What is a ruby?
The ruby is one of the most admired gemstones in the world. It belongs to the corundum mineral family, just like the sapphire. Primarily composed of aluminum oxide, its red color is due to the presence of chromium in its crystalline structure. Depending on their concentration, its hue can range from pinkish red to deep red, sometimes with purple reflections.
Where does this gemstone come from?
The most sought-after rubies historically come from Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. The Mogok Valley is particularly famous for its intensely red stones and their remarkable luminosity. Significant deposits are also found in Mozambique, now one of the main sources of rubies, as well as in Sri Lanka and Thailand. Each region produces stones with distinct shades and variations in transparency, saturation, and inclusions that make each ruby unique.
What are the quality criteria for rubies?
- Color: The color of a ruby, which can range from pink to intense red, is one of the main criteria for its value. The most sought-after shade is "pigeon's blood" red, a vibrant, slightly bluish red with remarkable intensity and free of brown or orange undertones.
- Hardness: With a hardness of 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale, ruby is highly scratch-resistant. This durability makes it an excellent choice for jewelry worn regularly.
- Clarity: Most natural rubies have small visible inclusions. Unlike diamonds, this is completely normal and doesn't necessarily affect their value. However, too many inclusions can darken the stone, causing it to lose its coveted brightness and brilliance.
- Treatment: The majority of rubies are heat-treated to enhance their color. Untreated stones are much rarer and therefore more valuable.
Why choose a ruby for jewelry?
Much more than a dazzling red stone, the ruby is steeped in history and symbolism. Associated with love, courage, and vitality, it has been given since antiquity as a testament to deep affection. As the birthstone for July, the ruby is also traditionally associated with the 35th wedding anniversary. This makes it a symbolic choice for celebrating a significant moment or adding sentimental value to a piece of jewelry.
Long featured in royal crowns and prestigious adornments, it continues to captivate with the intensity of its color. It offers a distinctive alternative to diamonds while retaining the precious and timeless character sought after in jewelry. Thanks to its high durability, the ruby is very suitable for jewelry worn regularly, particularly engagement rings and wedding bands.
Frequently asked questions about ruby
Yes. With a hardness of 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale, rubies are very scratch-resistant and suitable for daily wear. Their durability makes them an excellent choice for an engagement ring, wedding band, or any other frequently worn jewelry.
Did you know that ruby was the first gemstone to be reproduced in a laboratory? Today, it exists in two forms: natural ruby, formed in the Earth over millions of years, and synthetic ruby, created in a laboratory. Both possess the same chemical composition and mineral properties.
Regular cleaning with lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft brush is usually sufficient to maintain the ruby's brilliance. However, ultrasonic cleaners should be avoided if the stone has undergone certain treatments. It is also best to store the jewelry separately from diamonds and other corundums, such as sapphires, which could scratch its surface.