Ruby is an invaluable gemstone of a mineral species, corundum, which is a chemical compound consisting of aluminum oxide (Al 2O3). Ruby is actually denoted as the red form of corundum. Any other color of corundum is classified as sapphires.
Ruby is considered as one of the most valuable gemstones in the globe and belongs to the conventional Big Four precious stones: ruby, sapphire, emerald, and diamond.
If you are exploring certified and natural stones, you can browse our collection of loose gemstones and premium ruby selections.
Scientific and Mineralogical Properties of Ruby
Technical and gemological-wise, the properties of the ruby are characterized as the following:
- Mineral Family: Corundum
- Chemical Composition: Aluminum Oxide (Al 2 O 3)
- Color: Red
- Color Cause: impurities of Chromium (Cr).
- Crystal System: Trigonal
- Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale
- Specific Gravity: 3.97 - 4.05
- Refractive Index: 1.762 - 1.770
- Transparency: Transparent opaque.
- Luster: Vitreous
- Cleavage: No cleavage- can part.
- Double Refraction: .0008
Due to its outstanding strength and reliability, ruby can be used as jewelry and as a heirloom item on the daily basis.
What Gives Ruby Its Red Color?
Ruby is formed in trace quantities of chromium in the corundum crystal structure to form the signature red colour. The richer and deeper the red color is the more chromium is contained in it.
Such impurities can be the source of giving a Ruby its fluorescent color which can be useful in its identification. Ruby also is pleochroic, and will at times exhibit a paler and more vivid hue when under other light angles.
Ruby color can range from:
- Pinkish red
- Vivid pure red
- Deep purplish red
- The famous "pigeon blood red"
The finest of the rubies are those of a bright, deep red, with scarcely secondary shades.
The Geology of the Ruby Formation
Rubies are created in the deepest parts of the earth and it takes millions of years to be formed due to the high pressure and heat. They are typically found in:
- Metamorphic deposits that are hosted by marble.
- Basalt geological environments.
- Secondary deposits and alluvial river gravels.
The color of a ruby gemstone, its clarity and the quality of the stone are greatly impacted by the geological environment.
Major Ruby Origins
Quality of ruby differs vastly in case of geographical origin. Among the most reputable sources, one can single out:
- The Rubies of Kashmir (Pakistan - Batakundi).
- Burma (Myanmar) Rubies - Rubies that are famous because of their color (pigeon blood).
- Mozambique Rubies - Clean and shiny and cheap.
- Afghan Rubies
- Vietnam, Thailand, Tanzania and Tajikistan.
All sources give out rubies of unique qualities and so origin is a very critical consideration in value.
Varieties of Ruby
Burma Ruby - Ruby of Burma; also known as Burmese Ruby.
Burmese Ruby - Ruby of a remarkable red color (usually but not necessarily of Burma). Sometimes used also to refer to synthetic Ruby.
Pigeon Blood Ruby - A very desirable type of Ruby of a blood-red colour, with a tint of blue.
Ruby Fuschite - Refers to a dark red Ruby in a green Fuschite mica matrix, India.
Ruby Zoisite - In opaque red Ruby, mixture in green Zoisite of Tanzania. Ruby Zoisite is contrasting pretty, and is a minor gemstone, cut into cabochons, and carved into decorative figures.
Star Ruby - popular type of Ruby, which bears asterism, most commonly in a six-ray star.
Stiffness and Toughness of Ruby
The hardness of Ruby is 9 on the Mohs scale which is one of the hardest natural gemstones only second to diamond.
This is their extraordinary hardness that renders rubies:
- Very difficult to scratch.
- Suitable for everyday wear
- The ideal engagement rings.
- Perfect as the long-term heirloom jewelry.
Ruby Enhancements and Improvements
To enhance color as well as burn out some inclusions, rubies are frequently heat treated. Rubies are usually heated, and Rubies of fine natural may be of priceless value.
The fracture-filling of Rubies has become a recent practice in the gemstone industry to cover flaws. This is performed through heating in molten lead glass that has very close refractive index as that of Ruby gemstones. Fracture-filled Rubies are much cheaper than the more genuine ones and due to this reason one should at all times purchase Ruby with an honest dealer.
Natural vs Treated Rubies
Technically, the rubies available in the market can be categorized as:
- Natural Untreated Rubies - It is the rare and to a great extent, the most valuable rubies that are natural.
- Heated Rubies - Crystals which have been enhanced by heat.
- Fracture-Filled Rubies - Glass Fluxed or Clarity Enhancement.
- Synthetic Rubies -Artificially produced stones (not natural)
In the case of Kashmir Stones, we deal only with 100 percent natural rubies and all the gem stones have been treated and the treatment information is disclosed.
How Rubies Are Graded
There are several factors that are used to establish professional ruby grading:
- Color: The value factor of the greatest importance.
- Transparency: Natural inclusions vs eye-clean look.
- Cut: Brilliance and faceting
- Cut: Brilliance and faceting quality
- Carat Weight: Size and rarity
- Origin: Kashmir-belt and Burma rubies are of prime quality.
- Status of treatment: The untreated stones are the most valuable.
You can explore graded and certified stones in our Natural Ruby Collection.
Uses of Ruby
Although jewellery is probably the most famous use of rubies, they are also technically and historically used:
- Luxury jewelry and engagement rings.
- Watches and decorative arts Luxury watches and decorative arts.
- Lasers in industrial uses and scientific measurements.
- Arts and Crafts gemstones as collectors and investment.
For jewelry applications, browse our premium selections of Burma Rubies and Mozambique Rubies.
Technical Frequently Asked Questions on Rubies
What is ruby chemically?
Ruby is reddish in color made out of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) in trace quantities by chromium.
What is the distinction of the ruby and sapphire?
Both are corundum. Ruby is referred to as red corundum and those of other colors as sapphire.
Are all rubies natural?
No. Rubies could be natural, treated or synthetic. Kashmir Stones only offers natural rubies disclosed fully.
What is pigeon blood ruby?
The rarest color of ruby - a bright pure red with a hint of blue, which is most often linked with the high quality Burma ruby, is called pigeon blood ruby.
How hard is a ruby?
Ruby is ranked as 9 on Mohs hardness scale, and thus makes it very durable and suitable to wear in daily usage.
What is the most valuable ruby source?
Traditionally, Burma (Myanmar) rubies have been regarded as the most expensive and then high quality Kashmir-belt and Mozambique rubies.
Should engagement rings be of rubies?
Yes. Rubies are the best rings to get on an engagement and the jewelry you put on daily basing on their hardness and durability.
Are you offering certification of rubies?
Yes. All rubies can be subjected to independent gemological certification on request.
Conclusion
In its ultimate meaning, however, Ruby is so much more than a red stone, it is an extraordinary mixture of science, geology and art. The identity of ruby goes back to its chemical structure of aluminum oxide, but with chromium that enables it to have its trademark fiery color. It is not only as tough as diamond, which is why ruby is not only a beauty symbol, but also a symbol of toughness, thus it will be a great heirloom jewel and everyday jewelry.
The process of how ruby moved out of the deep geological structures to precious jewels on the jewelry rings reveals the rarity and the charm thereof. Each ruby has its own fingerprint of its origination be it in Burma, Kashmir, or Mozambique creating complex layers to its value and story. Treatments and additions can be made to beauty, however, natural, unaltered rubies continue to be the most coveted things that attract admiration even amongst the collectors and gemologists.
Finally, the meaning of the ruby is in its dualism: it is scientifically interesting mineral and symbol of passion, prosperity, and stability. Its bright red splendor has fascinated civilizations throughout centuries and even nowadays, rubies still bear both technical excellence and sentimental symbolism and it is eternal evidence of the art of nature.
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