Gemstone Information
Ruby is red corundum, all other color varieties of corundum being referred to as sapphire. Corundum is the second hardest substance on the Mohs scale, with a rating of nine. Diamond tops that scale with a 10. That hardness combined with the rich color and silky shine make fine rubies so valuable and secures them a position in the elite "group of four" - besides diamond, emerald and sapphire - that rule the "Gemstone Kingdom".
Ruby is one of the most expensive gems, large rubies being rarer than comparable diamonds. Many rubies are an essential part of royal insignia and other famous jewelry. Ruby is the birthstone for those who are born in July. Ruby is also used to celebrate a couple's 15th and 40th anniversary.
Ruby colors Rubies range in color from pinkish to orangey and purplish and brownish red, depending on the chromium and iron content of the stone. The most desirable color is the so-called "pigeon's blood", a pure red with a hint of blue. The distribution of color is often uneven, in strips or spots.
Clarity: Inclusions are common and not always an indication for lower quality. Included rutile needles cause the "silky shine". If such a stone is cut en cabochon it exposes the rare cat's eye effect. Oriented rutile crystal inclusions cause a six-rayed-star light effect (called asterism) to form the popular star ruby.
Cut: Transparent rubies are cut in step and brilliant cut. Less transparent rubies are cut en cabochon.
The Ruby zodiac, myth & legend: For a long time India was considered as the classical country of rubies. In the Sanskrit language ruby is called "ratnaraj", which does translate as "King of Gemstones". In ancient times one of the chief attractions of ruby has been its protection from misfortune and bad health.
Ruby is the birthstone for those who are born in July. On the Zodiac chart, ruby is the stone for Capricorn. Ruby is also used to celebrate a couple's 15th and 40th anniversary.
Ruby is said to be a general health protection and a helper for backache and toenail problems.
