Article by Zulekha Alam

Ruby is a valuable and highly sought after red gemstone which ranges in color from pink to blood red. It has for long been considered one of the most valuable gemstones on earth and is blessed with all the qualities that a precious gemstone should possess viz. spectacular color, exceptional hardness and durability, dazzling brilliance, and extreme rarity.

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

Its color is its most basic and discernible property and the name ruby itself stems 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 quantity and variety of trace mineral in a ruby varies with the geologic formation that created it. For this reason, the region of origin such as Burmese and Thai are often used to depict the color.

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

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

Pretty much all gems in the gem industry undergo some kind of treatment or other for improvement 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 & sapphires are generally 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 claim a report from a recognized gem testing laboratory like the AGTA Gemological Testing Center endorsing that the stone reveals no signs of heat alteration. But you have to pay a premium for the privilege. Furthermore, simple heat treatment of rubies is a time-honored practice in the gem industry so long as it is clearly revealed. The value of the gem does not get drastically lowered by the treatment. .

Like a diamond, the price of a ruby is established by the four Cs, namely color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Above all, the true worth of a ruby is determined by its color. The brightest pigeon blood-red rubies command the maximum value above the other rubies of comparable quality. Color is followed by clarity and a clear ruby will command a premium. But a totally clear ruby without having any needle-like rutile inclusions makes it questionable. It might be a sign that the stone has been treated or it might even be an artificial lab cultivated ruby. Cut and carat weight also affect the price of a ruby.

Occasionally, the inclusions in a ruby (which diminishes its clarity) can actually increase its value. The silk, which is so common in corundum, can, if adequately abundant, and correctly aligned, lead to asterism. With suitable cutting (only seen in cabochon cuts) this creates star rubies.

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

The plentiful tiny rutile needles in a star ruby are exactly arranged in such a way that they are lined up 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 turned. The star is best visible when seen in a solitary light source such as sunlight.

Rubies are found in a variety of shapes and cutting styles .

Oval cushion is the most common 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 generally 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 fairly transparent, with smooth domes and good symmetry.

Generally 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 exceptional 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 an exceptional jewelry stone. For reasonably clean stones, no special wear or care safeguards are needed although a heavily included or fractured stone will be less stable.

There is some thing inherently regal about rubies. The rich red color of this beautifu gemstone has for centuries, besotted humans.

In ancient times rubies were deemed to be 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 across the world. The immaculate ruby has been worn by almost every royalty.

Many mystical metaphysical properties have also been attributed to rubies and these ideas have been passed on from generation to generation. The ruby is believed to impart clarity, wisdom and motivation. Ruby was thought to shield the wearer from psychic and physical attacks. Soldiers in ancient Burma infused 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 reduce the pain. It was believed that the healing power of rubies could reduce their suffering. It is also supposed 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 induce fertility. A common 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 expression 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 beautiful pieces of jewelry, like ruby rings, ruby earrings or ruby pendants. While more elaborate pieces with diamonds thrown in make great accessories for special evenings, more subtle ruby jewelry is excellent for every day wear by adding a splash of color to any outfit.

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The Gemstone Ruby

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