Rubies: The King of Precious Stones!

Rubies, fiery gems with eternal appeal, have captivated human attention for centuries with their vibrant red hues and magnetic charm.

Revered as the “king of gems”, the ruby’s symbolism of passion, power and love has fired the imagination of gem aficionados and cultural figures alike.

Join us on this captivating journey to discover the geological origins, historical significance and mystical properties of rubies, gems that continue to burn with fascination in the world of gemstones.

Rubis: Table of contents

• Ruby Geological Formation
• Rubis Rough – Raw Beauty Revealed
• Sources – The Worldwide Reach of the Ruby
• Historical Significance of the Ruby – Through the Ages
• Metaphysical properties of the Ruby – Illuminating energies
• Ruby varieties
• Ruby colors
• Durability and Wearability of Ruby
• Ruby Enhancements – Preserving Natural Beauty
• Synthetic Ruby – Nature in the Laboratory
• Ruby
• Ruby care – Preserving natural beauty

Ruby Geological Formation

Rubies, a variety of corundum, form under conditions of high pressure in metamorphic rocks and igneous environments. They are often found in alluvial deposits. The creation of this gem involves the crystallisation and interaction of minerals under intense heat and pressure, giving rise to the radiant brilliance of corundum.

Rubis Rough – Raw Beauty Revealed

Frequently found in different forms, crystals of this mineral generally have a common barrel shape or a prismatic structure with flat terminations. Sometimes they can have a bipiramidal configuration.

The mineral can also be found in the form of massive and granular formations, as well as in the form of rolled pebbles.

The immaculate beauty of uncut corundum crystals sets the stage for the exceptional brilliance and clarity for which sapphires and rubies are renowned.

Sources – The Worldwide Reach of the Ruby

Myanmar (formerly Burma), particularly the Mogok region, has long been celebrated as a renowned source of exceptional rubies, renowned for their vibrant colour and exceptional quality.

The Mogok region is famous for producing some of the most beautiful rubies in the world, notably those known as “pigeon’s blood rubies”. The term “pigeon’s blood” refers to the intense, pure red colour with a slight hint of blue, which is very popular in rubies. These exquisite gems, often found in the mines of Mogok, are considered the epitome of ruby beauty.

Other notable sources of ruby include Pakistan, Thailand, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Vietnam and Tanzania as major suppliers. Each location contributes to the exquisite range of ruby colours, from vivid reds to deep purplish reds, making them coveted treasures for jewellery and ornaments.

Historical Significance of the Ruby – Through the Ages

Throughout the annals of human history, rubies have woven a rich tapestry of meaning, captivating the imagination of cultures, monarchs and poets. This chapter explores the deep historical journey of rubies, examining how these gems have transcended time and social boundaries to become emblematic of power, passion and love.

A Stone Worthy of Royalty :

From the ancient civilisations of India to the majestic courts of Europe, rubies have adorned the crowns, sceptres and royal jewellery of kings, queens and emperors. Their flamboyant red hue was considered to reflect the vital energy of the sun, conferring divine protection and favour on sovereigns. In ancient India, rubies were regarded as the ‘Ratnaraj’, or ‘King of Gems’, symbolising power, vitality and courage.

The Flames of Love and Passion :

Rubies have long been associated with affairs of the heart. In the Middle Ages, these gems were seen as symbols of affection and love, representing the burning flames of desire. Their deep red colour evoked the intensity of emotions, making them precious gifts exchanged between lovers to express commitment and devotion.

Symbols of Devotion and Spirituality :

The appeal of rubies extended beyond earthly realms into the realms of spirituality and mysticism. In many cultures, these gems were thought to possess protective qualities, shielding wearers from harm and negative energies. In ancient India, rubies were given as precious gifts to the gods and deities, signifying unwavering devotion and spiritual prosperity.

The Ruby and the Aristocracy :

Throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, rubies became prized possessions among the aristocracy. They adorned the crowns, sceptres and jewellery of nobles, symbolising not only wealth and status, but also divine favour and legitimacy. Rare rubies of an intense pigeon’s blood red, with their exquisite intensity, were particularly coveted and reserved for the most esteemed individuals.

Cultural significance :

Rubies have played a vital role in a variety of cultural practices and beliefs. In Burmese culture, for example, rubies were believed to protect against danger and disease. In China, these precious stones were associated with the power and protection of the emperor, and were used to adorn imperial robes and accessories.

Rubies in Literature and Mythology :

The allure of rubies has also left an indelible mark on literature and mythology. Throughout history, they have been mentioned in epic tales, revered religious texts and romantic poems. In ancient Sanskrit literature, rubies were praised as “ratnaraj”, the “king of precious stones”. Poets often compared their deep red hue to the passionate flames of love and desire.

Contemporary Symbolism :

Rubies continue to occupy a special place in the modern world. They are often chosen as gemstones for engagement rings, symbolising enduring love and commitment. As the birthstone of July, rubies are believed to bring good fortune and protection to those born that month.

Metaphysical properties of the Ruby – Illuminating energies

The ruby is known as a precious stone that lights up the spirit and awakens the emotions. It is thought to improve energy levels, boost self-confidence and promote inner strength. Ruby is associated with the root chakra, instilling feelings of passion, love and joie de vivre.

Ruby varieties

Ruby, with its rich red colour, offers a captivating range of hues and qualities. Although rubies are best known for their deep red hue, they can have a variety of shades, saturations and inclusions that make each gem unique. However, there are no ruby varieties as such.

Ruby colors

The enchanting range of ruby colours extends from the lighter pink-red to the highly sought-after “pigeon’s blood” red. Pigeon’s blood red, with its deep, intense hue, is the embodiment of the ruby’s beauty, often associated with passion and desire.

Some rubies, particularly mogok rubies, fluoresce very strongly under UV light, giving the impression that the stone is glowing from within (note the difference between all the ruby photos that follow, compared with Almandin’s photo at the very end. All these photos were taken in the same place and in the same light).

Durability and Wearability of Ruby

The durability of ruby, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, makes it an ideal gemstone for jewellery. Its resistance to scratches and abrasions guarantees its timeless beauty, even when worn every day.

Ruby Enhancements – Preserving Natural Beauty

As a precious and rare gemstone, ruby undergoes numerous treatments to improve its appearance and therefore its value.

Heat treatment: Corundum is commonly heat treated to improve its clarity and colour. Although this enhancement is widely accepted and does not affect the value of the gemstone, it is essential to disclose any treatment when describing a stone or piece of jewellery.

Fracture filling: Corundum with visible fractures or cavities can be filled with a substance, such as leaded glass or resin, to improve clarity and durability. This treatment can make the stone more visually appealing, but can affect its overall value. Leaded glass will add a bluish tint to the stone.

Surface coating: A thin layer of colour- or gloss-enhancing substance is applied to the surface of the stone to temporarily improve its appearance. This treatment is generally not permanent and may fade over time. Rubies can be oiled with red oil.

Gemstone sellers must disclose any treatment carried out on corundum to ensure transparency and help buyers make informed decisions.

Synthetic Ruby – Nature in the Laboratory

Synthetic rubies, created in laboratories, share the same physical and optical properties as natural rubies and are available on the market. The ability to create synthetic rubies has widened the availability of these gems, but it is essential to differentiate between natural and synthetic gems for informed purchases.

Ruby

As a precious member of the “Precious Stone” category, ruby imitations are legion. Imitation rubies, such as red glass, rubellite, garnets, red spinel, garnet-glass doublets or corundum-corundum doublets, can be a challenge for buyers looking for genuine gemstones.

Ensuring authenticity through reputable sources and understanding the unique qualities of rubies helps protect buyers from buying imitation stones.

Ruby care – Preserving natural beauty

Maintaining the brilliance of ruby jewellery requires gentle cleaning with mild soapy water and avoiding exposure to aggressive chemicals.

Storing rubies separately and protecting them from sudden changes in temperature ensures that their timeless flame endures through the generations.