For centuries, Burma (Myanmar) has been the key source for the finest rubies.
- The Montepuez mine in Mozambique, which was discovered in 2009, is the world’s largest known ruby deposit.
2. Associations
- Medieval Europeans wore rubies for health, wealth, wisdom and love.
- Ruby is the birthstone for July and is known to bring the harmony of life to its wearer.
- It is also the anniversary stone for the 40th anniversary, which is rightly termed as the ruby jubilee.
Properties
Rated 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness
01Hardness & Strength
The red variety of the mineral corundum, rubies exude remarkable luster and sparkle. Corundum is mainly composed of aluminum and oxygen. It also contains traces of other elements such as iron, chromium and titanium. Rated 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, rubies are the second hardest substance on the earth, after diamonds.
02Treatment
Rubies exposed to heat treatment have enhanced color. Heat treatment provides a stable and permanent result. Rubies with fractures and a lot of inclusions are filled with lead glass for improved clarity and transparency. However, this makes them no longer natural and greatly reduces their value as compared to natural rubies
The 4C’s
There are several factors that determine the quality and the price of a ruby. The highest quality stones are decided by overview of 4C’s:
- Color
- Carat
- Clarity
- Cuts
01Color
- The color of a ruby is one of the most important distinguishing characteristics of its value.
- Slight differences in color can make a huge difference. The most coveted color is pure, vibrant red with a hint of blue.
- If the color is too light, the stone is considered a pink sapphire. As the shade moves towards orange or purple, the ruby moves down the quality scale.
02Carat
- The per-carat price of ruby can also increase drastically as its size increases.
- Fine-quality natural rubies over one carat are very rare, which makes them extremely valuable.
- Commercial-quality rubies are commonly available in a wide range of sizes.
03Clarity
- Rubies with absolutely no inclusions are nonexistent. The value of a ruby depends on how visible these inclusions are.
- Major inclusions and ones that reduce the transparency or brightness of the stone lower its value. Rubies typically include thin mineral inclusions called needles. These needles are called silk when present in intersecting groups.
- Ruby inclusions appear in the form of small crystals, patches of varied color or ones that resemble fingerprints.
04Cuts
- The ruby crystal’s shape decides its suitability for certain cuts. The most common shape a ruby comes in is a flat tabular hexagonal shape.
- Commonly, rubies are cut in oval and cushion shapes, with brilliant-cut crowns and step-cut pavilions. Round, triangular, emerald, pear and marquise rubies are also available, but are rare in larger sizes.
Quality & Grading
Rubies are one of the most exotic gemstones in the world. Among coloured stones, they demand the highest prices in the market. There are several factors that determine the quality and the price of a ruby
| Gem Quality | Color | Clarity | Brilliance | Rareness | Shop Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heirloom (AAAA) |  Deep Rich Red | Moderately to Very Slightly Included | Very High | Top 1% |
Heart-Shaped Ruby Infinity Pendant with Diamond Accents$2,807 |
| Best (AAA) |  Medium Red | Moderately Included | High | Top 10% |
Prong-Set Ruby Teardrop V-Bale Pendant with Diamond$935 |
| Better (AA) |  Medium Pinkish Red | Heavily Included | Medium | Top 33% |
Classic Prong-Set Round Ruby Solitaire Pendant$809 |
| Good (A) |  Dark Red | Opaque | Low | Top 75% |
V-Bale Pear-Shaped Ruby Solitaire Pendant$489 |
Care Instructions
Like any other gemstone, a ruby might chip or crack on high impact, especially when set in a ring or bracelet. It is also likely that foreign materials might accumulate on the surface of this bright gem rendering it dull over time. To ensure the long life of your glowing rubies, here are some tips that you can follow:
FAQs
1. Are rubies valuable?
Yes, rubies are highly valuable, especially those with vivid red hues, excellent clarity and larger carat sizes. The rarity of high-quality rubies significantly adds to their value.
2. Are rubies naturally red?
Yes, rubies are naturally red due to the presence of chromium. However, the intensity of the red can vary based on the amount of chromium in the gemstone's composition.
3. Are rubies treated to enhance their color?
Yes, heat treatment is commonly used on rubies to enhance their color and clarity. This is a widely accepted practice in the gemstone industry.
4. How do you differentiate between a natural and synthetic ruby?
Natural rubies form over millions of years under natural geological conditions, while synthetic rubies are created in laboratories. Both have identical physical and chemical properties, but natural rubies often have inclusions that synthetic ones lack.
5. What makes rubies red compared to other corundum gemstones?
Rubies get their red color from chromium, which replaces some aluminum in the corundum structure. This trace element absorbs light to produce the vivid red hue. Other corundum gemstones, like sapphires, owe their colors to different trace elements such as iron and titanium.
6. Can rubies change color?
Natural rubies typically do not change color. However, some may show slight variations in appearance under different lighting conditions, a phenomenon called pleochroism.
Latest Pick from Ruby Jewelry
- Princess Diana Inspired Ruby Engagement Ring with Diamond Halo$6,759
- Five Stone Ruby and Diamond Wedding Ring$2,529
- Shared Prong Ruby and Diamond Half Eternity Ring$2,589
- Channel-Set Square Ruby and Diamond Half Eternity Band$3,799
- Channel Set Square Ruby Half Eternity Ring$2,899
- Claw Prong Oval Ruby Halo Three-Stone Ring$4,799
- Floating Round Ruby Semi Eternity Wedding Ring for Her$2,429
- Classic Oval Ruby Halo Engagement Ring with Diamond Accents$2,679
- Solitaire Heart Ruby and Diamond Chevron Ring$2,239
- Round and Oval Ruby Halo Three-Stone Ring$3,249
Know About Other Gems
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Famed for the phenomenon called ‘adularescence’, the moonstone is no ordinary gem. It radiates a glow that resembles the moon lying still under the calm of the ocean. Now the official birthstone of June, this jewel is an absolute treat for those with refined taste.
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Sapphire
Some jewels need no introduction. Their magnificence does all the talking, and sapphire is a fine example of this. From royals and aristocrats to those with a penchant for pure luxury – everyone has a special place in their heart for this enchanting jewel.
Opal
A symbol of hope and purity, an opal comes packed with a vivid ‘play-of-color’ that is reminiscent of fireworks in the night sky. Find out more about this gem that has charmed many great personalities, including William Shakespeare.
Tourmaline
Renowned for its extensive and exciting color spectrum, this gem is an absolute treat for the eyes. While pink happens to be one of its most popular shades, tourmalines in bi-colors and tri-colors are also very much in demand. Learn more about this jewel with the help of our informational guide.
Swiss Blue Topaz
Did you know? The name of this gem is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘tapas’, which means ‘fire’. Also, blue is not the only color this gem is available is. You can find topaz in multiple hues, including yellow, orange, pink, red and purple. Read our guide to know more interesting details about this eye-catching gem.
Citrine
Blessed with a cheery sunny shade, this jewel doesn’t have to do much to grab attention. But do you know the history and the symbolism of the vibrant citrine? Discover all the interesting information about this honey-yellow beauty right here.
Tanzanite
The more you read about tanzanite, the more fascinating and alluring it gets. From the intriguing folklores about its birth to the fact that it’s rarer than diamonds, this gemstone is brimming with mystery and spellbinding beauty.
Turquoise
Did you know? Turquoise is one of the official birthstones of December. Its summery sky hue earned it the title of ‘mefkat,’ which translates to ‘gem of joy.’ Discover more such interesting information, along with quality grading details that will help you make an informed purchase.
Morganite
This peachy stunner is named after the renowned American gemstone collector and banker – John Pierpont Morgan. Not only is it popular in the jewelry industry, but also in the field of crystal healing. This gem is also believed to attract and nurture love.
Onyx
Is this gem as intriguing as its name? Yes, it definitely is. According to legends, onyx is believed to have come from Venus – the goddess of love. That’s not all. Many ancient cultures even considered it a lucky talisman. Continue reading to know more about this fascinating gem.
Tsavorite
Tsavorite may remind you of the emerald, but this sensational green gem happens to be an expensive variety of grossular garnet. What’s more, it cannot be found anywhere else on earth besides Africa. Good-looking and rare, this jewel promises to be a valuable discovery.
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