29 Facts About Ruby

The Origins of Ruby

Ruby gemstones have captivated humans for centuries. Their deep red color and rarity make them one of the most sought-after gems in the world. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about these precious stones.

1. 01

   Ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum. When corundum is red, it's called ruby. Other colors of corundum are known as sapphires.

2. 02

   The name "ruby" comes from the Latin word "ruber," which means red. This name perfectly describes the gemstone's vibrant hue.

3. 03

   Rubies have been mined for over 2,500 years. Ancient civilizations valued them highly, often associating them with power and protection.

4. 04

   The first rubies were discovered in Myanmar (formerly Burma). Myanmar remains one of the most important sources of high-quality rubies today.

Physical Properties of Ruby

Rubies are not just beautiful; they are also incredibly durable. Their physical properties make them ideal for various applications beyond jewelry.

5. 05

   Rubies are the second hardest natural gemstone. They rank 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, just below diamonds.

6. 06

   The red color in rubies comes from the element chromium. The amount of chromium present can affect the intensity of the red color.

7. 07

   Rubies can fluoresce under ultraviolet light. This property can help gemologists identify genuine rubies.

8. 08

   Rubies have a specific gravity of about 4.0. This means they are denser than many other gemstones.

Famous Rubies

Throughout history, certain rubies have gained fame due to their size, quality, or historical significance.

9. 09

   The Liberty Bell Ruby is the largest mined ruby in the world. It weighs over four pounds and is shaped like the Liberty Bell.

10. 10

    The Sunrise Ruby is the most expensive ruby ever sold. It fetched over $30 million at auction in 2015.

11. 11

    The Rosser Reeves Ruby is one of the world's largest and finest star rubies. It weighs 138.7 carats and is known for its clear star pattern.

12. 12

    The DeLong Star Ruby is another famous star ruby. It weighs 100.32 carats and is housed in the American Museum of Natural History.

Cultural Significance of Ruby

Rubies have held a special place in various cultures and traditions around the world.

13. 13

    In ancient India, rubies were known as "ratnaraj," meaning "king of precious stones." They were believed to protect warriors in battle.

14. 14

    Rubies are one of the four precious gemstones. The others are sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds.

15. 15

    In medieval Europe, rubies were believed to bring health, wealth, wisdom, and success in love. They were often worn by royalty and the elite.

16. 16

    Rubies are the birthstone for July. They symbolize passion, protection, and prosperity.

Modern Uses of Ruby

While rubies are still prized for their beauty, they also have practical applications in today's world.

17. 17

    Synthetic rubies are used in lasers. The first laser ever created used a synthetic ruby crystal.

18. 18

    Rubies are used in high-precision watches. Their hardness and durability make them ideal for watch bearings.

19. 19

    Rubies are also used in medical instruments. Their properties make them suitable for various high-tech applications.

Ruby Mining and Production

The process of mining and producing rubies is complex and fascinating.

20. 20

    Myanmar is the world's largest producer of rubies. The Mogok Valley in Myanmar is known for its high-quality rubies.

21. 21

    Other significant ruby sources include Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. Each location produces rubies with distinct characteristics.

22. 22

    Ruby mining can be both large-scale and small-scale. Artisanal miners often work alongside large mining companies.

23. 23

    Heat treatment is commonly used to enhance ruby color and clarity. This process can improve the appearance of lower-quality stones.

Ruby in Jewelry

Rubies have been used in jewelry for centuries, and their popularity shows no signs of waning.

24. 24

    Rubies are often used in engagement rings. Their deep red color symbolizes love and passion.

25. 25

    The most valuable rubies are known as "pigeon's blood" rubies. These stones have a pure, vibrant red color with a hint of blue.

26. 26

    Rubies are often paired with diamonds in jewelry. The contrast between the red and white stones creates a stunning effect.

27. 27

    Antique ruby jewelry is highly sought after by collectors. Pieces from the Victorian and Edwardian eras are particularly prized.

Fun Facts about Ruby

Let's end with some fun and lesser-known facts about rubies.

28. 28

    Rubies can be found on every continent except Antarctica. This makes them one of the most widely distributed gemstones.

29. 29

    The largest ruby ever found weighed 18,696 carats. It was discovered in Myanmar and is known as the "1,000 Carat Ruby."

Ruby's Fascinating World

Ruby's journey from a gemstone to a programming language is nothing short of amazing. This versatile gem has been cherished for centuries, symbolizing love and passion. On the other hand, Ruby the programming language has revolutionized how developers build web applications, thanks to its simplicity and elegance.

Whether you're fascinated by the history of gemstones or the innovation in technology, Ruby offers something for everyone. Its dual identity makes it a unique subject, blending ancient lore with modern utility. From ancient royalty to today's tech giants, Ruby continues to captivate and inspire.

Next time you see a ruby or use a Ruby-based application, remember the rich history and innovation behind it. This gem truly stands the test of time, bridging the gap between tradition and technology.