What is a Ruby?

A ruby is one of the most precious and highly sought-after gemstones in the world. Known for its striking red color and rarity, it belongs to the corundum mineral family, which also includes sapphires. The rich red hue of a ruby comes from trace amounts of the element chromium, and the gemstone is highly valued for its durability, brilliance, and symbolism.

Here’s a comprehensive look at rubies, including their composition, characteristics, types, and cultural significance:

1. What is a Ruby?

• Mineral Composition:
  Ruby is a variety of corundum, a crystalline form of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). The gemstone’s red color is due to chromium impurities within the corundum structure. Corundum is one of the hardest minerals, second only to diamond, with a Mohs hardness of 9.
• Color:
  The color of a ruby is one of its most defining characteristics, ranging from deep, rich red to lighter, more pinkish hues. The ideal ruby is a vivid red, often referred to as the “pigeon blood red” color, characterized by a vibrant, intense, and slightly purplish tone.

2. Types of Rubies

• Natural Rubies:
  These are rubies that form naturally over millions of years deep within the Earth’s crust. They can be found in various parts of the world, with the most famous sources being Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique.
• Treated Rubies:
  Many rubies undergo treatments to improve their color or clarity. The most common treatment is heat treatment, which enhances the color and removes impurities. Some rubies are also treated with fracture filling to improve their appearance by filling cracks with glass or resin.
• Lab-Grown Rubies:
  These are rubies that are created in a laboratory using high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) or flux-growth methods. While they have the same physical and chemical properties as natural rubies, they are typically more affordable and more accessible. They are often used in industrial applications and jewelry.

3. Characteristics of Rubies

• Hardness:
  Rubies are incredibly durable, with a Mohs hardness of 9. This makes them suitable for use in everyday jewelry, as they are resistant to scratching. However, they can still chip or break if struck with force.
• Clarity:
  Rubies, like many gemstones, often contain inclusions or blemishes, which are naturally occurring characteristics that can affect the stone’s clarity. In rubies, inclusions are often called “jardin” (French for “garden”), and can include gas bubbles, mineral inclusions, or fractures. While inclusions may impact the clarity and value, rubies with fewer inclusions tend to be more highly prized.
• Cut:
  Rubies are cut in various shapes, including oval, round, cushion, and emerald cuts. The cut of a ruby is essential for maximizing its brilliance, as it affects how light enters and exits the gemstone. A well-cut ruby will have vibrant color and sparkle.
• Size:
  Rubies are available in a variety of sizes, from small accent stones to large, high-quality gemstones. Larger rubies, especially those with excellent color and clarity, are extremely rare and can command astronomical prices.

4. Origins of Rubies

Rubies are found in a few key locations around the world:

• Myanmar (Burma): Known for producing the highest-quality rubies, particularly those with the “pigeon blood red” color.
• Thailand: Historically, Thailand has been a major source of rubies, particularly those with a more pinkish hue.
• Sri Lanka: This country is known for producing rubies with a more violet-toned color.
• Mozambique: In recent years, rubies from Mozambique have gained prominence, offering rich red hues at relatively more affordable prices.
• Madagascar: Madagascar is also a growing source of high-quality rubies, known for their vibrant colors and unique characteristics.

5. Ruby Treatment and Enhancement

• Heat Treatment:
  The most common treatment for rubies, heat treatment is used to improve the color and clarity of the gemstone. The process involves heating the ruby to high temperatures (up to 1,800°C) to enhance the color and reduce inclusions. While heat treatment is widely accepted in the industry, it is essential for buyers to know whether a ruby has been treated, as untreated rubies can be significantly more valuable.
• Fracture Filling:
  Some rubies have cracks or fractures that can be filled with glass or resin to improve their appearance. While this treatment improves the stone’s clarity, it is generally considered less valuable than untreated rubies.
• Surface Enhancement:
  Some rubies may undergo surface treatments, such as laser drilling to remove inclusions or irradiation to improve their color. These treatments affect the stone’s value, and natural, untreated rubies are usually the most valuable.

6. Cultural Significance of Rubies

Rubies have held symbolic meanings across various cultures throughout history. Here are some of the most common associations:

• Symbol of Power and Wealth:
  Throughout history, rubies have been associated with royalty and nobility. In ancient Burma (now Myanmar), warriors would place rubies in their skin to make themselves invulnerable in battle. In other cultures, rubies were believed to hold magical properties, bringing wealth, power, and vitality.
• Love and Passion:
  The deep red color of rubies has long been linked to love, passion, and desire. Rubies are often given as gifts in romantic contexts, symbolizing deep affection and commitment.
• Protection and Vitality:
  Rubies are often considered a symbol of life force and energy. In the medieval period, rubies were believed to protect their wearer from harm, and even today, rubies are sometimes used as talismans for vitality and health.
• Birthstone:
  Ruby is the birthstone for July, making it a popular choice for people born in that month. It is also a traditional gemstone for celebrating the 40th wedding anniversary.

7. Uses of Rubies

• Jewelry:
  Rubies are commonly used in fine jewelry, particularly in rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Their stunning color and brilliance make them a highly desirable centerpiece in engagement rings or as accent stones in intricate designs.
• Investment:
  High-quality rubies, particularly those with exceptional color, size, and clarity, can be seen as investments. Rare rubies, especially those with the “pigeon blood red” color, can appreciate in value over time.
• Industrial Uses:
  In addition to their use in jewelry, rubies have industrial applications due to their hardness. They are used in lasers (specifically in ruby lasers), watches, and precision instruments.

8. Identifying a Ruby

• Color:
  The color is one of the easiest ways to identify a ruby. True rubies should exhibit a red color, from deep crimson to a slightly purplish-red hue. If the stone appears more pinkish, it may be classified as a pink sapphire.
• Hardness:
  Rubies have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, meaning they are resistant to scratching. If the stone can be easily scratched, it is likely not a ruby.
• Inclusions:
  Rubies typically contain inclusions, which can appear as small crystals, gas bubbles, or fractures inside the stone. These inclusions, called jardin, can be used to identify rubies, although high-quality rubies will have fewer inclusions.
• Optical Phenomena:
  Some rubies may display a unique optical effect called asterism or a star-like pattern, caused by inclusions that reflect light in certain ways. These rubies are often cut as cabochons (a rounded, polished shape) to showcase this effect.

9. Caring for Rubies

• Cleaning:
  Rubies can be cleaned with a soft cloth, warm water, and a mild soap solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the gemstone, particularly if it has been treated.
• Storage:
  Rubies should be stored in a separate compartment or box to prevent scratching other jewelry. It is important to keep rubies away from abrasive materials that could damage their surface.
• Protection:
  Although rubies are quite durable, they can still chip or crack if subjected to rough impacts. Always be cautious when wearing or storing rubies.

Conclusion

Rubies are one of the most coveted and highly prized gemstones in the world, valued for their stunning color, durability, and rich symbolism. Whether natural or lab-grown, rubies have been a symbol of love, passion, and power for centuries. Their deep red hue, coupled with their hardness and brilliance, ensures that rubies continue to be a favorite choice for **fine jewelry