What Color Is A Ruby

Physical Characteristics of Rubies

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Unlock the mystery of rubies! Discover their physical features. Learn about their formation, where they are found, and their color range. We’ll explore the mineralogy, origin, deposits, and what each shade of ruby stands for. Get ready to be dazzled by the spectrum of ruby color variations!

Formation and Geographical Distribution

Rubies are precious gemstones and have a fascinating history of mineralogy and origin. Geographically, rubies are found in several deposits across the world. These natural formations result from various geological processes that occur over millions of years.

The following table outlines where rubies are commonly found and their geological formation:

It is interesting to note that each ruby deposit has its unique mineral composition, affecting the ruby’s color hue.

Overall, it is essential to factor geographical origin while grading rubies as it affects their value. In summary, understanding the mineralogy and origin of a ruby can provide significant insights into its value proposition.

Not all rubies are red, but they’re still valuable. Shades vary from pink to brown to even black, but each holds its own symbolism and meaning.

Ruby Color Variations

Rubies, being among the most precious gemstones in the world, are loved and recognized for their natural color variations. The variations in shades of ruby colors are due to trace elements present during the crystal’s formation. The following table shows the different variations in shades of ruby colors:

| Color Variation | Description |
| ————– | ———– |
| Pigeon Blood | Dark red with a blue tint is considered the most valuable and rarest Ruby color |
| Burmese Ruby | Deep red with an undertone of blue is another widely recognized color variation |
| Star Ruby | Exhibits a six-pointed star-shaped light reflection and comes in various shades of pink or purple-red colors |
| Pinkish Red Ruby | A soft pink-red hue that is commonly found but still sought after for its beauty |

Apart from adding to their aesthetic appeal, each ruby color also carries symbolism and meaning. Pigeon Blood rubies signify passion and love, while Burmese rubies are believed to bring good luck and wealth. Similarly, Star rubies symbolize hope, whereas Pinkish Red rubies represent sensuality and femininity.

To appreciate the value of a ruby piece better, understanding these unique color attributes is essential. Rubies: where crystal structure, refractive index, and trace elements come together for a fiery show.

Chemical Composition of Rubies

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Unlock the chemical secret of rubies! Their color is a puzzle. Crystal lattice and refraction of light shape the crystal structure and refractive index. Chromium, iron, and titanium influence the color. We will investigate these areas in this section.

Crystal Structure and Refractive Index

The arrangement of atoms in a ruby’s crystal lattice determines its refractive index, which is the degree and direction of the bending of light as it passes through the material. The higher the refractive index, the greater the amount of light that is reflected back to observers. This is what gives rubies their characteristic intense red hue. In addition, crystal defects and impurities can also affect their refractive index, leading to color variations such as pink or purplish-red hues.

Interestingly, some rubies exhibit asterism—a phenomenon where silky inclusions cause a star-like pattern to appear on their surface when they are cut en cabochon (a gem-cutting technique). These stars have six rays that also split into each other due to birefringence caused by these inclusions.

Internationally renowned gemologist Richard Hughes shares an account from a Burmese legend about how “the king of upper Burma offered his weight in rubies to the British if he could jump across a stream on horseback.” Although we don’t condone jeopardizing one’s life for precious gems, this story underscores just how highly valued and sought-after rubies have been throughout history!

A dash of chromium here, a sprinkle of iron there, and voila—the perfect ruby hue!

Trace Elements and their Effect on Ruby Color

The chemistry of rubies is affected by the presence of various trace elements, mainly chromium, iron, and titanium. These elements influence the characteristic hue seen in rubies.

Ruby’s color variation is not solely dependent on these trace elements but serves as a key factor influencing their characteristic hues.

To enhance ruby’s rich red hue, jewelers suggest exposing it to heat treatment to reduce colored impurities. This process changes the arrangement of atoms in the crystal lattice structure by redistributing electrons and altering how they absorb and reflect light.

Grading rubies is like rating people: color, clarity, and size matter.

Ruby Grading and Value

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Want to know the value of a ruby? Various factors affect its worth. Our section on ruby grading and value will point you in the right direction. It has sub-sections on factors that impact ruby value. Plus, the ruby color scale and grading process. Learn about color, clarity, cut, carat weight. And GIA and AGS grading processes used to measure a ruby’s worth.

Factors that Affect Ruby Value

Various facets come into play when determining the value of rubies. Factors such as color, clarity, cut, and carat weight are critical determinants in deciding how much a ruby is worth. Discussed below are the key components that contribute towards defining the monetary worth of rubies:

Ascertaining a ruby’s value may require professional assistance due to specific nuances that pervade each gemstone—factors not captured by lab-grown synthetic rubies– factors that may increase its desirability among collectors willing to pay high prices for rare discovers.

Pro Tip: It’s always wise to trust only credentialed labs for authentication of canary-colored synthetic gems masquerading exploitations – it can save your reputation. Even the GIA and AGS can’t deny that a ruby’s worth is all in its color and clarity evaluation.

Ruby Color Scale and Grading Process

The evaluation of a ruby’s color and its grading is an essential part of determining the value of this precious gemstone. Understanding how rubies are graded can help buyers make informed purchases. Here is a breakdown of the Ruby Certification Process, as per GIA and AGS:

Color Characteristics | Scale

The following factors influence the overall grading:

• Hue Type: Only Burmese Rubies receive the finest classifications for their color.
• Tone Level: The balance between lightness and darkness influences the grade (e.g., too dark can affect clarity).
• Saturation: Refers to the intensity or vividness of color in a ruby.

Rubies must be examined under controlled lighting conditions to be properly graded. The process evaluates all parts of a ruby with close attention paid to its surface on multiple angles under magnification lenses.

A general observation may result in three distinct gems placed into four different categories:

• Commercial Grade: Low-quality rubies with poor color tone and minimal saturation
• Fine Quality: Rubies with intense red colors, minimal elements such as spots/inclusions on most areas
• A Rare or Collectible Category exists outside of these parameters due to unique faceting or unusual source locations

In summary, when evaluating a ruby’s beauty, it’s combination with clarity evaluations leads to identifying exceptional stones that can carry a higher value over other typical specimens.
Real or fake? Identifying synthetic rubies is like playing a game of ‘spot the difference’ with expensive stones.

Synthetic Rubies

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To comprehend production and spotting of synthetic rubies, you require a more thorough examination of flame fusion, hydrothermal synthesis and flux growth techniques. As explained in the sub-section “How Synthetic Rubies are Made”. Moreover, optical features, inclusions, and treatment choices must be investigated to recognize synthetic rubies. As mentioned in “How to Identify Synthetic Rubies”.

How Synthetic Rubies are Made

In the realm of gemstones, synthetic rubies have gained popularity due to their affordability and availability. The process of producing these artificial stones involves various techniques including flame fusion, hydrothermal synthesis, and flux growth.

• The flame fusion method creates synthetic rubies by melting powdered aluminum oxide and chromium under high temperature conditions.
• Hydrothermal synthesis involves growing crystals in a water-based solution with aluminum oxide as the source material.
• Flux growth is another technique that utilizes a molten mixture of different elements to grow ruby crystals.

Synthetic rubies can be identified through various means such as the presence of gas bubbles or color zoning, smaller size than natural rubies, and the absence of certain impurities found in natural gems. However, with advancements in technology, it has become increasingly difficult to distinguish between synthetic and natural rubies.

In addition to cheaper production costs, synthetic rubies are preferred by jewelers due to their uniformity in color and clarity. Despite being less valuable than natural rubies, they still hold significant worth both as jewelry pieces and in industrial applications.

An interesting fact about synthetic rubies is that they were first produced as early as 1902 using the flame fusion method by Auguste Verneuil. To this day, Verneuil’s method remains one of the most commonly used processes for creating synthetic ruby gemstones.

Identifying synthetic rubies is easy, just look for the lack of natural flaws or optical properties that are too perfect – it’s like finding a flawless politician.

How to Identify Synthetic Rubies

To distinguish between natural and synthetic rubies, jewelers and gemologists use a variety of methods. One of the most common methods is to examine the stone’s optical properties, inclusions and treatment. With their growing popularity, it is necessary to educate customers about identifying them with ease.

Below are six steps to help identify synthetic rubies:

1. Examine the color: Synthetic rubies typically have a very saturated red color that looks unnatural.
2. Check for inclusions: Synthetic rubies usually have fewer inclusions than natural ones.
3. Observe the cut: Synthetic rubies often have less precise cuts compared to natural ones.
4. Conduct a hardness test: Natural rubies are harder than synthetic ones, which means that they will not scratch as easily.
5. Use a magnifying glass or microscope: Look for gas bubbles or curved lines within the stones, which are telltale signs of synthetic gems.
6. Consult an expert: Seek guidance from certified gemologists to differentiate between synthetics and naturals more accurately.

It is also important to note that some manufacturers may treat synthetic rubies with heat or other methods to alter their appearance, so always be wary of any unusual coloring or surface features on your gemstone.

According to GIA research, nearly 70% of ruby sold worldwide are either treated, synthesized or imitation.

FAQs about What Color Is A Ruby

What color is a ruby?

A ruby is typically known for its deep red color, but it can also range in shades from pink to blood-red to purplish-red. This color is due to the presence of the mineral chromium within the gemstone.

Are there any other colors of ruby besides red?

While red is the traditional and most popular color for rubies, they can also be found in shades of pink, orange, yellow, brown, and even green. However, these colors are typically less valuable than the classic red shade.

What is the most valuable color of ruby?

The most valuable color of ruby is considered to be a deep, rich red with a slightly bluish hue, known as pigeon’s blood. Stones with this color are highly sought after and can command very high prices, particularly in larger sizes.

Can rubies be color-treated?

Yes, rubies can be treated to enhance or change their color. One common treatment involves heating the stone to a high temperature to bring out its natural red color. However, it is important to note that color-treated rubies are typically less valuable than untreated stones.

What is the difference between a ruby and a pink sapphire?

The difference between a ruby and a pink sapphire is primarily in their color. Rubies are shades of red while pink sapphires are shades of pink. However, there is no clear distinction between the two and some gemstone dealers may classify a pink sapphire as a ruby.

What is the symbolic meaning of a ruby’s color?

The deep red color of a ruby has been associated with passion, love, and power throughout history and across many different cultures. It is also the birthstone for the month of July and is often given as a gift to celebrate 40th wedding anniversaries.