Ruby

Rubies are a rare type of precious gemstone made from the mineral corundum. They belong to the same family as sapphires but are differentiated because of their red colour, which must fall within a narrow band of red and pinkish red to be awarded a ruby grade.

Chemical Composition: Aluminium Oxide Al2O3

Crystal System: Trigonal

Refractive Index: 1.76 to 1.78

Specific Gravity: 3.80 to 4.05

Double Refraction: 0.008 to 0.009 

Mohs Hardness: 9

Lustre: Bright Vitreous

Rubies are mined in several countries, with the most famous sources being Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique. Other countries, including Madagascar, Tanzania and Vietnam, also produce rubies. Burmese rubies, known for their vivid pigeon-blood red colour, are the most valuable.

Yes! Rubies, alongside sapphires, make an excellent choice for an engagement ring because they are hard (9 on the Mohs scale) and durable. Ruby is the rarest of the 'big three', rubies, sapphires and emeralds, and this makes it sought after for those wanting to invest in an exclusive gemstone that will set them apart from the many other engagement ring choices on the market.

A ruby's value is based on its colour, clarity, size, and origin. The most valuable rubies have an open, vivid red colour without too much brown or purple. Clarity is also important, and fewer inclusions (natural internal markings) make a ruby more valuable. Based on auction results, Burmese rubies are the most expensive ruby due to their rich colour, rarity and long-standing history.

Heating is a common treatment used to improve a ruby's colour and clarity. Most rubies on the market have been heated, and this is widely accepted in the gem industry. Natural, unheated rubies with vivid, open colour are much rarer and more valuable. Quality, unheated rubies are considered investment gemstones.

The rarest and most valuable rubies come from Myanmar (Burma). Burmese rubies with a deep red colour, often called "pigeon blood" rubies, are highly prized. These rubies are rare, and high-quality stones can sell for very high prices.

Ruby is the birthstone for July and is the perfect gemstone for a birthstone ring or birthstone-themed jewellery. Their hardness and durability withstand the test of time. It has been a symbol of love, strength, and protection for centuries, making it a meaningful choice for those born in this month.

Rubies have long been associated with passion, love, and power. Many cultures believed they could bring good fortune and protection. Ruby's deep red colour is linked to the heart and strong emotions, making them a popular gemstone for romantic jewellery.

Some rubies are lab-created, meaning they have the same chemical structure as natural rubies but were produced in a laboratory. Rubies can also undergo treatment such as lead and glass filling. To ascertain whether a ruby is natural or lab-created, it is best to buy from a trusted seller and ask for a gem certification. A professional gem lab can confirm if a ruby is natural and or whether it has been treated.