Ruby

Ruby – what kind of mineral is it? What makes it special?

The ruby is one of the oldest and most valuable gemstones in the world. It is one of the most well-known varieties of corundum, a mineral composed of aluminum oxide. The name ruby comes from the Latin word "rubeus", meaning red.

This designation is very fitting because this gemstone is characterized by its red or pink coloration. Why does the ruby have this color if corundum is colorless? It's due to the addition of chromium – the more chromium, the more vivid the stone's color. Rubies often also contain traces of iron, which gives the mineral a darker shade.

What does a ruby look like?

Wondering what does a ruby looks like? The colors range from light to intense pink, but that's not its only distinctive feature. These minerals can have varying levels of transparency – you'll find clear, almost transparent natural stones, as well as specimens with inclusions. Individual rubies also differ in size: the largest of these minerals weigh several hundred carats, but much more commonly, small stones weighing less than 1 carat are found.

How can you recognize a ruby? This stone has a characteristic luster. Its surface is shiny and smooth. Among other minerals, it also stands out with its beautiful, crystalline structure. Pay attention to these features to check if the ruby is genuine. You can also perform a simple test: hold the stone between your fingers and try to scratch its surface with your fingernail. If a scratch appears, you are dealing with a ruby imitation because real rubies are hard, durable, and resistant to damage.

One more tip: find out how much a ruby costs. The price per carat of the most expensive minerals of this type can reach up to one hundred thousand dollars. However, you can find much cheaper specimens. In our online store, you can buy natural rubies starting from 6 EUR.

Ruby – properties

• High hardness.

As we mentioned, the ruby is one of the hardest gemstones. On the Mohs scale, it scores 9 out of 10 points! This means it is exceptionally scratch-resistant and very durable.

• Distinctive color.

Light pink, blood red, burgundy ruby? The color of this mineral is one of its characteristic features, and the intensity of the coloration depends primarily on the amount of chromium in its composition.

• Polarization.

Ruby is a gemstone that is doubly refractive, meaning it can split light rays.

Where is ruby used? A gemstone with wide applications

• Jewelry

It would be a shame not to use beautiful, intensely red stones to make jewelry. In its simplest form, a natural, drilled crystal can be hung on a chain and worn as a necklace. Jewelers also use rubies to create bracelets, rings, and earrings.

• Interior Decorations.

Red and pink rubies are used in decorating homes, apartments, offices, beauty salons, or SPA centers. Simply placing such a crystal on a shelf, dresser, or display case can make the interior appear not only more elegant but also luxurious.

Natural rubies and imitation stones – Gemsonyx online store offer

Want to buy a natural ruby? Check out the gemstones we offer in this section. Irregular shapes, various sizes, shades of red and pink – in the Gemsonyx online store, you'll find beautiful and original ruby specimens. We offer raw chunks and polished crystals. Browse them all and choose the ones you like the most!