Ruby and Sapphire

Contrasting rubies and sapphires is an interesting process, as both gemstones are simply varieties of corundum: a crystalline form of aluminium oxide (Al2O3), with impurities or trace elements such as iron, titanium, or chromium. These impurities create the wide range of colours found in corundum crystals: grey, brown, yellow, green, blue, purple, red, and pink. Ruby is defined as red corundum. The presence of chromium is largely what makes a corundum gemstone red. All other varieties of corundum, anything not red, are classified as sapphire. (As sapphires may contain a mix of chromium, titanium, and iron traces). Although popularly associated with the colour blue, sapphires include all non-red coloured corundum gems. It’s not surprising, then, that pink sapphire, as we shall see, forms an important subcategory in the world of sapphires, and is a closer competitor to the ruby, since ‘red sapphires’ technically do not exist, for they would naturally be considered as rubies. Finally, when it comes to any debate on rubies and sapphires, the main question on your mind, for the undecided, is which is better?

Rubies and Sapphires: Two of Kind but Different

Rubies and sapphires as noted are both corundum based gemstones. Which means their fundamental mineral makeup is virtually the same. However, the key difference emerges in the trace mineral character. The absence or the presence of chromium in relation to other trace minerals is what differentiates rubies from the rest of the conundrum gemstone family. A key difference owing to the combination of these trace minerals which are found in many gemstones in this family. A notable entry is the popular pink sapphire variant. A side by side comparison of these two gemstones will help us better understand the differences and similarities between these closely related corundum stones. 

Rubies and Pink Sapphires

Pink sapphire and ruby belong to the same family of minerals called corundum. This is the reason why the majority of their features are basically identical. But rubies differ from sapphires, as this variety of corundum crystals gets its colour due to the presence of chromium, whereas the addition of iron and titanium impurities is predominantly responsible for the colours of sapphire. So when it comes to choosing the right gemstone, visual appeal plays an important role as that is primarily what sets these gems apart from one another.

Origins of Rubies and Sapphires

All natural sapphires form deep in the Earth’s crust, and develop over the course of tens of millions of years. Like diamonds, the corundum minerals hardened and take shape in this time, owing to geological processes notably extreme heat and pressure. The rarity of sapphires in nature is due to the fact that these mineral only crystallizes in igneous or metamorphic rocks, that are rich in aluminium. Sapphire deposits are found around the world, with notable gemstone producers like Ceylon (Sri Lank), Myanmar and Thailand leading the way. More recently African nations, notably Tanzania, Madagascar, have entered mix. And also there has been a revival of American (Montana) sapphires, and parti sapphires from Australia. Rubies, which are also corundum minerals, so when it comes to their geological origins, the fundamental of sapphire formation also applies here. With the key difference being the presence of chromium. Since sapphires are rarer than diamonds, and rubies are rarer than sapphires, the question is: Why are rubies so rare? Rubies are rare for the formation of natural red conundrum gemstones in nature is a challenging process in geological terms, as natural rubies, those that contain their appealing authentic red hue, must be absolutely devoid of silica (which is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth) and contain no or extremely low amounts of iron. So when it comes to the supply of rubies in the world a number of countries enter the mix, with usual suspects: Myanmar, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Cambodia, and a number of African nations. However, those who are able to produce quality natural rubies that come with blood-red hues being limited to a handful of countries, with the South East Asian nation of Myanmar leading the way.

Are Rubies more Expensive than Sapphires?

Short answer is Yes. However it practices this depends on the quality of the gemstone that is measured based on its colour, clarity, cut and carat, and to a varying extent, its country of origins and the kind of treatments it has been subjected to. Rubies, whilst having a smaller commercial footprint in the world of gemstones compared to sapphires, they are generally more valuable than sapphires, this is a function of rarity. As natural gem-quality rubies are rarer than diamonds or sapphires. And sapphires, notably the popular blue one, which is one the main point of comparison, despite its rarity that natural blue sapphires of gem quality are relatively abundant and are considerably less valuable than rubies of comparable quality. Rubies hence are some of the most valuable stones on the market, which is why they are often refereed to as the king of gemstones. Whist diamonds will certainly dispute that claim, the relative rarity of this gemstone in relation to diamonds and sapphires, make it a worthier choice, provided the top quality standards are met. That is unless sapphires can produce a worthy challenger.

Rubies vs Padparachsa Sapphires

If ruby has been declared as the ‘king of gemstones, as it has been in ancient Sanskrit scriptures, with its bold red hue being the most important factor responsible for its constant demand even today. While red is the primary hue of ruby, its secondary hues can be purple, pink or orange works to its disadvantage, as the value of this particular gemstone increases when its colour has more red. In some cases, a secondary colour such as light purple enhances the appeal of a ruby by making the red appear more intense, however, this can against it, and can weaken it red hue. As a challenge from the world of sapphires, we have the Padparadscha: which has been hailed by many in the trade as the king of sapphires. In one on one match up between the two, it is difficult or very easy to decide. As Padparadscha is one of the rarest and most beautiful members of the corundum family. A gemstone that is coveted for its distinct fusion of orange and pink hues, and is among the rarest gems in the world. The most authentic variant is often found in Ceylon (Sri Lanka). These gemstones display light but fiery colours, reminiscent of a setting sun. The word Padparadscha is based on the Sinhalese word for “lotus blossom.” Interestingly Padparadscha stones can also be found in parts of Vietnam, Madagascar and Tanzania. Prices of Padparadscha sapphires, like other gemstones in this category, varies according to size, colour, clarity, cut and origin. Its appeal lies with its distinct combination of colours and is very rare in nature.

Ruby and Sapphire: Why is the Best?

Essentially there is no simple answer to this question. Both are precious stones that command great appeal in the world of fine jewellery. Sapphires seem to have an advantage that in addition to being very rare, they come in a variety of colours, in addition to the famous blue sapphire. Rubies are only found in red, with a number of sub red variants, like the extremely rare pigeon blood rubies. On the mining side of the equation, naturally formed sapphires and rubies are both rare, particularly those which meet the highest gem standards. However rubies edge sapphires out, as they are only found in a handful of countries, with the Burmese and Mozambique rubies being the best. The rarity of both gemstone and the challenges in mining has led to the rise of synthetic alternatives. In a choice between the two, again there is no simple answer. However, if you are looking for the best blue coloured gemstone, then an authentic, blue sapphire is best. For a red stone, ruby is the best choice.