Ruby Gemstone is one of the most precious gemstones in the world, known for its stunning red color. It belongs to the corundum family of minerals and gets its rich red hue from traces of chromium. Throughout history, rubies have been symbols of passion, love, and power.
Rubies are also known as the “King of Gemstones” because of their beauty and rarity. They are durable and rank 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them ideal for everyday jewelry like rings and pendants.
In this article, we will explore everything about ruby gemstone, including their meaning, history, unique properties, where they are found, and the different types of rubies available.
Meaning of Ruby Gemstone
The word “ruby” comes from the Latin word “ruber,” meaning “red.” Traditionally, rubies are linked to qualities like passion, love, and courage. Many cultures believe that wearing a ruby can bring protection, energy, and good fortune.
In ancient times, people thought that rubies could ward off negative energy and bring peace to the wearer. They were also believed to symbolize power and vitality, giving strength to those who wore them.
Today, rubies are often seen as symbols of love and commitment, making them popular choices for romantic jewelry, especially engagement rings.
Overall, rubies hold deep meaning and significance across cultures and continue to be admired for their beauty and powerful symbolism.
History of Ruby Gemstone
The history of rubies is long and fascinating, stretching back thousands of years. They were first cherished in ancient India around 2000 BCE, where people believed rubies could bring good luck and protection. The Bible mentions rubies as being more valuable than wealth, which highlights their importance.
During the Roman Empire, around 100 CE, rubies were highly prized for their beauty and were used in jewelry to symbolize love and passion. In the Middle Ages, from the 5th to the 15th century, rubies became symbols of power, worn by kings and queens in crowns and royal jewelry. Their deep red color represented courage and strength.
The Renaissance period, from the 14th to the 17th century, saw a renewed interest in gemstones, and rubies were used in beautiful jewelry designs, often paired with diamonds.
During the colonial era, explorers brought rubies from places like Burma and Thailand to Europe, increasing their popularity.
In the 20th century, advancements in gemstone treatment made rubies more accessible, and synthetic rubies were created in labs.
Today, rubies are still symbols of love and commitment, often given as gifts for special occasions like anniversaries. Their beauty and rarity make them one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world, cherished by collectors and jewelry lovers alike.
Types of Ruby Gemstones
Rubies come in various types, depending on their origin, color, and characteristics. Here are some of the main types of ruby gemstones:
1. Burmese Ruby
Known as the most prized and valuable type of ruby, Burmese rubies come from Myanmar (formerly Burma). These rubies are famous for their rich, deep red color, often referred to as “Pigeon’s Blood.” They are highly sought after for their vibrant hue and clarity.
2. Thai Ruby
Rubies from Thailand tend to be darker in color, often appearing brownish-red or burgundy. While not as vibrant as Burmese rubies, Thai rubies are still beautiful and are often treated to enhance their color.
3. Mozambique Ruby
Mozambique has become a major source of rubies in recent years. Mozambique rubies are known for their vivid color and clarity, making them popular in the global gemstone market.
4. Star Ruby
A special variety of ruby, the star ruby, has a star-like effect on its surface, known as asterism. This phenomenon is caused by the presence of tiny needle-like inclusions inside the gemstone. Star rubies are rare and highly valued.
Properties of Ruby Gemstone
1. Color
The color of a ruby is its most important feature. Rubies are typically bright red, but they can also come in shades of pink or dark red. The best rubies have a rich, vibrant red color known as “Pigeon’s Blood.” The intensity and hue of the color can greatly affect the ruby’s value.
2. Cut
The cut of a ruby gemstone refers to how it is shaped and polished. A good cut enhances the ruby’s sparkle and brilliance. Common cuts include oval, round, and cushion. A well-cut ruby reflects light beautifully, making it more attractive. The cut can also affect how deep the color appears, adding to its overall beauty.
3. Clarity
Clarity describes how clear or included a ruby is. Most rubies have some natural inclusions, which are tiny flaws or marks inside the stone. While some inclusions are normal, a ruby with fewer inclusions is usually more valuable. Higher clarity rubies allow more light to pass through, enhancing their beauty and sparkle.
4. Weight
The weight of a ruby is measured in carats, with one carat equal to 200 milligrams. Generally, larger rubies are rarer and more valuable. As the carat weight increases, the price can rise significantly. However, the size should be combined with quality factors like color and clarity to determine the ruby’s overall worth.
Ruby Locations
Ruby gemstone are found in various parts of the world, each known for producing unique qualities of this precious gemstone. Here are ten notable locations:
- Myanmar (Burma): Renowned for its exceptional rubies, particularly from the Mogok Valley, which are often deep red and highly valued as “Pigeon’s Blood” rubies.
- Thailand: Known for rubies from the Chanthaburi and Trat regions. Thai rubies are often darker and frequently heat-treated to enhance their color.
- Mozambique: An emerging source of high-quality rubies, with vibrant colors and good clarity. Mozambique rubies are becoming popular in the global market.
- Sri Lanka: Produces rubies with lighter shades, often pinkish-red. Sri Lankan rubies are valued for their unique colors and have a long history in gem trading.
- Afghanistan: Known for vivid red rubies, particularly from the Badakhshan region. These rubies are less common but are prized for their beauty.
- Vietnam: The Luc Yen district in northern Vietnam produces rubies known for their rich colors. Vietnamese rubies are gaining recognition for their quality.
- Madagascar: Home to a variety of gemstones, including rubies that can range in color and quality. Madagascar rubies are noted for their diverse hues and affordable prices.
- United States: Small deposits of rubies can be found in places like Montana. While not as prominent, American rubies are unique and sought after by collectors.
- Pakistan: The Hunza Valley in Pakistan is known for producing beautiful rubies, often found alongside other precious stones in the region.
- India: India has a long history of ruby mining, particularly in the state of Rajasthan, where some local rubies are known for their rich color and historical significance.
Conclusion
Ruby gemstone are famous for their stunning red color and are often called the “King of Gemstones.” They symbolize love, passion, and power, making them a popular choice for jewelry. Rubies are found in various parts of the world, including Myanmar, Thailand, Mozambique, Sri Lanka and some other countries. Today, they continue to be one of the most cherished and valuable gemstones.
