Ruby – The King of Red Gemstones with Unrivalled Power & Historical Significance

Ruby is one of the world's most famous gemstones – a symbol of passion, courage, and royal power. Its deep red color, combined with enormous hardness and rare purity, has made it one of the most valuable colored gemstones for millennia.

Whether it's a vibrant "Pigeon Blood Red," an intense purplish-red, or a classic pinkish-red: Ruby possesses a majestic radiance that makes it a timeless classic in jewelry and collections.

 

Directly to our Ruby Gemstones in the shop

 

What is Ruby?

  • Ruby is the red variety of the mineral Corundum.
  • Chemical composition: Aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃).
  • The red color is caused by Chromium.

Important: Only red corundums are called ruby – all other colors are sapphire.

 

Special Characteristics of Ruby

Ruby is one of the most precious gemstones of all – especially in high clarity and intense color.

  • Iconic red color – from lively to deep, almost royal
  • Extreme hardness (Mohs 9) – one of the hardest gemstones after diamond
  • High brilliance
  • Rarity of high-quality stones
  • Fluorescence – Chromium-containing rubies often glow under UV light
  • Typical silk & inclusions – add character and can increase value

 

Colors & Varieties of Ruby

Rubies display a fascinating palette of natural red hues:

  • Pigeon Blood Ruby
    The most coveted hue. Pure, vibrant red with a slight bluish undertone. Extremely rare – top quality.
  • Vivid Red Ruby
    Intense, brilliant red – very valuable.
  • Purplish Red Ruby
    Reddish-violet tones, particularly attractive from Africa & Myanmar.
  • Pinkish Ruby
    Borderline between pink sapphire and ruby. Popular due to its delicate coloration.
  • Star Ruby
    Very rare. Silky inclusions create a star-shaped asterism.

 

Origin of Important Rubies

Today, Mozambique and Myanmar are among the most important sources for top material. Some of the most famous rubies come from:

  • Myanmar (Mogok & Mong Hsu)
    Historically the best source for Pigeon Blood Rubies.
  • Mozambique
    Modern top quality with intense red tones.
  • Thailand
    Darker, intensely saturated rubies.
  • Tanzania (Winza, Longido)
    Vibrant, clear red tones.
  • Afghanistan & Tajikistan
    Pure, slightly purplish-red qualities.
  • Sri Lanka
    Lighter, delicate red varieties.

 

Ruby Treatment

Rubies are often treated to improve color or clarity. Untreated rubies are extremely rare → particularly valuable.

Typical treatments:

  • Heat treatment (heating) → standard, accepted
  • Fracture-filling (glass filling) → common in cheaper stones
  • Diffusion treatment → rare, but less valued

 

Value Factors of Ruby

1. Color

The most important factor.

  • Pigeon Blood → highest prices
  • pure, intense red → highly sought after
  • too dark or too pink → lower value

2. Clarity

Rubies almost always have inclusions.

  • slight silk → typical & accepted
  • eye-clean → very rare & high-priced
  • large cracks → devalue the stone

3. Cut

A good cut improves:

  • light reflections
  • color saturation
  • symmetry

4. Size

Rubies are extremely rare in large sizes.

  • over 1 ct → high price range
  • over 3 ct → rare
  • over 5 ct in top quality → absolute collector's rarity

 

Is Ruby a Good Gemstone for Collectors?

Yes – Ruby is one of the most stable-value colored gemstones in the world. Ruby is a must-have in any high-quality gemstone collection.

Advantages:

  • iconic, unmistakable color
  • extreme rarity
  • strong price development for top qualities
  • high emotional & historical value
  • international demand

 

Ruby in Macro Art

Under the macro lens, ruby shows impressive effects:

  • vibrant, inner glow (chromium fluorescence)
  • fine silk structures
  • deep red color clouds
  • shimmering lines & reflections
  • in star rubies: distinct asterism

For macro artworks (acrylic, aluminum, 3D), ruby is a particularly dramatic stone – intense, powerful, emotional.

 

Ruby Care

Ruby is very hard, but inclusions can be delicate.

Tips:

  • no ultrasonic cleaner for filled stones
  • do not wear jewelry during sports
  • mild soapy water & lukewarm water
  • store separately to avoid scratching other stones
  • avoid strong heat (especially for filled rubies)

 

Conclusion – A Majestic Gemstone Full of Power, Fire & Historical Significance

A gemstone full of energy, elegance, and royal history. Ruby is ideal for people who:

  • love deep, passionate red tones
  • collect stable-value & rare gemstones
  • prefer luxurious jewelry stones
  • appreciate gemstones with millennia-old symbolism

👉 Discover our carefully selected Ruby Gemstones in the shop.
👉 Upon request, we can also create macro artworks from your ruby.