Ruby Facts

Ruby, the King of Gemstones

At the pinnacle of the gemstone hierarchy stands the ruby, renowned as the “King of Gemstones.” Its mesmerizing red color and exquisite brilliance have fascinated civilizations for centuries. Symbolizing passion, love, and strength, rubies have adorned the crowns and jewelry of royalty and the elite throughout history.

A Variety of Corundum

Ruby belongs to the corundum mineral family, comprising aluminum oxide with traces of chromium responsible for its striking red color. Corundum encompasses both rubies and sapphires, with rubies representing the red gemstone variety.

Chromium: The Secret Ingredient

The presence of chromium in rubies gives them their vivid red hue, ranging from pinkish-red to deep blood-red. The more chromium, the more intense the color, making vibrant rubies highly sought after and valuable.

Birthstone of July

If you’re born in July, consider yourself fortunate, for ruby is your birthstone. Adorning oneself with a ruby is believed to bring good fortune, love, and success in endeavors.

Ruby’s Geological Origins

Rubies typically form within metamorphic rocks, where intense heat and pressure over millions of years cause the transformation of mineral components into magnificent gemstones. These geological processes often occur in regions rich in chromium and aluminum, such as Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and parts of Africa.

The Ruby’s Ancient Origins

The allure of rubies dates back to ancient civilizations. The earliest recorded mentions of rubies trace back to Sanskrit texts from ancient India, where they were referred to as “ratnaraj,” meaning “king of precious stones.” Rubies were highly regarded for their beauty and mystical properties, becoming symbols of power, protection, and eternal love.

Ruby’s Mystical Beliefs

Throughout history, rubies have been adorned with a multitude of mystical beliefs. Some cultures believed that rubies possessed the power to protect their wearers from harm and bring good fortune. In ancient times, warriors embedded rubies into their armor to grant them invincibility on the battlefield.

Treasured by Royalty

Rubies have long captivated the hearts of monarchs and nobility. Ancient civilizations considered rubies a token of their divine right to rule. The gemstone adorned the crowns and regalia of kings and queens, enhancing their prestige and symbolizing authority and wealth.

The World’s Most Expensive Ruby

The Sunrise Ruby, a remarkable 25.59-carat Burmese ruby, claimed the title of the world’s most expensive ruby at an auction in 2015. This extraordinary gemstone, mounted on a ring, fetched a staggering $30 million, captivating the world with its exceptional color and purity.

Ruby’s Durability and Hardness

Rubies rank among the hardest gemstones, second only to diamonds on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. With a rating of 9, rubies boast exceptional durability, making them suitable for daily wear and ensuring their timeless allure for generations.

Star Rubies: Celestial Wonders

Star rubies exhibit a captivating phenomenon known as asterism, where a shimmering star-shaped pattern emerges on the surface when light hits the gemstone just right. This captivating optical effect, caused by needle-like inclusions, adds an otherworldly charm to these unique rubies.

The Delicate Art of Heat Treatment

To enhance their color and clarity, many rubies undergo heat treatment, a traditional practice in the gemstone industry. Heat treatment involves subjecting the gemstone to high temperatures, which improves the color intensity and removes any imperfections, resulting in a more vibrant and desirable ruby.

The Burmese Ruby: Legendary Beauty

Burmese rubies, renowned for their exceptional color and beauty, hold a special place in the gemstone world. Their intense “pigeon blood” red hue, named after the color of a freshly spilled pigeon’s blood, is highly coveted and fetches top prices in the market.

Ruby’s Symbolic Meanings

Beyond their physical beauty, rubies are steeped in symbolic meanings. They represent love, passion, courage, and vitality. Rubies are believed to ignite the flame of eternal love and kindle the fire within one’s soul, inspiring strength and courage in the face of adversity.

Ruby’s Popularity in Jewelry

Rubies have adorned exquisite jewelry for centuries, adorning necklaces, rings, bracelets, and tiaras. Their vibrant red color creates a striking contrast with diamonds and other gemstones, making them a favorite among jewelry designers and collectors worldwide.

The Ruby Anniversary Gemstone

Celebrating 40 years of marriage? Look no further than rubies. The ruby anniversary, also known as the “40th wedding anniversary,” is commemorated with this magnificent gemstone, symbolizing the enduring love and passion shared by the couple over four decades.

Synthetic Rubies

Advancements in gemstone synthesis have led to the creation of synthetic rubies. While natural rubies remain highly prized, synthetic rubies offer an affordable alternative without compromising the gemstone’s captivating red color and allure.

Ruby’s Enduring Appeal

As time flows ceaselessly, rubies continue to enchant generations with their fiery beauty and timeless appeal. From ancient civilizations to modern times, the allure of rubies endures, captivating the hearts of all who gaze upon their vibrant red splendor.

Conclusion

Ruby, the majestic “King of Gemstones,” continues to bewitch us with its fiery red beauty, rich symbolism, and remarkable characteristics. Whether cherished for their mystical properties, worn as exquisite jewelry, or admired for their historical significance, rubies hold a special place in the world of gemstones. With their timeless allure, rubies will undoubtedly continue to captivate the hearts of jewelry enthusiasts and collectors for ages to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are rubies only red in color?

No, while the most prized rubies exhibit a vibrant red color, rubies can also occur in shades of pink, purplish-red, and even brownish-red.

Can rubies be as valuable as diamonds?

Yes, high-quality rubies can be equally or even more valuable than diamonds, particularly when they possess exceptional color, clarity, and size.

Are all rubies natural gemstones?

No, there are both natural and synthetic rubies available in the market. Natural rubies are formed over millions of years in the Earth’s crust, while synthetic rubies are created in laboratories.

How can I care for my ruby jewelry?

To care for your ruby jewelry, it is advisable to store them separately from other gemstones to avoid scratches. Clean them gently using warm soapy water and a soft brush, and avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures.

Can rubies change color over time?

Rubies are highly stable gemstones and do not typically change color over time. However, exposure to extreme heat or chemicals can affect their appearance, so it’s important to handle them with care.