Gemstones and Jewelry

 Ruby

A ruby is a pink to blood red mineral, which comes from corundum. The red is from the element chromium. The name comes from the Latin ruber, which means red. The prices of rubies are determined by color. The brightest and most valuable “red” called pigeon blood red is the most expensive. After color is considered the value is also determined by clarity, the clearer the stone, the more expensive the ruby. The cut and caret is also considered.

The finest ruby is described as being a vivid-medium-dark toned red. Pink, orange, and purple are the hues in a ruby.  Purple is preferred the most because purple reinforces the red and makes it appear richer.

All natural rubies have imperfections in them, including color impurities and inclusions of rutile needles known as “silk”. Gemologist use these needle inclusions found in natural rubies to distinguish them from synthetics, stimulants, or substitutes.

Rubies are mined traditionally in Siam and Afghanistan. Rubies were rarely found in Sri Lanka where pink sapphires are most common. After the Second World War new ruby deposits were found in Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar, Vietnam, Nepal, Tajikistan, and Pakistan. The also have been found in the states of Montana, North Carolina, and South Carolina.