- Rubies, one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world, have captivated civilizations for centuries with their deep red hue and remarkable hardness. Known as the "King of Gems," rubies belong to the corundum family and owe their striking red color to the presence of chromium. In this detailed guide, we will explore the different types of rubies and Types of Rubie, their origins, qualities, and factors that influence their value.
Natural Rubies
Natural rubies are mined from the earth and are the most valuable type. These rubies are prized for their authenticity, rarity, and unique inclusions, which often indicate their origin. Some of the world's most famous ruby mines are located in Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique.
Burmese Rubies (Myanmar Rubies)
Burmese rubies are widely considered the finest rubies due to their deep red color, often described as "pigeonÕs blood." These rubies come from MyanmarÕs Mogok Valley and have minimal iron content, making them exceptionally vivid and fluorescent under UV light. Due to their unparalleled quality, Burmese rubies command the highest prices in the market.
Thai Rubies
Thailand has been a significant source of rubies, particularly from the Chanthaburi and Trat regions. Thai rubies tend to have a darker, brownish-red hue due to higher iron content. Although they are not as bright as Burmese rubies, they are still highly valued in the jewelry market.
Sri Lankan (Ceylon) Rubies
Sri Lanka is known for producing lighter-colored rubies with pinkish undertones. While these rubies may not have the intense redness of Burmese varieties, their unique color and excellent clarity make them desirable to collectors and jewelers.
Mozambique Rubies
Mozambique has emerged as a leading source of high-quality rubies in recent years. These rubies exhibit deep red hues similar to Burmese rubies but at a more affordable price. Mozambique rubies are highly regarded for their purity and minimal treatment requirements.
Afghan Rubies
Rubies from Afghanistan are rare but highly valued. They originate from the Jegdalek mines and possess a beautiful red hue, often with silk-like inclusions that enhance their natural beauty.
Treated Rubies
Due to the high demand for rubies, various treatments are applied to enhance their color, clarity, and overall appearance. Treated rubies are generally more affordable than untreated natural rubies.
Heat-Treated Rubies
The most common enhancement method is heat treatment, which improves color and removes inclusions. This process has been used for centuries and is widely accepted in the gemstone industry.
Lead Glass-Filled Rubies
Lead glass filling is a modern technique that involves injecting fractures in lower-quality rubies with a lead-based glass substance. This treatment significantly improves transparency and color but reduces durability.
Flux-Healed Rubies
Flux healing involves the introduction of a chemical flux during heating, which helps repair fractures in rubies. This treatment enhances clarity and makes the gemstone more visually appealing.
Diffusion-Treated Rubies
Diffusion treatment involves adding elements like beryllium to enhance color saturation. However, since the treatment only affects the surface, any scratches or re-cutting can diminish its effectiveness.
Synthetic Rubies
Synthetic rubies are man-made in laboratories but possess the same chemical composition and physical properties as natural rubies. They are a more affordable alternative for jewelry and industrial applications.
Flame-Fusion Rubies
Also known as Verneuil rubies, these are the oldest type of synthetic rubies created using the flame-fusion method. They are widely used in affordable jewelry.
Flux-Grown Rubies
Flux-grown rubies closely resemble natural rubies and are created by dissolving aluminum oxide in a flux solution. These synthetic rubies are highly sought after due to their near-natural appearance.
Hydrothermal Rubies
Hydrothermal rubies are grown in a water-based solution under high pressure, making them one of the most realistic alternatives to natural rubies.
Imitation Rubies
Imitation rubies are not true rubies but are designed to look like them. They are usually made from materials such as glass, garnet, or spinel. While they lack the properties of real rubies, they are an inexpensive alternative for decorative use.
Red Spinel
Red spinel is often mistaken for ruby due to its similar color. However, spinel has different optical and physical properties, making it distinguishable under magnification.
Garnet Doublets
Some imitation rubies are made by fusing red garnet with glass. These doublets mimic the appearance of rubies but can be identified by their layering.
Glass Rubies
Glass rubies are the cheapest imitation and are often used in costume jewelry. They lack the hardness and brilliance of real rubies and are prone to scratches and damage.
Factors That Influence Ruby Value
Several factors determine the worth of a ruby, including:
Color: The most desirable rubies exhibit a vivid, deep red color known as ÒpigeonÕs blood.Ó
Clarity: Rubies with minimal inclusions are rare and more valuable.
Cut: A well-cut ruby maximizes brilliance and enhances the stoneÕs overall appeal.
Carat Weight: Larger rubies are rarer and command higher prices.
Origin: Burmese rubies often fetch the highest prices due to their superior quality.
