Ruby Gemstone

_{Ruby Stone: Gemstone Education}

Ruby Stone Characteristics

The defining characteristic of a ruby stone is its colour. And its colour is a reflection of the changes effected by the presence of chromium atoms in its atomic structure. we see rubies as being red. Rubies are often compared to sapphires, the top blue coloured gemstone in the market. However, at their core, rubies are essentially the same as sapphires, from the standpoint of their mineral character. The absence of chromium (at least with the absence of other minerals) gives rise to the rubies distinct red colour. Rubies are part of the trigonal crystal system, and they fall into the oxide mineral variety. With the colour of rubies resulting from one or more trace elements in the gemstone. Rubies get their signature red colour from chromium, an element found in the world, though it is quite rare. Rubies as corundum crystal gemstones are similar to sapphires, notably their hardness: with ruby stones scoring 9.0 on the Mohs scale.

History of the Ruby Gemstone

Rubies have been recognized and used as precious stones for thousands of years. With ancient kings and queens seeking them for their royal use, with Crown Jewels being a notable example. And ruby stones have been valued for their mystical and protective qualities in traditions in the East and West. A stone that is even mentioned in Holy writ, rubies hold their top position in the world of gemstones owing to the prominent position they hold in the history of precious jewellery. In history rubies, these gemstones have been used with other types, with diamond and ruby rings and necklaces being a popular jewellery type. 

From Parts of the World do Ruby Stones Come From?

Rubies come from deep within the Earth, that form over the course of tens of millions of years, due to geological processes, that are brought to the surface via volcanic activity. In terms of countries of origin, rubies only come from a handful of countries. In modern times one of the key regions where rubies were discovered were in the Mogok Valley in Myanmar (Burma). Even though rubies are abundant in Myanmar and other parts of South East Asia, they also come from other countries around the world, with the United States entering the mix in recent times. However, despite the rise in new ruby suppliers, notably from parts of Africa, with countries like Mozambique and Madagascar leading the way, Myanmar ruby stones are still among the best. Following these discoveries, there is more competition to Myanmar rubies in world markets, which is important given the political instability in this part of the world. 

Do you know that Rubies and Sapphires are the same

Rubies are corundum gemstones whose mineral composition contains a combination of oxygen and aluminium. Here rubies and sapphires are virtually the same, for they are united in their atomic character. However, when it comes to the origins of colour in rubies, the basic corundum structure alone is not enough. This is where rubies and sapphire differ, despite being basically the same gemstones. The notable difference is the presence of chromium that gives rubies their striking red colour. Chromium that is known by atomic number 24, is a transition metal, and is notably absent or found only in very small amounts in sapphires. In sapphires, however, there are other trace elements, that distinguish them from rubies. Ruby stones despite being basically the same as sapphires are nonetheless different owing to their distinct colour, which gives the ruby stone its distinction.

How big is a one carat Ruby Stone

In the world of gemstones, it is a well-known fact: weight does not equal size. And two larger gemstones with the same carat do not always correspond in terms of weight. When it comes to rubies, a single carat gemstone its size is greatly affected by its density, which is greater than that of other gemstones like diamonds. Which means a single carat ruby stone is smaller than a diamond. In terms of size comparison, a 1.00-carat ruby is around 6mm, whereas the same 1.00-carat diamond is around 6.4mm in size. 

How much is one carat Ruby Gemstone?

Short answer: It depends. The price of rubies like any precious gemstone correlates with how it corresponds with main features that measure gemstone quality: Carat is a measure of a gemstone’s unit of weight, with a single carat equalling 200 milligrams. This is a rather small amount and is an indication of the kind of numbers that are associated with the world of gemstones. There is the ruby’s clarity, quality of its cut, its carat (i.e. how big the gemstone is) and importantly the ruby stone's colour. With rubies that have the stronger red hues being the more expensive choice. Thus the price of a single-carat ruby can go from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.

Why do people wear Ruby Gemstones?

Ruby stones are among the rarest gemstones in the world. They are rarer than sapphires or diamonds. Sapphires are rarer than diamonds, and rubies are rarer than the popular blue gemstone. Whilst diamonds hold the position as the leading gemstone in terms of quality and popular admiration, rubies however hold the respected position for their long history of use, their choice of gemstone for royalty, and depending on the gemstone its greater value that can match or surpass that of diamonds. Depending on the character of ruby: notably the level of saturation of its red tone, the greater its value, and they are highly sought after for when it comes fine jewellery, with ruby engagement rings, ruby necklaces, ruby earrings and more general ruby rings, with their variants made in gold leading the way. With gold, ruby rings today are among the top choices for ruby jewellery.