Ruby, Passion of Corundum

The second hardest natural mineral is corundum ((aluminium oxide), and its seperate to ruby and Sapphire. Non-red variety of corundum is Sapphire. Ruby has been considered one of the most valuable gemstones and it is excessively rare, especially good qualities. Ruby's wonderful color is depend on chrome, and its also responsible for causing fissures and cracks inside the crystals. For this reason, rubies of more than 3 carats in size are very rare. So it is no wonder that rubies achieve top prices at auctions, surpassing even those paid for diamonds in the same category. Ruby was derived from the Latin word 'rubens', meaning red. Color is a ruby's most important feature. Its transparency is only of secondary importance. Rubies color range from dark pink, to near blackish or browninsh red, to bright red, to orangish red. The most valuable color of ruby is familiarly called, "pigeon blood red." Maybe it is not a glamorous name, but the color is one of the most heart stopping colors found in the gemstone world. Also, Pigeonblood ruby should be relatively transparent and this is the most important attribute to differentiate from other rubies.

A really perfect ruby is as rare as perfect love. If you do come across it, it will cost a small fortune. But when you have found 'your' ruby, don't hesitate: hang on to it!

4 ct. Pigeon's Blood Red Ruby, photo by Van Pelt

• HARDNESS: 9
• CRYSTAL SYSTEM: trigonal
• The first lasers were made from artificial ruby crystals
• Open the heart, and allows to overcome fear

Varieties

• Burmese(Burma) Ruby
• Pigeon's Blood Ruby - Blood-red ruby with a hint of blue
• Star Ruby
• Cat's Eye Ruby
• Verneuil