Rubies
What are Rubies?
Rubies are over 500 million years old and rank among the world’s most precious gemstones – large natural rubies frequently cost more per carat than colourless diamonds.
The word ruby comes from ruber, Latin for red. Rubies vary in colour from purplish red to orangy red. Rubies and sapphires share the same characteristics, crystal structure and chemical composition. They only differ in the trace element, chromium, from which rubies get their colour.
How are Rubies Formed?
What is inside a Ruby?
Inclusions help gemmologists to understand the place of origin, and distinguish between natural, synthetic and treated gemstones.
Choices When Buying Rubies…
Did You Know?
Mozambican rubies are over 500 million years old and far rarer than colourless diamonds
Rubies vary in colour from purplish to orangy red. A pure vibrant red is said to be the most desirable
Rubies achieve the highest price per carat at auction compared to all other gemstones (excluding coloured diamonds)
Rubies and sapphires both belong to the family of gemstones known as corundum: ruby is the only red variety; any other colour is a sapphire
North-eastern Mozambique yields some of the world’s most outstanding rubies
Gemmologists can distinguish between natural and synthetic rubies based on the type of inclusions that are present
On the Mohs scale of hardness, ruby is second only to diamond
Since ancient times, rubies have been associated with passion, prosperity and protection