Rubies are well known for their vivid red color. Let鈥檚 learn about the July birthstone. Here are some fun facts about the ruby gemstone.
What Is a ruby? Why Are Rubies Red?
Ruby gemstones are a variety of the mineral corundum. More specifically, they are the red variety, which is colored by chromium. Other colors of corundum are classified as sapphire.
The word 鈥渞uby鈥� comes from the Latin word 鈥渞uber鈥� for the red hue. All rubies are red, yet they can have orange, pink or purple tints.
How Are Rubies Made听or How Are Rubies Formed?
Like many gemstones, rubies are made under extreme heat and pressure below the earth. When compressed, oxygen and aluminum atoms turn into corundum. This mineral, along with the presence of chromium, creates rubies and their distinct hue. If ferric iron is also present, the ruby will be a shade of orange or pink.
Where Are Rubies Found in the World? Where Are Rubies Mined?
We all want to know: where do rubies come from?听The finest ruby gemstones come from Burma (Myanmar). They are also mined in Afghanistan, Australia, Cambodia, India, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam.
How Hard Are Rubies?
Another ruby听fact:听Ruby gemstones measure 9 on the Mohs scale. They are tough and durable, yet the chromium can cause cracks and fissures. Few rubies grow large enough to crystallize into fine quality gems鈥攖he value of these pieces can be even higher than diamonds.
One of the surprising facts about rubies is that their hardness comes in second place to diamonds. The diamond is the only natural gemstone harder than a ruby.
How Rare Are Rubies?
Rubies are one of the rarest gemstones. The rarest rubies come from Burma (Myanmar), due to their high quality and exceptional color. Good quality rubies larger than one carat are also extremely rare鈥攁nd expensive.
What Are Rubies Used For?
The most common use for rubies is jewelry鈥攕tunning jewelry! However, both natural and synthetic rubies are used in a variety of applications鈥攕uch as watchmaking, medical instruments, and lasers鈥攂ecause of their incredible strength and red fluorescence.
How Big Is The Largest Ruby?
The current titleholder of the largest ruby is the 125West Ruby. This unpolished rough-cut gemstone weighs 8.2 pounds/18,696 carats. The Liberty Bell Ruby is the largest mined ruby at 8,500 carats. It was carved and polished to resemble the actual Liberty Bell.
Other large rubies include the Neelanjali Ruby (1,370 carats); DeLong Star Ruby (100.32 carats); and the Midnight Star Ruby (116.75 carats).听
What Does a Ruby Symbolize?
Since ancient times, rubies have symbolized passion, protection, and wealth. Many cultures have strong ties to it being a symbol of love and commitment, making it a great gemstone for a wedding ring.
In modern times, ruby is the birthstone for July. It鈥檚 also the traditional gift for 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.
Where do you buy ruby jewelry?
What are these ruby fun facts all about? When it comes to buying ruby jewelry, no matter the occasion, you want to work with a trusted source. Explore beyond these ruby facts and find an 黑料老司机 jeweler near you.