Are you interested in learning about Ruby Stone? If you’re intrigued by the color, rarity, and symbolism of this beautiful gemstone, then you’ve come to the right place. In this ultimate guide to Ruby Stone, you’ll learn about its history, properties, rarity, and so much more.
Ruby is a precious gemstone that has been treasured by many cultures since ancient times. It’s a beautiful gemstone that is known for its deep red color, but it also comes in a variety of other shades.
This guide will explain the science of Ruby, its various color variations, and the proper care it requires. You’ll also learn about its rarity, meaning, and properties. Ready to get started? Let’s begin!
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What Is Ruby?
A ruby is a gemstone, usually a variety of the mineral corundum. Rubies are known for their deep red color, and are often referred to as the “king of gems”. Rubies are typically judged by four characteristics: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Clarity is determined by the presence of inclusions, or internal features, that can affect the clarity of the stone.
Cut affects the shape and overall brilliance of the stone, and is important for the overall look of the ruby. Carat weight determines the size of the ruby – larger rubies are more valuable. Rubies are often cut into a heart shape, which is the most popular shape due to its symbolic meaning.
History Of Ruby
Ruby Stone is one of the oldest known gemstones, with its history dating back to 600 BC. The ancient Hindus believed that rubies were formed from the blood of the gods, and believed that wearing a ruby brought good fortune. The stone has been treasured throughout history for its brilliant red hue and its perceived spiritual power.
The first discovery of rubies was in Burma, and they were highly desired by the Chinese elite. The Chinese would carve the rubies and call them ‘dragon’s blood’ stones. During the Renaissance, rubies were also highly valued and were often set in jewelry or even used as currency. Today, ruby is still one of the most sought-after gemstones and is highly valued for its beauty and rarity.
Science of Ruby
Ruby Stone is a precious gemstone belonging to the mineral group corundum and is known for its hardness and resistance to wear. It has a hardness factor of 9 on the Mohs scale, the second hardest mineral after diamond. This is why ruby is often used as a gem for jewelry, as it is long-lasting and difficult to scratch.
Rubies are primarily found in geological conditions associated with metamorphic rocks. It is formed by aluminum oxide, and usually, its color is obtained by the presence of chromium. However, some rubies may be modified with heat-treating, and this can create a more vivid color. It is also important to distinguish between treated and natural ruby.
Colors Of Ruby
Actual rubies are usually found in shades of red, from deep purplish red to orangey red. Pink and purple are also popular colors for rubies, along with a rare yellowish-orange color, however, rubies that aren’t within the shades of red are most likely treated, or unnatural rubies.
Red Rubies with no impurities are considered the most exquisite and valuable, with even the smallest of these rubies fetching a high price. Luxury rubies with stunning color variations, such as those with a purplish hue, are highly sought after and can command even higher prices.
How Color is Graded?
The most common way to grade ruby color is along a spectrum from light pinkish red to dark purplish red. This is done by assessing the hue, tone, and saturation of the stone. Hue is determined by the color’s position on the spectrum, the tone is assessed by its lightness or darkness, and saturation is determined by its intensity. The higher the saturation, the more vivid the color.
How Rare is Ruby?
Ruby Gem is considered a rare gemstone, especially when it comes to finding quality rubies with good color and clarity. High-quality rubies are usually quite expensive due to their rarity. The combination of colors, opacity, and lack of obvious inclusions make a quality ruby very rare. Opaque ruby crystals are even more difficult to find and are the most valuable of all.
The rarity of a ruby Gem also depends on the types of inclusions. Rubies with no inclusions or those with only minor inclusions are much rarer and more valuable than rubies with more obvious inclusions. Generally speaking, the rarer the ruby, the more expensive it is. For this reason, it’s important to understand the rarity of the ruby when assessing its value.
Most Expensive Rubies
• Sunrise Ruby: Sold at an auction for a whopping $30.3 million. It’s a 25.59-carat Burmese ruby, with a rich, deep red color and a beautiful cushion cut.
• Liberty Bell Ruby: Valued at two million dollars and adorned with fifty diamonds, the Liberty Bell was stolen from Stuart Kingston Jewelers during a 2011 heist and was never been found.
• Rajaratna Ruby: Priced at an astonishing $200 million, resulting in a staggering price-per-carat of $80,000.
• Graff Ruby: In a Geneva auction, a Burmese ruby fetched a record-breaking price of 8.2 million Swiss francs ($8.6 million), becoming the highest-priced lot sold.
How To Tell If Ruby Is Real?
You can purchase a piece of ruby crystal jewelry without worry by looking for certain characteristics, such as color. A deep red color is an ideal ruby, although some rubies may have a purplish or pinkish hue. Plus, rubies should be transparent, with the ruby crystals visible when viewed in the light. The clarity of the ruby should also be checked, as there should be little-to-no inclusions.
The cut and shape of the ruby should also adhere to the standard for rubies, with the facets and proportions shaped in a way to maximize the ruby’s beauty. Lastly, a gemologist or a jeweler should be consulted to check for authenticity. A gemologist can use a microscope to examine the ruby for tell-tale signs that it is a real ruby, such as inclusions and other features that are unique to rubies.
Ruby Uses
Facet-grade rubies are the most popular form of ruby used in jewelry. Many people adorn themselves with ruby earrings and necklaces, as the ruby stone is believed to bring happiness and good fortune. The ruby is also known as a star ruby when it contains a star-like formation.
This formation is created when tiny inclusions are suspended in the ruby, and the light reflects off them in a six-rayed star pattern. Aside from traditional jewelry pieces, ruby is also ideal for ornamental and decorative purposes. It is often used to adorn furniture, sculptures, and jewelry boxes.
Proper Care Of Ruby
The most important tip to remember is to protect your rubies from scratches and knocks. Larger rubies are especially prone to damage, so special care should be taken when handling them. Valuable rubies should also be inspected regularly for any potential inclusions. Rubies should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
When cleaning the ruby, use a soft, lint-free cloth and warm, soapy water. Never use harsh cleaners or abrasive materials to clean rubies. Ultrasonic cleaners should be avoided as they can damage the stone. Also, rubies should be inspected regularly for any damage or wear.
Where To Buy Ruby Online?
There are plenty of places to buy this gem online. From specialty online shops to online giants like Amazon.
Our recommendation is to browse Amazon first to get a sense of prices, variety, and quality. Then do a detailed comparison online.
Ruby Meaning
Symbolically, rubies are said to represent the heart chakra and are often seen in heart shapes or paired with diamonds. Rubies are also a powerful symbol of love and strength and can be a great reminder to be brave and follow your heart. They can also bring good luck and protection to the wearer.
Ruby Properties
Rubies are truly remarkable stones, believed to bring courage, energy, and passion to those who wear them. It’s also believed to have an ability to heal the heart and mind, as well as balance the wearer’s chakras, allowing them to make more positive life choices. Rubies are also thought to be able to bring protection to their wearer from negative vibrations, and even bad luck.
The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that wearing rubies would bring them success in battles and even improve their mental clarity. Ruby stone is also known to have some physical healing properties, such as helping with circulation and regulating the heart rate. In some cultures, the ruby stone is believed to give its wearer the power of prophecy and to even bring wealth and luck.
Is Ruby A Birthstone?
This beautiful, deep red gemstone is one of the birthstones associated with July, making it a special choice for those born in that month. Rubies are the birthstone for people born in July and also for those who celebrate their 15th and 40th anniversaries.
It is also known as the ‘stone of nobility’ and is believed to bring fortune, health, and happiness to its wearer. It is said to bring out the strong and vibrant qualities of those born in July, such as courage, vitality, and leadership.
Final Thoughts
You now have a better understanding of Ruby and what makes it so special. It’s a beautiful gemstone with a rich history, and it has many physical and spiritual benefits. It’s also quite rare, so it’s important to take proper care of it if you own one.
Ruby is also a birthstone, symbolizing love and passion, so it’s a great gift to give someone close to you. No matter what your reasons for learning about ruby are, we hope this guide has been helpful in giving you more insight into this amazing stone.
FAQs
How Should You Wear A Ruby?
Ruby is commonly worn as jewelry, such as rings, pendants, or bracelets, to benefit from its energetic properties and showcase its beauty.
How To Activate A Ruby?
To activate the metaphysical properties of a ruby, hold it in your hands, focus on your intentions, and connect with its energy through meditation or visualization.
Can You Sleep With A Ruby Nearby?
Yes, you can sleep with a ruby nearby to benefit from its energy, but personal comfort and intuition should be considered when deciding to have gemstones near you during sleep.
Who should not wear ruby?
Pregnant individuals and those with certain medical conditions may want to exercise caution or seek professional advice before wearing ruby or any gemstone, as individual sensitivities and reactions can vary.
Chermaine’s journey into the world of gemstones and crystals began as a child, collecting shimmering stones on family vacations. Today, she’s a certified gemologist and spiritual healer, intertwining the physical beauty of jewels with their metaphysical properties.
Chermaine has traveled to mines in Africa, marketplaces in India, and spiritual retreats in Bali, always seeking to deepen her understanding.