Ruby
Diamonds might be forever, but rubies are for lovers.
Long renowned as symbols of love, rubies are a red form of the mineral corundum, in which color is caused mainly by chromium but also by traces of iron, titanium, or vanadium. In addition to their color, rubies are highly desired for their hardness, durability, and luster.
Rubies are one of two versions of corundum, sapphires being the other. While rubies are only red, sapphires can be almost any color. The two are identical in all other properties.
Corundum rates a 9 on the Mohs scale for hardness. The scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the hardest. Diamonds rank 10th on the scale. The hardness of a mineral, however, has nothing to do with its toughness.
In other words, just because a mineral is hard doesn’t mean it isn’t resistant to breaking when given enough pressure. Hardness does, however, relate to how resistant a mineral is to scratching.
Rubies Around the World
Rubies can be found all over the world, but the best deposits are in Africa and Asia, most notably in Thailand, Burma, India, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka. Burmese rubies, although rarely larger than a few carats, are known for their exceptional color, a deep red with a blue hue. Most rubies come from Thailand and have a slight brown hue.
Value
The value of rubies is determined by their color, clarity, cut, and size. The fewer and smaller the size of imperfections in a ruby, the more it is worth. Rubies without any imperfections are likely artificial.
Synthetic rubies, first manufactured in 1902, were actually used in the first laser made for scientific purposes; but improvements in science have replaced the need for rubies in such practices.
Rubies are the birthstone of July and wearing the gemstone is said to bring the wearer wealth and prosperity. Someone who wears a blemished version of a ruby is expected to face trouble. By Jon Page
