Ruby is a gemstone in the Corundum family. It exhibits a range of red colors, and the most desired color is pigeon’s blood (pure red with a hint of blue). On Mohs’ scale of hardness, ruby is 9. It has a strong luster like diamonds and sources include Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Kenya, Madagascar, and Vietnam.
Color
While rubies come in a variety of red tones, the most valued color is pure red with a hint of blue, known as “pigeon’s blood” red. As corundum (aluminum oxide), rubies and sapphires are from the same family. Red corundum are always classified as rubies, and all other colors are considered sapphires. The red in rubies comes from the presence of chromium, and the occasional brownish hues come from the presence of iron.
Hardness and Durability
Rubies are one the hardest and most durable materials on earth. At 9 on Mohs’ scale of gemstone hardness, rubies are second only to diamonds in hardness. Rubies are commonly heat treated to improve their color. A well-cut ruby can approach the brilliant luster of a diamond.
History
Throughout history, rubies have been considered the “King of gems.” Treasured by royalty, religion, and various cultures, rubies have mesmerized the world with their beauty.
In ancient India, stories circulated that God created ruby and then created man to own it. The brilliant stone appeared to burn with an unquenchable fire that could even cause water to boil. Many legends suggest that the ruby was the chief stone in Aaron’s Breastplate and the stone of Judah. Because Israel’s king came from Judah, the ruby came to be associated with royalty. Rubies were often worn by Christian leaders, and even Martin Luther supposedly used a gold ring set with a ruby as a betrothal ring.
Prior to the 20th century, Rubies were considered more valuable than diamonds, and in the mid-16th century were even priced at 8 times more valuable than comparable diamonds. From Chaucer to Shakespeare to Emerson, writers have praised the stone for its beauty, fire, and rarity.
Today, rubies are considered a remarkable investment for their hardness, beauty and rarity and their respective prices.
The finest rubies in the world are hidden in the remote valley of Mogok in Upper Burma, between India and China. In the middle of this tiny village, stands the Panchan-htar-pwe buying district, the epicenter of the world market on rubies. Buyers come looking for “pigeon blood red rubies,” revered by the market as the very best.
When you first start shopping for rubies, try to look at a wide selection of stones. Train your eye to notice things you like and dislike. When you’re ready to shop, you might want to decide upon a price range.
Heat Treatments
You should probably assume your ruby has been heated when purchasing. A pure red ruby that has not been heat treated is extremely rare and would be very expensive.
Color
When shopping for rubies pay attention to color. You’ll notice they come in a variety of red tones. While the pigeon’s blood red is considered the best, your taste is ultimately the best criteria.
Inclusions
Most rubies contain some inclusions, so unless you are willing to pay the exorbitant price for a stone free of inclusions, look for a stone that looks clean to the naked eye.
Cut
A well-cut ruby exudes almost an inner glow. Look for a lustrous red.
Cleaning rubies is easy. Due to their hardness and durability, almost any cleaning technique is acceptable. For specific gemstone details, see our Gemstone Enhancement Chart.
Maintain their beauty by cleaning your gems
On rubies, you can normally use ultrasonic cleaners, steamers, sudsy water, and brushes.
Check stone mounts
Rubies are more durable the metal mounts on your jewelry, so have the prongs checked occasionally to assure a tight fit.
Avoid wearing gems during strenuous exercise
A well-placed blow could damage the beauty of stone, so it is safest to store them while engaging in any activity where they might be subject to high impact.
Do not handle jewelry by the stone
You don’t want to loosen a stone from the mount and take a chance of eventually losing it if the stone falls out.
Store gemstones separately
Rubies are harder than others and a hard stone can actually scratch a softer stone.
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