A ruby is a gemstone variety of the mineral corundum, and is highly recognizable due to its blood red or pink color. Other colors and varieties of corundum are known as sapphires, and it is rubies and sapphires - along with emeralds and diamonds - that make up the four precious stones.

Background

Historically, rubies have been mined in Thailand, Cambodia and Afghanistan. Newer deposits were discovered after World War II in other locations, including Kenya, Pakistan, Nepal, Vietnam and Madagascar, and more recently a large ruby deposit was found in Greenland. Rubies have a hardness rating of 9.0 on the Mohs scale, with only diamond and moissanite being harder.

Factors That Affect Value

The main factors that affect gemstone valuation are the ‘Four C’s’ of color, cut, clarity and carat (size), as well as geographical origin.

Color is the most important factor in Ruby valuation, with the most valuable hue known as ‘pigeon blood red’. This could be described as a medium-dark shade of red. Rubies can also have a secondary hue of orange, purple, pink or violet. Clarity is also important, with a clear stone commanding a premium. Cut and carat (size) are the other factors that cut determine the price, and one of the largest and finest examples of its type is a 23.1 carat Burmese ruby that is currently housed in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of History.

Enhancements and Treatments

Gemstones are often treated to improve their quality. Treatments include color alteration, the healing of cracks and improving the transparency of the gem by dissolving rutile inclusions. Heat application (at temperatures above 1800C) is also a common treatment, and is used to remove blue patches and purple tinge, which are common in rubies at the lower end of the market. Treatments such as these are commonplace and considered acceptable.

Synthetic Rubies

It is also possible to produce synthetic and imitation rubies, and this is done on a commercial scale by using the Verneuil process (also known as flame fusion), and involves melting a powdered substance using an oxyhydrogen flame, and then crystallizing the droplets into a boule. Synthetic rubies have no imperfections to the naked eye, but gas bubbles can sometimes be found by using a magnifying glass.

Meanings of Ruby

Rubies are one of the most popular types of gemstones, and regarded by many as the most powerful of all gems. A ruby can bring peace and contentment, aiding a good nights’ sleep when placed under a pillow. They are also a symbol of love and friendship when given as a gift. As well as a love stone a ruby is also a healing stone, aiding circulation and helping fight infection.

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Sapphire

Tanzanite

Amethyst

Created Gemstones

Black Diamonds