Value of Rubies, Part One

To understand the value of rubies it is useful to know something about them. This series of three articles is designed to do just that.

The ruby is a red gemstone that comes In a variety of red, red purples and red orange tones. It is a variety of the mineral corundum (or in other words aluminum oxide) and the red color actually comes from traces of chromium. The name is derived from 'ruber', the Latin for Red color. Rubies are a hard gemstone next only to diamonds the hardest in the world

In fact natural rubies are quite rare and most of the rubies you see today are synthetic. Natural rubies are expensive but synthetic ones can be manufactured for the mass market very cheaply. Nevertheless it is still considered one of the precious gems along side diamonds, emeralds and sapphires.

Natural rubies are mined in many countries of the world including Africa, Asia, Australia, and Greenland. They are most often found in Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Kenya, Madagascar, and Thailand, but they have also been found in the U.S. states of Montana, North Carolina and South Carolina. The Mogok Valley in Myanmar has produced some of the finest rubies but in recent years very few good rubies have been found there. In central Myanmar the area of Mong Hsu also produces rubies. The latest ruby deposit to be found in Myanmar is situated in Nam Ya. In 2002 rubies were found in the Waseges River area of Kenya. Rubies are being mined at Audilamena in northeastern Madagascar. Sometimes spinels are found along with rubies in the same rocks and are mistaken for rubies. However, fine red spinels may approach the average ruby in value

Of the hues of ruby, a medium toned red or red with slight purple is usually the most desired.

In grading or assessing the value of a ruby, the clarity of the stone and inclusions are taken into account as well as the weight and origin.. Burmese rubies have a deep red to slightly purplish red color. Thai rubies are of a brownish color, which is generally less attractive and therefore commands lower prices.

End of part one of Value of Rubies. part two is at http://allaboutrubies.org

Permission to use this article is granted provided the link to All About Rubies is included.

Michael Moore