Everything You Want to Know About Ruby
The ruby is one of the best-known and most beloved gemstones in the world. It is known for its intense red color and has been associated with love, passion, and strength for centuries. Along with the diamond, sapphire, and emerald, the ruby is one of the traditional gemstones.
Thanks to its high hardness and excellent durability, ruby is particularly well-suited for jewelry worn every day, such as engagement rings, wedding rings, and other valuable pieces of jewelry.
On this page, you can read all about the properties of ruby, its various colors, how it forms, and how to care for this special gemstone.
Ruby at a Glance
Mineral: Corundum (Al₂O₃)
Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale
Suitable for everyday wear: ★★★★★
Most common colors: Red
Birthstone: July
Properties of Ruby
Like sapphire, ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum. The only difference is the color: red corundum is called ruby, while all other colors are classified as sapphire.
The red color of a ruby is caused by small amounts of chromium in the stone. The stronger and more vibrant the red color, the more valuable a ruby is generally considered to be.
With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, the ruby is one of the hardest gemstones used in jewelry. As a result, it is highly resistant to scratches and well-suited for everyday wear.
Shades of ruby
Although rubies are always red, there are significant variations within that color.
Rubies can vary in:
- Light reddish-pink
- Bright red
- Deep Red
- Purple-red
- Red with an orange undertone
One of the most sought-after colors is known as pigeon blood red: a vibrant, deep red with a slight blue undertone.
Natural, treated, and lab-grown rubies
Natural ruby
Natural rubies often contain inclusions that formed during the stone’s formation. Rubies that are completely free of inclusions are rare.
Treated ruby
Most of the rubies on the market have been heat-treated to enhance their color and clarity. This treatment is widely accepted within the gemstone industry.
In addition, there are also rubies that have been treated with glass filling to make cracks less visible. This treatment has a greater impact on the stone’s value and is usually clearly stated.
Lab-grown ruby
Lab-grown rubies have the same chemical and physical properties as natural rubies. The difference is that they are produced in a laboratory rather than forming naturally.
Origin and Locations
Rubies are found in various parts of the world, including Myanmar, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Thailand.
Myanmar is known for some of the most prized rubies in the world, while Mozambique is now a major supplier of high-quality rubies.
Care
Ruby is easy to care for and can be cleaned with lukewarm water, a soft brush, and a little mild soap.
Thanks to its high hardness, ruby is ideal for everyday use, although it is still wise to avoid hard impacts and contact with harsh chemicals as much as possible.
Summary
Ruby is a durable and timeless gemstone known for its intense red color. Thanks to its high hardness and excellent wear resistance, it is particularly well-suited for jewelry worn every day. For lovers of warm colors and classic gemstones, ruby remains one of the most beautiful options.
Looking for more information about other gemstones? Check out the complete gemstone guide for an overview of all gemstones and their properties.