RUBY

The most renowned and storied red gemstone, ruby is defined by its vivid red hue. In addition to its vivid hue, this gem is highly prized for its hardness, longevity, brilliance, and rarity. Large transparent rubies are even more uncommon than diamonds. The red variant of the mineral corundum is called ruby. Except from red, all of the hues of corundum are represented by sapphire, the other gem variant of the mineral. As Ruby and Sapphire are equal in all regards but color, Ruby can be seen of as a red Sapphire. Yet, because to its unique appeal and historical significance, Ruby has never been classed as a variety of Sapphire and has always been considered a separate gemstone. A ruby's quality is defined by its color, cut, and clarity, which also have an impact on its value together with the stone's carat weight. Blood-red or pigeon blood, the most vivid and expensive hue of red, fetches a significant premium above other rubies of comparable grade. Following color is clarity; comparable to diamonds, a clear stone will be more expensive, but the absence of needle-like rutile inclusions in a ruby may be a sign that it has been treated. The traditional birthstone for July is the ruby, which is often pinker than garnet, however certain rhodolite garnets have a pinkish tint that is comparable to that of most rubies.

Ruby's hues span from vivid red to deep reddish-brown. The most popular shade is a dark blood red with a little blue undertone. The "Burmese Ruby" or "Pigeon's Blood Ruby" is one such ruby. Burmese rubies are known for their exquisite coloration and historically have yielded the best rubies. Nonetheless, Burma rubies seldom weigh more than a few carats; huge, immaculate Burmese rubies can be quite expensive. Many of the rubies on the market come from Thailand, and although they may frequently be heated to improve color, they have a less attractive brownish tone. A Ruby's transparency can be improved by heat treatment by eliminating minute internal defects. 

Ruby polished gems with parallel, small, thin rutile needle inclusions display asterism. A "Star Ruby" is a ruby that exhibits asterism; if it is translucent, it may be quite valuable. Although twelve ray stars are also known, six ray stars are where star rubies may be found. For rubies to have gem value, they must be transparent. Even if they exhibit asterism, opaque or semi-opaque Rubies are not very valuable.

The same rutile inclusions that induce asterism in some rubies may also reduce transparency and provide a hazy, silk-like look. Although though ruby is one of the most precious gemstones, it also exists in less attractive, more affordable opaque forms that are frequently polished into cabochons. Well-known from Tanzania, this unusual gemstone may be carved into decorations and is used as a minor gemstone. It is formed of opaque red Ruby in contrasting green Zoisite.

Usually, tiny chromium metal impurities give rubies their color. These impurities frequently result in a Ruby fluorescing, which can be useful for identifying it. Ruby is pleochroic as well, and depending on the angle from which it is seen, it can occasionally show a brighter and more vivid hue.

The only other naturally occurring gem that is tougher than Ruby is Diamond. Ruby is a strong and resilient jewel. Ruby is still vulnerable to chipping and fracture if handled harshly, thus caution should be exercised to guarantee correct handling.

In 1902, ruby was first synthesized. The Verneuil process is the method used to produce synthetic ruby. Only professionals are able to differentiate between real Ruby and lab-created, synthetic Ruby.