Ruby is the most valued variety of the mineral corundum .In fact, large rubies can fetch higher prices than equivalently sized diamonds. It is colorless in purest form and gets its red color from chromium, which ranges from an orangish red to a purplish red.Ruby is one of the highest valued gems, alongwithamethyst, sapphire, emerald, and diamond.

Ruby identification

Natural ruby typically exhibits inclusions, whereas synthetic ruby tends to be eye clean. Ruby can be identified by its rating of 9 on the Mohs scale, and vibrant color.

Ruby Deposits

The most renowned rubies are from Myanmar, the Himalayas, and northern Vietnam. Thailand, Sri Lanka and Tanzania are also important sources Other deposits are in Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Kenya, Madagascar,USA, Malawi, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Tajikistan.

Ruby Hue

The brightest and most valuable shade of red called blood-red, commands a large price over other rubies of similar quality. This vibrant red hue is known as "pigeon's blood". . Ruby may also exhibit a range of secondary hues, including orange, purple, violet, and pink. Very light colored Ruby is classified as pink sapphire. The strength of ruby’s red depends on how much chromium is present which mightcause fluorescence, adding to the intensity of the red color.

Ruby Clarity and Surface

Natural Ruby typically displays inclusions however prominent inclusions which minimize transparency or brilliance, diminish the value. Rubies are known to show attractive vitreous lustre and eye-clean stones are extremely rare.

Ruby Cut

The most common shapes are ovals and cushions. Other cuts are round, triangular, emerald-cut, pear and marquise cuts. However, these shapes are difficult to find in larger sizes, since they do not preserve the carats.

Ruby Care and Cleaning

• Rubies are tough and durable, so they do not require any special care. Use warm soapy water and a soft cloth to clean your gem.
• Fracture-filled or dyed material should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. They can be damaged by even mild acids like lemon juice.
• Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are usually safe for untreated, heat-treated, and lattice diffusion treated stones.
• It is stable under normal wearing conditions as it is fairly resistant to the effects of heat, light, and common chemicals.

Ruby gemological properties

Chemical Formula: Al2O3, Aluminum oxide

Crystal Structure: Trigonal, hexagonal prisms or tables,

Color: Various reds

Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale

Refractive Index: 1.762 - 1.778

Density: 3.97 - 4.05

Cleavage: None

Transparency: Transparent to opaque

Double Refraction : 0.008

Luster: Vitreous to silky

Fluorescence: Strong: carmine red