Ruby
| Property | Details |
|---|
| Mineral | Corundum |
| Mohs Hardness | 9 |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 – 1.770 |
| Birthstone | July |
| Anniversary | 15th & 40th |
| Major Sources | Myanmar (Burma), Mozambique, Madagascar, Sri Lanka |
| Treatments | Heat treatment (standard, widely accepted) |
Overview
Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum and one of the four precious gemstones. Its intense red color, caused by traces of chromium, has made it a symbol of passion, power, and love throughout history. The most prized color is a vivid, medium-dark red with a slight purplish hue, known in the trade as pigeon blood red. Fine rubies from Myanmar (Burma) and Mozambique are among the most valuable colored gemstones in the world, sometimes exceeding diamonds of equal size in price.
History & Lore
The word ruby comes from the Latin rubeus, meaning red. In ancient Sanskrit, ruby was called ratnaraj, meaning king of precious stones. Ancient Hindus offered rubies to the god Krishna in the hope of being reborn as emperors. Warriors in Myanmar implanted rubies under their skin before battle, believing the stones made them invincible. In medieval Europe, rubies were believed to guarantee health, wealth, wisdom, and success in love. The legendary rubies of the Mogok Valley in Myanmar have set the standard for quality for centuries.
Color & Varieties
Ruby color ranges from pinkish-red to a deep, vivid crimson. The most valued shade is pigeon blood red—a pure red with a slight hint of blue that seems to glow from within. Rubies that are too pink may be classified as pink sapphires, while those that are too dark can appear almost black. The finest rubies combine excellent color saturation with good transparency. Star rubies display a six-pointed star effect called asterism, caused by needle-like inclusions of rutile within the stone, and are prized for their rarity and mystique.
Quality & Value Factors
Color is by far the most important value factor for rubies, accounting for roughly 60% of the stone's value. After color, clarity and transparency matter most. Unlike emeralds, where inclusions are broadly accepted, the most valuable rubies are those that combine vivid color with good transparency. However, some inclusions are expected in natural rubies—they are part of what distinguishes natural rubies from synthetics. Cut quality affects how well the ruby displays its color and brilliance. Carat weight increases value exponentially: fine rubies over 3 carats are extremely rare and command premium prices.
Treatments
The vast majority of rubies on the market have been heat-treated to improve color and clarity. This is a standard, permanent, and widely accepted practice. Some rubies are treated with lead glass filling to improve clarity, which is a less stable treatment that requires disclosure and careful handling. USA Jewels discloses all known treatments.
Care & Cleaning
Ruby ranks 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it exceptionally durable for all types of jewelry, including engagement rings worn daily. Rubies can be safely cleaned with warm soapy water, an ultrasonic cleaner, or a steam cleaner (unless the stone has been fracture-filled). Ruby is one of the best gemstones for active lifestyles.
Shop Ruby Jewelry
Browse our collection of ruby jewelry including rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets featuring natural rubies set in gold and platinum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pigeon blood ruby?
Pigeon blood is the trade term for the most desirable ruby color: a vivid, medium-dark red with a slight purplish or bluish secondary hue that appears to glow from within. The term originated in Myanmar (Burma), where the finest rubies have been mined for centuries. Pigeon blood rubies from the Mogok Valley command the highest prices of any colored gemstone, sometimes exceeding $1 million per carat at auction.
Are all rubies heat-treated?
The vast majority of rubies on the market have been heat-treated to improve their color and clarity. This is a permanent, stable, and widely accepted treatment in the gem trade. Unheated rubies of fine color are significantly rarer and command a substantial premium, often 2 to 5 times the price of comparable heated stones. USA Jewels discloses all known treatments for every gemstone we sell.
How durable is ruby for an engagement ring?
Ruby is one of the best gemstones for engagement rings. At 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, it is second only to diamond in hardness. Ruby has no cleavage issues and excellent toughness, meaning it resists chipping and breaking. It can withstand daily wear for a lifetime with minimal risk of damage, making it an ideal choice for active lifestyles.
What is the difference between a ruby and a pink sapphire?
Both ruby and pink sapphire are varieties of the mineral corundum, and the distinction is based on color saturation. When a corundum gemstone reaches a sufficient depth and saturation of red, it is classified as a ruby. Lighter, less saturated stones are classified as pink sapphires. The exact boundary varies by gemological laboratory, and the distinction matters significantly for value since rubies command much higher prices.
Where do the best rubies come from?
Myanmar (Burma), particularly the Mogok Valley and more recently Namya, produces rubies considered the finest in the world due to their pigeon blood color and natural fluorescence. Mozambique has emerged as a major source of high-quality rubies since the 2000s, producing stones that rival Burmese material. Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania also produce fine rubies. Origin significantly affects value, with Burmese rubies commanding the highest prices.
Specialty & Collector Gemstones