Ruby Gemstones: Learn What Makes Rubies So Special

Rubies are most often used in jewelry and other decorative items, and set in gold, silver, or platinum. Rubies are popular because they are a rare and valuable gemstone that is highly sought after for their deep red color and hardness. Of the three colored gemstones - rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, rubies often fetch the highest sales price.

Rubies are said to bring good luck and prosperity to those who wear them, and it is the birthstone for July birthdays. The name ruby comes from the Latin word luber, which means red. It is believed that the name ruby was given to the gemstone because of its deep red color.

The oldest historical record of humans using rubies is from the ancient Sanskrit text, the Ramayana. The text mentions a ruby necklace that was gifted to Sita, the wife of the Hindu god Rama, by her father. This ruby necklace is believed to have been a symbol of her purity and devotion to her husband.

Properties Of Rubies

Rubies score a 9 out of 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, which is used to measure the hardness of minerals. The scale runs from 1 (the softest) to 10 (the hardest). Diamonds are the hardest mineral, scoring a 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale.

Rubies are formed over millions of years under extreme heat and pressure below the earth. Oxygen and aluminum atoms turn into corundum, which creates rubies when in the presence of chromium.

Rubies' color can vary from a deep, dark red to light pink. Chromium imparts a pinkish hue to the gemstone, and the more chromium present, the more intense the color. Rubies created with ferric iron present result in a shade of orange or pink.

The corundum mineral family is a group of minerals also includes sapphires, emery, and spinel. Corundum minerals are very hard, with a Mohs hardness of 9, and are used in jewelry, abrasives, and industrial applications.

Rubies are heat-treated because the heat helps to improve the clarity and color of the gemstone. Heat treatment is a common practice used to enhance the color and clarity of many gemstones, including rubies. The process involves heating the ruby to a very high temperature, which can cause the color to become more intense and the clarity to improve.

Rubies are usually cut in the shape of an oval, round, cushion, emerald, marquise, pear, or heart.

Valuable Rubies

The value of rubies depends on the quality, size, color, and origin of the ruby. The most valuable rubies are those that are a deep, vivid red color with few inclusions and come from Myanmar. Other factors that affect the value of a ruby include the cut, carat weight, and clarity.

The rarest rubies are those that have a vivid, intense red color and high clarity. These rare rubies are often referred to as pigeons blood rubies due to their intense red hue. Pigeons blood rubies are very valuable, and they are typically found in Myanmar, Thailand, and Afghanistan.

Ruby Origins

Rubies are mined in a variety of countries around the world, including:

• Australia
• Brazil
• India
• Madagascar
• Myanmar
• Namibia
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Russia
• Sri Lanka
• Tanzania
• Thailand
• United States

Selling Rubies At Pawn Shops

Most jewelry pawn shops accept loose ruby gemstones and ruby jewelry. You should always research your ruby jewelry before taking it to the pawn shop and bring all documents and paperwork related to the gemstone. Pawnbrokers will verify the authenticity of the gemstone at the pawn shop.

Safe Ways To Clean Your Ruby Jewelry

1. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe away dirt and dust.
2. Use a mild detergent and warm water to clean your rubies. Make sure to rinse them thoroughly and dry them with a soft cloth.
3. Take your rubies to a pawn shop or professional jeweler. Often they will clean your jewelry for free. Professionals use special tools and techniques to ensure your rubies are sparkling and clean.