Some facts about the Ruby Gemstone

The ruby has been one of the many treasured gemstones since ancient times.

This magnificent red colored gem was included with many of the prized jewels which were worn by kings and queens.

Princess Margaret’s engagement ring was a ruby and so was the engagement ring Prince Andrew gave Fergie, the Duchess of York .

The ruby stems from the mineral corundum.

Corundum is a very hard and colorless mineral which is a 9 on the Moh’s scale (the scale has numbers from 1-10 to measure the hardness of a mineral. The higher the number on the scale the harder the stone).

Corundum which has traces of chromium in it will be in the colors pink to red. Red corundum are known as rubies.

Rubies are valued for its color and the ones with an intense lush crimson color are the most sought after. Some gem traders check rubies for quality by holding the gem against the skylight during the midday.

Rubies which have a 6 ray star in its center are called star rubies. Silk, which is the needle insertions found in a ruby are responsible for producing the rays in the star ruby.

Common cuts used for the ruby are the oval cut, cushion cut and sometimes the round cut.

Rubies are sent through a heat process to improve its color and appearance.

The word ruby comes from the Latin word ‘ruber’ which means red and is claimed to be the birthstone of those born in July. It is also linked to the zodiac sign Cancer.

Rubies are believed by some to bring fame, prosperity, success and fortune to the one who wears it.

The ruby is also considered the ideal wedding gift for couples celebrating there 15th and 40th wedding anniversary

Burmese rubies are considered to be the best in the world although Sri lanka, Thailand and Madagascar are a few other places this brilliant gemstone is mined at.

Burma

Rubies are mainly mined in Mogok Burma. Burmese rubies which are extracted from the mines have tiny needle insertions called ‘silk.’ Once the gem has been cut the silk helps to reflect light into the gem bringing out the shine and brilliance of the gem. The Burmese ruby is also known as the pigeon blood ruby and is highly prized for its size and color.

The Ngamauk was the first highly valued and recognized Burmese ruby which was kept in the custody of the Burmese King Mindon Min. The ‘Peace Ruby’ was another highly prized gem discovered years later which weighed more than twenty carats.

© 2012 Suranee Perera