Ruby

Introduction

The Ruby is one of the most revered and sought-after gemstones in the world, renowned for its captivating deep red hue and rich historical significance. As a variety of the mineral corundum, ruby is a sister gemstone to sapphire, distinguished primarily by its color, which ranges from a pinkish-red to a rich, blood-red. This gemstone has been adored by cultures throughout history, symbolizing passion, protection, and prosperity. Rubies have adorned the crowns and regalia of royalty, been the subject of legends and lore, and continue to be a symbol of wealth and status in modern times. The allure of ruby is not just limited to its aesthetic appeal; it is also a gemstone of considerable hardness, making it a durable choice for all types of jewelry.

Color and Varieties

Rubies are celebrated for their intense red color, which is primarily due to the presence of chromium in the mineral corundum. The most prized rubies exhibit a color known as "pigeon blood" red, a deep, slightly purplish red with high saturation. However, rubies can exhibit a range of red hues, including pinkish-red, purplish-red, and even orangey-red. The color can be influenced by the geographic origin of the stone, with Burmese rubies from the Mogok region being particularly renowned for their vibrant red color. Other notable ruby varieties include the Thai rubies, which tend to have a darker, brownish-red tone, and the Sri Lankan rubies, known for their lighter pinkish-red shades. In addition to natural color variations, rubies may also be subjected to heat treatments to enhance their color and clarity, further diversifying the range of available hues.

Formation and Occurrence

Rubies form under specific geological conditions that involve high temperature and pressure. They are typically found in metamorphic rocks such as marble, which is low in iron, allowing the rich red color to develop without interference from other elements. Some rubies also form in igneous rocks like basalt, where they may display darker colors due to higher iron content. The most famous and historically significant rubies come from Myanmar (Burma), particularly from the Mogok region, which has produced some of the world's finest specimens. Other important sources include Thailand, known for its darker rubies; Sri Lanka, which yields rubies with a pinkish hue; and Madagascar, which has become a more prominent source in recent years. Rubies can also be found in Afghanistan, Vietnam, and several regions in Africa. The formation process takes millions of years, and the rarity of the specific conditions needed for ruby formation adds to the gemstone's value.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The ruby has held a place of prominence in many cultures throughout history. In ancient India, rubies were known as "ratnaraj," or "king of precious stones," and were believed to offer protection to their owners and bring them good fortune. Rubies were also highly prized in ancient Burma, where warriors believed that rubies could make them invincible in battle. In European history, rubies were often worn by royalty and clergy as symbols of power and passion. They adorned the crowns and regalia of monarchs and were believed to have protective properties, especially against the plague and other illnesses. Rubies also feature prominently in the lore of many other cultures, where they are associated with love, passion, and courage. In modern times, rubies continue to be a symbol of wealth and status, and they are often chosen as the centerpiece for engagement rings, signifying love and commitment.

Identification and Grading

Identifying and grading rubies involves assessing several key factors: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Color is the most critical factor, with the most valuable rubies displaying a vivid, rich red with a slight blue undertone, often referred to as "pigeon blood" red. Clarity is also important; while inclusions are common in rubies, those with fewer and less visible inclusions are more highly prized. The cut of the ruby affects its overall appearance and value, with well-cut stones maximizing the gemstone's color and brilliance. Carat weight is a measure of the gemstone's size, with larger rubies being more valuable, especially if they maintain good color and clarity. In addition to these standard factors, rubies are also evaluated for their geographic origin, as rubies from certain locations, such as Myanmar, command higher prices due to their superior color and historical significance. Advanced gemological techniques, including spectroscopy and microscopy, are often used to confirm the authenticity and origin of rubies, distinguishing natural stones from synthetics and identifying any treatments that have been applied.

Treatments and Enhancements

To enhance the appearance of rubies, several treatments are commonly employed. The most widespread treatment is heat treatment, which is used to improve both the color and clarity of the gemstone. This process involves heating the ruby to high temperatures, which can eliminate or reduce inclusions and intensify the color. Heat-treated rubies are widely accepted in the market, but it is important that these treatments are disclosed to buyers. Another common treatment is the filling of surface-reaching fractures with lead glass, which improves the ruby's transparency and overall appearance. However, rubies treated in this manner are considered to be of lower quality and value, and they require special care, as the fillings can be damaged by exposure to heat or chemicals. More recently, diffusion treatment, where elements like beryllium are introduced to alter the color of the ruby, has been developed. While these treatments can produce attractive stones, they are less valuable than untreated or lightly treated rubies. Buyers should be aware of these treatments and seek certification from reputable gemological laboratories to ensure they are fully informed about the nature of the gemstone they are purchasing.

Cutting and Polishing

The cutting and polishing of rubies is a delicate art that requires a skilled gem cutter to maximize the stone's natural beauty. The most common cuts for rubies are oval and cushion shapes, which are designed to showcase the gemstone's color and brilliance while minimizing the visibility of any inclusions. Round rubies, while less common, are also highly prized for their symmetrical shape and sparkling appearance. Cabochon cuts, which result in a smooth, rounded surface, are often used for rubies that exhibit asterism or chatoyancy, enhancing these optical effects. The cutting process must take into account the ruby's crystal structure, particularly its pleochroism, to ensure that the best color is visible from the top of the gemstone. The final polish is critical in achieving the ruby's vitreous luster, giving the gemstone its characteristic shine. High-quality cutting can significantly increase a ruby's value, as it enhances both the aesthetic appeal and the optical performance of the stone.

Uses

Rubies are most commonly used in fine jewelry, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Due to their hardness and durability, rubies are well-suited for everyday wear, making them a popular choice for engagement rings and other pieces that are worn regularly. In addition to jewelry, rubies have been used historically in the making of crowns, ceremonial objects, and other luxury items. Beyond their ornamental uses, rubies also have industrial applications. Their hardness makes them useful in precision instruments, such as watch bearings and scientific lasers. Rubies are also valued in metaphysical practices, where they are believed to promote vitality, increase energy levels, and encourage passion and enthusiasm.

Famous Specimens

Among the most famous rubies is the "Sunrise Ruby," a 25.59-carat Burmese ruby that holds the record for the most expensive ruby ever sold at auction, fetching over $30 million. Its deep "pigeon blood" red color and exceptional clarity make it one of the most prized gemstones in the world. Another notable ruby is the "Rosser Reeves Star Ruby," a 138.7-carat star ruby known for its sharp and well-defined asterism. The "DeLong Star Ruby," another star ruby weighing 100.32 carats, is famous for its unique origin story, having been stolen and later recovered during a high-profile heist in the 1960s. The "Liberty Bell Ruby," weighing over 8,500 carats, is the largest mined ruby in the world and is carved into the shape of the Liberty Bell, although it was unfortunately stolen and remains missing. These famous rubies exemplify the extraordinary allure and value that high-quality rubies can command, often becoming the centerpiece of renowned collections.

Market and Value

The market for rubies is highly dynamic, with prices varying greatly depending on factors such as color, clarity, size, and origin. Rubies from Myanmar, particularly those exhibiting the coveted "pigeon blood" red color, are the most valuable and can command prices that exceed $1 million per carat for exceptional specimens. The value of rubies is also influenced by their treatment history; untreated rubies are significantly more valuable than treated ones, especially if they possess good color and clarity. The size of the ruby also plays a crucial role in its value, with larger rubies being much rarer and therefore more expensive. In recent years, rubies from Mozambique have gained popularity in the market, offering a more affordable alternative to Burmese rubies while still providing excellent color and quality. The demand for rubies remains strong, particularly in Asia, where the color red is associated with good fortune and prosperity. The ruby market is also influenced by trends in luxury jewelry, with high-end designers often featuring rubies in their collections, further driving demand for this timeless gemstone.

Care and Maintenance

Rubies are relatively easy to care for due to their hardness and durability. They can be cleaned using warm soapy water and a soft brush, taking care to rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally safe for untreated and heat-treated rubies but should be avoided for rubies that have been fracture-filled or subjected to other treatments. It's important to store rubies separately from other gemstones to prevent scratching, and they should be protected from prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals, such as bleach or strong acids, which could damage the stone or its setting. Regular maintenance by a professional jeweler, including checking the stone's setting and cleaning, will help preserve the beauty and integrity of the ruby over time. For treated rubies, particularly those with fracture fillings, it is recommended to avoid high heat and harsh chemicals, as these can damage the treatment and affect the stone's appearance.

Synthetic and Imitation

Synthetic rubies have been produced since the late 19th century, with the introduction of the Verneuil process, which creates rubies with the same chemical composition as natural ones but at a fraction of the cost. These synthetic rubies are often used in jewelry and industrial applications. Other methods, such as flux-grown and hydrothermal processes, are also used to create synthetic rubies, which can be difficult to distinguish from natural rubies without advanced gemological testing. In addition to synthetic rubies, imitation rubies are made from materials such as red spinel, garnet, or glass. These imitations lack the durability and luster of real rubies and are much less valuable. It is essential for buyers to obtain certification from reputable gemological laboratories to ensure the authenticity of a ruby, particularly when purchasing high-value stones.

Environmental and Ethical Concerns

Ruby mining, like other forms of gemstone extraction, can have significant environmental and ethical implications. In some regions, mining activities have led to deforestation, soil erosion, and the depletion of water resources, causing long-term damage to local ecosystems. Additionally, the working conditions in some ruby mines, particularly in conflict zones, raise serious ethical concerns, including the exploitation of labor, poor working conditions, and the funding of armed conflicts. To address these issues, there is a growing movement towards responsible sourcing of rubies, with initiatives aimed at ensuring that gemstones are mined and traded in ways that are environmentally sustainable and ethically sound. Consumers are increasingly seeking rubies that are certified as conflict-free and responsibly sourced, driving changes in the industry towards greater transparency and accountability. Some jewelers and suppliers are now offering rubies that come with guarantees of ethical sourcing, including fair labor practices and minimal environmental impact, helping to promote more sustainable and ethical practices in the gemstone industry.