Gemstone Facts » Precious & Semi Precious Stones » Ruby

Ruby

The name ruby comes from the Latin word ruber meaning red.

Ruby is a variety of mineral corundum, the presence of red color is caused mainly by the element chromium.

It is found in the shades of red, from rich darkish red to pigeon blood red and pinkish red. Rubies also exhibit a color of orange, purple, violet and pink.

The natural occurrence of the precious stone is mainly found in Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Madagascar and Tanzania.

It is one of the symbol of love. Ruby is the birthstone for July and a traditional gift for those celebrating 15th or 40th anniversaries.

The value of ruby is determined by its color. The brightest and the most valuable red called pigeon blood red command a huge premium over other rubies.

Precious Stone Ruby

Color: Pink to Blood Red

Birthstone: July

Anniversary: 15th Year Stone

Rubies have been held in high esteem in Asian countries and they were used to ornament armor, scabbards and harnesses of noblemen in India and china.

Because of its brilliant red hues, they are often related to themes concerning the essence and vibrancy of life and it is one of the gemstone that represents passion of love.

The world's largest ruby is owned by a Chinese jewelry company weighing 8184 g (40920 carat) and measures 5.11 x 5.43 x 5.70 inches.

The Mohs scale of hardness of ruby is 9 and is resilient has sapphire and slightly softer than diamond.

Almost every ruby will have flaws and rubies without imperfections are exceptionally rare and command prices even higher than diamonds.