The Gemstone Ruby

Ruby is a precious and highly sought after red gemstone which ranges in color from pink to blood red. It is deemed to be among the most valuable gemstones on earth and is blessed with all the qualities that a precious gemstone should possess viz. spectacular color, outstanding hardness and durability, scintillating brilliance, and extreme rarity.

A ruby is composed of the mineral aluminium oxide (Al2O3) which is popularly identified by the name of corundum. Trace amounts of metallic impurities (that of chromium) in the crystal structure of corundum gives the stunning red tint to this enchanting gemstone. Quite rightly called 'Ratnaraj' or the king of gems in Sanskrit, rubies are always conspicuous by their majesty.

Its color is its most basic and discernible property and the name ruby itself is derived from the Latin word ruber which means red. The red of the ruby is very significant as on one hand red epitomizes vigor, willpower, anger and courage while on the other hand it embodies joy, sexuality, passion and love.

Gem quality corundum of any other color is called a sapphire.

The colors of a ruby include pinkish red, purplish red, orangish red and brownish red depending on the trace contents of chromium and iron in the stone. The amount and variety of trace mineral in a ruby differs with the geologic formation that produced it. For this reason, the region of origin such as Burmese and Thai are sometimes used to describe the color.

The Burmese stones have a propensity to be purplish red in color while the Thai stones are far more brownish red.

Rubies exhibit pleochroism which means that the color varies with the direction of viewing.

Almost all gems in the gem industry go through some sort of treatment or other for enhancement of clarity as well as the tone and saturation of color. Some stones are treated with oils while the corundum varieties of gemstones namely the rubies and sapphires are usually given heat treatment. Clarity and color of sapphires and rubies are enhanced significantly with heat treatment.

If you want a natural untreated ruby you should insist on a testimony from a recognized gem testing laboratory like the AGTA Gemological Testing Center attesting that the stone reveals no signs of heat alteration. But you have to pay a premium for the pleasure. Furthermore, basic heat treatment of rubies is an established practice in the gem industry so long as it is openly disclosed. The treatment does not radically lower the value of the gem.

Like a diamond, the value of a ruby is established by the four Cs, namely color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Primarily, the true worth of a ruby is determined by its color. The most brilliant pigeon blood-red rubies command the highest value over the other rubies of comparable quality. Color is followed by clarity and a clear ruby will command a premium. But a wholly clear ruby without having any needle-like rutile inclusions makes it suspect. It might indicate that the stone has been treated or it might even be an artificial lab cultivated ruby. Cut and carat weight also influence the price of a ruby.

Often, the inclusions in a ruby (which diminishes its clarity) can in fact enhance its value. The silk, which is so common in corundum, can, if sufficiently abundant, and precisely arranged, lead to asterism. With suitable cutting (only seen in cabochon cuts) this creates star rubies.

Rubies showing asterism are known as "Star Rubies", and if transparent are highly prized. Normally star rubies exhibit six ray stars. But in unusual cases twelve ray stars can also occur.

The plentiful tiny rutile needles in a star ruby are precisely set in such a way that they are aligned perpendicular to the rays of the star. These magnificent gems show a sharp six-rayed star which glides majestically across the surface of the gem as the light moves or the stone is rotated. The star is best visible when seen in a single light source such as sunlight.

A wide variety of shapes and cutting styles are used for crafting the raw ruby into a gemstone.

Oval cushion is the most prevalent cut but rounds are also seen along with other shapes, like the heart or emerald cut. Slight premiums are paid for round stones, while slight discounts apply for pears and marquises. Stones that are overly deep or shallow should normally be avoided.

Cabochon-cut rubies are also common. This cut is used for star stones, or those not clean enough to facet. The best cabochons are reasonably transparent, with smooth domes and good symmetry.

Normally rubies occur only in small carat sizes ranging from 1 carat to 15 carats. Fine rubies of large sizes are incredibly rare and cost a lot of money.

The overall grade is determined by looking at Hue, Tone, Color-Purity, Clarity, Transparency and Cut.

Overall grade scores: Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good, Exceptional (Best).

Rubies have an excellent hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness which means that only diamond and moissanite are harder then rubies. This makes it a fantastic jewelry stone. For reasonably clean stones, no particular wear or care precautions are necessary although a heavily included or fractured stone will be less stable.

There is something innately regal about rubies. The rich red color of this stunning gemstone has for centuries, besotted humans.

In ancient times rubies were considered even more precious than diamonds and till date they remain one of the most sought after gemstones. Rubies have always remained the stone of choice for emperors and rulers all over the world. The immaculate ruby has been worn by almost every royalty.

Quite a few mystical metaphysical properties have also been attributed to rubies and these ideas have been handed over from generation to generation. The ruby is believed to impart clarity, wisdom and motivation. Ruby was thought to safeguard the wearer from psychic and physical attacks. Soldiers in ancient Burma injected rubies into their skin that they believed would save them from fatal wounds in the battlefields.

Sleeping with a ruby is believed to induce lucid dreaming.

The Romans & Greeks used rubies for their healing abilities. Warriors used rubies to heal their wounds and lessen the pain. It was believed that the healing power of rubies could minimize their suffering. It is also believed that rubies can promote healthy blood circulation and protect from infection. Rubies are thought to cleanse the blood of toxins.

Rubies are also said to stimulate fertility. A prevalent belief talks about rubies to be the drop of blood that comes right from the heart of Mother Earth.

The color red in itself evokes feelings that are strong and deep and rubies are a true reflection of this very fact. Symbolizing the very spirit of life and love, rubies make wonderful jewelry pieces. These radiant gemstones are especially considered as highly romantic gifts. Rubies make exquisite pieces of jewelry, like ruby rings, ruby earrings or ruby pendants. While more intricate pieces with diamonds thrown in make great accessories for special evenings, more understated ruby jewelry is ideally suited for everyday wear by adding a splash of color to any outfit.

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