Ruby – the king of precious stones. The most important of the gem families, corundum provides us with two of the best-known stones: ruby and sapphire. Today we are going to reveal the secrets of Ruby. Durability and versatility of this material makes it very popular and expensive. Unfortunately the task of buying good quality ruby is quite difficult and sometimes risky as synthetic imitations are complicating the decision.
It is important to know that the vast majority of corundum is enhanced in one way or the other. Since the 1960s, heat treatment has been a common practice. Sadly for those on a budget, natural untreated rubies have a significant price point.
Ruby – the king of precious stones
The name ruby comes from the Latin ruber, meaning ‘red’. In Sanskrit, ruby is known as ratnaraj, ‘king of precious stones’. Ruby is corundum that has a purplish-bluish red to yellow-red colour. The finest colour is pure red with a hint of blue. Burmese ‘pigeon’s blood’ rubies possess this fine colour and are the most sought after and expensive of rubies. Vietnam and Tanzania have rubies of similar colour to the pure red of Burmese rubies. The colour of ruby can be slightly uneven and it is normal for them to have minor inclusions, such as minerals, growth structures, canals and cavities.
Pricing
The price of ruby depends on the colour, clarity, size, cut and proportions. It is better to viewed rubies in different light conditions as the spotlights in a shop make the colour intense and ‘hot’, while daylight cools the colour down. Sometimes dark stones can be almost black in glowing light conditions.
Origin has a direct impact on price. If you are planning to buy an expensive natural ruby, it is important to obtain a laboratory report before buying the item.
Ruby in Traditions
In classical antiquity rubies were to banish sorrow, constrain lust, and withstand poison. In later times, as a ‘blood-coloured stone, doctors were using ruby in the preparation of medicines to stop bleeding.
Ruby also had an important symbolic meaning in Islam. When Adam arrived to Mecca after his expulsion from paradise, he was shown a ruby canopy under which a glowing stone (meteorite) was laying. Later on he started building Kaaba, now the main Muslim shrine, over it.
The Old Testament of the Bible mentions ruby many times in the Book of Exodus, and many times in the Book of Proverbs, as well as various other times. Though it is not certain that the Biblical words mean ‘ruby’ as distinct from other jewels.
An early recorded transport and trading of rubies arises in the literature on the North Silk Road of China, wherein about 200 BC. The merchants were carrying rubies along this ancient trackway moving westward from China.
Last but not least ruby is the associated gemstone of July. Hot as the Summer, glowing like the Sun. Love the red colour of ruby.
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