Ruby

Named after its red color (latin: rubens), it is one of the most popular gemstones because of its warm, blood like red shade. On rubies: Rubies are the hardest mineral on the Mohs scale after diamonds, with a hardness of 9. As sapphires, it belongs to the group of corundum. These gemstones are composed by aluminum and oxygen (Al203). It usual to for them to include other elements, which do not in any case mean less quality, but is a mark of authenticity compared to synthetic gems. The most important mineral deposits of ruby can be found in Northern Myanmar, near Mogok. Important mines can also be found also in Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania, although Myanmar is the country with the greatest and largest mine, producing rubies of the highest quality, without mixed elements or darker colorations. Only 1% of the production is suitable for the jewelry industry. Rubies can, depending on their percent of chromium or iron, can combine each and every possible tone of red: from pink to orange and from red to brown. The most sought after is of course pure red, known as blood red. Different qualities of ruby can be cut in shapes with facets, and less transparent stones in cabochon (a cut without facets, with a more rounded surface, usually in a round or oval shape). It is very important to only purchase rubies from renowned jewelry shops, which will ensure the gemstones quality and offer you a written proof of the gem’s authenticity, with an official certificate. When buying rubies: Color is an important factor when considering the value of a ruby. The most sought after color is clear red with no shades of brown of blue whatsoever. The differences of shading are natural, and choosing a color is completely subjective to the buyer. Factors such as clarity, cut and weight are, of course, equally important. Good quality rubies are usually clean of enclosed elements when studied with the naked eye, and only display a few when studied with a magnifying glass. Pure gems are rare and very valuable. Rubies of under 2 carats are more frequent, while rubies under five are considered rare. In good quality rubies, every size is rare. A ruby from Myanmar isn’t necessarily better than a ruby from Vietnam. A stone displaying a color that you like and a good clarity is more important that the provenance of the stone. When buying star rubies, remember to notice if the star has straight lines and if each line can be seen clearly. Useful information: The name of the ruby comes from Latin rubber-rum, which means red. From a historical point of view, rubies have inspired people for centuries. It is the stone of love and friendship, and symbolizes courage and bravery. According to the legend, many fighters used a ruby as a good luck charm. The stone was supposed to protect from danger and destruction, heal blood sicknesses, stop bleedings and guarantee good health and peace. {gallery}material_ruby{/gallery}