Property | Description |
Formula | Al2O3 |
Impurity | Cr |
Hardness | 9 |
Density | 3.99-4.10 g/cm³ |
Refractive index | 1,763-1,772 |
Kink | Conchoidal |
singonia | Trigonal |
Cleavage | Imperfect |
Shine | Glass |
Transparency | Transparent |
Color | Red, red-brown, red-purple, red-pink. |
Colors and varieties
The main color of the mineral is blood red. The stone can also be fiery crimson, red-brown, yellowish-red, red-pink. The most valuable gem is one that has bluish or purple hues, the so-called “pigeon’s blood” colored stone.
Uncut ruby
Ruby is very close in composition to sapphire, which is also corundum (aluminum oxide), but does not have such a rich range of colors as its relative, therefore, if suddenly someone somewhere hears about a pink or green ruby, then most likely , we will talk specifically about sapphire. However, pink ruby still exists. This is a young natural gem of light pink or lilac shades.
Pink ruby ring
A star ruby is essentially a sapphire and can be any color. Its value lies in the shining six-rayed star located in the center of the processed stone.
Star ruby
A variety of ruby is anionite, a unique rock consisting of green cyosite with inclusions of dark pink or dark red ruby. The mineral is valued due to its amazing pattern, as well as the combination of colors created by the two rocks in this beautiful creation, the cost of which is very high.
Aniolite
The color and quality of a ruby depend on its deposit.
Description of the stone
Ruby is a top class gemstone. Its color is due to impurities of aluminum and chromium. The more impurities, the richer the red color. The best rubies are those from Burma and Thailand. These are some of the most expensive jewelry gems.
Ancient legends say that the gem is soaked in the blood of a dragon, which is why it has a bright red color and high hardness. In Rus', ruby was believed to be a means of driving away spirits and nightmares.
A real high quality mineral looks like this:
- transparent;
- different shades of red;
- brilliant;
- smooth;
- heavy.
Crystals, even untreated, have the correct shape of a prism or cylinder. A natural ruby may be of low quality, in which case it is considered an ornamental one. The value of the stone is not only jewelry, but also industrial. Minerals such as garnet and red spinel are similar to ruby. But unlike him, they are not precious.
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Varieties and colors
The classic color of the mineral is red. However, there are stones of other shades, sometimes not even red:
- pink - found on the island of Sri Lanka;
- purple - called “pigeon blood”;
- dark, closer to brown, mined in Thailand.
The mineral does not have any other colors. The black stone, which has characteristics similar to ruby, is a type of spinel and is very rare. Green, blue and blue gems are the same group of corundum, but they are called sapphires and have differences in chemical composition.
Star gems are of high value - a six-pointed star formed by rutile inclusions is clearly visible inside them. Opaque crystals are valued much lower. Before making jewelry, they are subjected to heat treatment.
In addition to watching the video about the stone:
Place of Birth
Raw ruby crystal, length about 2 cm.
Apart from Antarctica, ruby is found on all continents.
The main ruby exporting countries are Myanmar, Thailand and Sri Lanka. Rubies from East Africa, from countries such as Kenya and Tanzania, are also in demand.
Since ancient times it has been mined in the Pamirs (Snezhnoye deposit in Tajikistan).
In Russia it does not form independent deposits, but is found only as a rare associated material in corundum deposits: the Southern Urals (Marble Log), Northern Karelia (Hit-Ostrov), the Kola Peninsula (Mount Peruselka), the Polar Urals (Rai-Iz).
Magical properties of ruby
Star Ruby Jewelry
This red gem is a stone of power. It has always been worn by people who have reached a high position, on whom the position of other people depends.
Esotericists have long believed that the magic of a ruby does not change a person. It only strengthens his character traits - both good and bad. Here the meaning of the stone is to be a catalyst for human qualities.
Therefore, a person with evil thoughts should not wear items made of red ruby. In this regard, the stone is “unprincipled”; it always indulges the passions of its owner. Whether it’s passionate love or the same passionate desire to ruin a rival by any means, to harm a rival... It’s better not to wish harm on your neighbors (and those far away too).
- Ruby is a stone of brilliance and vanity, pride and creative success.
- But these magical properties of the stone can energetically devastate the owner.
- Active, energetic people will find a harmonious ally in the gem.
- Ruby, its fiery color carries the symbolism of love, passion and fidelity.
- The magical properties of ruby protect the owner of the stone from evil forces and from astral attacks.
- If the color or shine of a gem has changed, this means you should be wary. These are signs of possible danger.
- Dedicated magicians love ruby - the stone gives them strength and power over the lower astral plane.
- Fire is the element of ruby. And the flames of passions are subject to the flame-colored stone.
- It is important to know that ruby is a symbol of love, but carnal love.
This is interesting!
Some esotericists believe that the property of ruby (lonely) is to attract loneliness. That is why it is recommended to wear rubies in pairs.
All properties apply only to real gems.
What zodiac sign is it suitable for?
Your zodiac sign will help you determine who a ruby is suitable for. Stars greatly influence fate and protect people; many magic stones have a close connection with them. The influence of stars and stones intertwine and reinforce each other, allowing a person to achieve more. Knowing which sign the stone most favors in terms of its properties will help you choose a talisman in accordance with the advice of astrologers.
Pink
Rare minerals of a delicate, light shade are suitable for Capricorns. For this sign, an amulet with a pink ruby will become a magical assistant in achieving goals with a minimum of effort, will protect against dangers, and will bring good luck. Its properties will give you determination, activity, organization, the ability to act on time, accurately, and a positive attitude.
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The properties of a pink ruby are suitable for Gemini. The mineral will charge them with energy, allowing them to create without crises or problems, set them up to act, move forward, and help them implement their plans. With a magical assistant, Gemini will easily find solutions to problems and ways to achieve what they want.
Star-shaped
The magical properties of star ruby will be useful to Aries. A talisman made from such a stone will help them control their character, become a leader, and lead people. He will direct you to action, make you think about the interests of your comrades, and awaken the desire to help. It will set you up for integrity and an optimistic view of the future, which will help you move towards it confidently and clearly.
For Cancers, a stone endowed with a star will help them gain self-confidence. It will give you a positive attitude, take away fears and bad mood, normalizing your life balance. It will expand your perception and will not allow you to sit still without developing and striving for something new. A magical amulet with mysterious properties will pull this sign into the unknown. When purchasing it, you need to be prepared for this; ruby will not tolerate ignoring its influences.
Other
The variety of red shades of the magical mineral suits Leos. The properties of ruby will add decisiveness in actions, help with career growth and personal development. For Leo men, an amulet with a red stone will reveal new spheres of influence and take them to a higher level. It will give women even more charm and charm, allowing them to achieve their goals without effort.
Red magical minerals with unusual properties are suitable for Scorpios, softening their character, making them kinder. Rubies will give you determination, the opportunity to develop, change and move forward. It will set Scorpio on a positive wave, allowing you to expand connections, make useful acquaintances and relationships.
Sagittarius, with the help of a talisman with a red ruby, will pacify pride and begin to listen to others. A magical amulet will help you make a good impression and gain favor. Openness and decisiveness in difficult situations will allow Sagittarius to take the helm, retain power, showing the best qualities, responsibility, and active participation in solving problems.
Medicinal properties
Uncut ruby
Lithotherapists of our time have described the following healing capabilities of ruby:
- improving the functioning of the immune system;
- wound healing;
- improving blood flow, heart function, improving blood pressure, toning blood vessels;
- improvement of brain functions;
- sedative for stress or depression;
- assistance in the treatment of paralysis, epilepsy, schizophrenia;
- treatment of joint diseases;
- elimination of problems of the digestive system, in particular, treatment of stomach ulcers.
Ruby is considered a hemostatic agent. It also has an antipyretic effect, relieves bad dreams, cures chronic tonsillitis, diseases of the kidneys, liver and spine.
Did you know that medieval Aesculapians used ruby to treat the plague?
A sunbeam passed through a ruby is endowed with healing powers. Healers claim that such light has a positive effect on metabolism, restores tissue, and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Important!
People suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure) or blood incoagulability (hemophilia) are contraindicated from wearing a ruby!
Ruby-charged water is an effective way to maintain beauty and health. To do this, leave the gem in water overnight, and then drink the liquid or wash it with it. This technique helps to quickly recover from stress, restore strength after illness, or simply maintain natural beauty.
Radiant healer
Revering ruby for its beauty, our ancestors used it as a medicine.
Medieval healers ground it into dust and prepared tinctures. The scarlet crystal was believed to have the power to stop internal bleeding.
With its help it was easier:
- stomach ailments;
- heart problems;
- joint pain;
- musculoskeletal disorders;
- diseases of the visual and hearing aids;
- otorhinolaryngological diseases.
Today, lithotherapists claim that the magic of the stone helps normalize blood pressure and even out the pulse, increase appetite, and affect potency.
Revering ruby for its beauty, our ancestors used it as a medicine.
It is unlikely that you should rely only on the power of the stone in the treatment of such serious diseases as scabies or leprosy. But to carry a shining amulet with you, which with its cheerful appearance will distract you from sad thoughts and thereby relieve fatigue to a certain extent - why not?
Psychics are convinced: the stone absorbs negativity, freeing a person’s aura from a heavy burden. To clean the talisman, you need to hold it in cool water.
Talismans and amulets
Faceted ruby
The stone is an excellent amulet and amulet for military personnel and firefighters, protecting them from death. It warns owners of danger by changing its color.
It is believed that the ruby talisman will protect against natural disasters and negative magical effects. If you have a ruby crystal in your house, it will protect your home from fire and thieves.
If you wear a stone amulet constantly, then good luck will always accompany its owner. Any situation, be it finances, health or work, will change for the better. The energy of the stone allows a person to strive for everything new and unknown, opening up vast horizons of possibilities. Such a talisman will help people of mental and creative professions, as well as those who love adventure.
A gem amulet can bring prophetic dreams. If a person dreams of a ruby, then good luck, success and prosperity await him in life.
Areas of application of ruby
- Synthetic ruby was used as the light-emitting active medium in the first laser, created in 1960 by Theodore Maiman. Synthetic ruby lasers continue to be produced and used to this day.
- A category I gemstone, used in expensive jewelry.
- Synthetic corundums called “rubies” are used in the jewelry industry for inserts in inexpensive products and as “stones” in watch movements.
Scarlet yacht - a symbol of love
In ancient times, the deep red ruby was called the scarlet yakhont and in all religions it symbolized love and fidelity. In the Koran, the maidens of paradise are compared to rubies and corals. There is still a popular tradition among Muslims: to see a pure red ruby in a dream and take it in your hands means to marry an immaculate, beautiful girl.
The ancient Greeks had a special reverence for this mineral. In one of the ancient temples, a ruby gemstone, unique in size and purity, crowned the head of the statue of the wife of Zeus, the patroness of family ties of the beautiful goddess Hera. According to the chronicler of those times, Lucian, the color of the stone during the day resembled a blazing fire, and at dusk the mineral illuminated the space around the statue like lamps. This description of the stone fully explains why the Greeks called it the Light with trepidation.
Ruby gets its color from an admixture of chromium. It is this chemical element that gives the stone its thick red color of various shades.
In Ancient India, the stone was also considered sacred: the Indians believed that ruby deposits were accumulations of drops of the blood of a cruel demon who was defeated by the gods. This explains the ruby color of the mineral. The Sun God, having received the blood of a defeated enemy as a trophy, accidentally splashed it. This is how ruby deposits were formed.
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Ruby products and jewelry
Ruby ring
Ruby is widely used in jewelry. Absolutely all jewelry can be decorated with it: rings, earrings, bracelets, rings, necklaces, necklaces, etc.
Every girl or woman will be pleased with exquisite ruby jewelry, of which there is such a variety that you can satisfy even the most demanding taste.
A ruby in silver looks most luxurious. This noble metal allows the mysterious and bewitching stone to fully reveal itself.
The silver ring with a ruby is especially chic. If it is intended for everyday wear, then it is better to choose a thin ring that will look stylish and modest, and for going out in public, massive rings with large rubies of dark and rich colors of an exclusive cut are suitable.
Ruby in silver fits perfectly into any style and image, and is suitable for both stylish and business women, as well as sensual beauties. Absolutely everyone - both blondes and brunettes - will be able to choose a piece of jewelry to their liking.
For an engagement, you should choose a gold ring with a ruby, as it is a symbol of fiery love and devotion. Such a ring will support the fire of feelings and will not allow love and passion to go out for a long time.
Distinctive features of the king of stones
What color is ruby in nature? This indicator is affected by chromium inclusions. The ruby color palette ranges from hot pink to purple-red. The richest oxblood colored rubies are the most valuable in the world. They seem to glow from within, captivating with their cold beauty.
As for the physical characteristics of the stone, its structure is one of the densest in nature and has an original, shimmering shine: these qualities add to the ruby's resemblance to a diamond. In the old days, it was mined and stored only in India and Burma, but gradually developing trade relations allowed the precious mineral to travel to Egypt, Greece and the great Rome. In addition to healing various ailments, the ruby is famous for the fact that, according to legend, it was given the honor of decorating the ring of the wise King Solomon. In addition, the luxurious stone was an indispensable attribute of the royal regalia and symbols of dominance, however, not forgetting to decorate the graceful fingers of the court ladies.
How much can a ruby cost?
Gold earrings with rubies
The value of a ruby is determined by the following parameters:
- color of the stone - the richer and brighter, the better;
- structure - cracks, darkening or bubbles reduce the price;
- weight - a carat of a large specimen is more expensive than a carat of a small one;
- cut - if the lower segment is larger than the upper, the stone is more expensive;
- inclusions reduce the price, but a uniform soft “silk” in a transparent crystal (no frills) is welcome.
Rubies, as high-class stones, are sold at auctions.
A certificate for a ruby purchased at a salon must indicate whether the stone has been refined or is 100% natural. Most salons or online stores sell synthetic or heated rubies.
Natural stone of rich, bright color is very rare in nature. The cost of the most valuable pigeon's blood ruby is from $50,000 per carat.
Cost table:
Stone quality, carat weight | How much is a carat of ruby worth in US dollars? |
Commercial quality, per 1 carat | 600-6 000 |
Premium quality, 1-2 carat stones | 1500-17 000 |
Premium quality, stones 4-5 carats | 6 000-32 000 |
Top quality, 1-2 carat stones | 12 000-25 000 |
Top quality, weighing 4-5 carats | 40 000-60 000 |
Most jewelry stores offer items made of silver or gold of the lowest standard with heated rubies or even artificial ones, which a person with average income can afford. Prices for such jewelry are several times lower than the cost of elite products:
- A budget ring made of sterling silver or 14k gold with an artificial stone starts at $200. A natural heated ruby will cost several times more;
- earrings of similar quality cost from $300;
- pendants will cost an average of $300-500;
- the bracelet costs from $900.
Ruby exotic
Modern geology defines rubies as red stones, the composition of which is aluminum oxide with impurities of chromium and iron.
However, you can often find mention of the Black Prince's ruby. This black mineral has belonged to the British crown for several centuries. It is almost the size of a chicken egg and weighs 170 carats. For a long time it was classified as a ruby. In fact, this is a very rare natural specimen of spinel. This mineral belongs to chemical compounds whose basis is the oxide of both magnesium and aluminum.
Green and blue transparent stones are often also called rubies. But the color characteristics of these crystals today are exhaustive: they can only be red, which means that all other colored transparent stones are more correctly classified as sapphires.
Artificial ruby
Synthetic pink rubies
Natural stone is available only to a few, so technologies for producing an analogue have been developed. This is the first gem reproduced by people.
Ruby crystals are grown in several ways. The most popular is the Verneuil method. The Frenchman obtained “Siamese rubies” by fusing ruby powder. In three hours, a 30-carat synthetic stone is obtained. It looks natural.
In the 20th century, new methods for producing artificial crystals appeared:
- Czochralski and zone melting methods, crystallization from solutions in the melt or from the gas phase;
- hydrothermal method.
Latest most popular:
- cheap minerals are mixed with additives and melted;
- the mass is crystallized under a set pressure and at high temperature;
- Large stones are formed; their composition and properties are identical to natural ones.
Such rubies are called hydrothermal.
All rubies in Soviet jewelry from jewelry stores are artificial.
History and origin of the mineral
Ruby has been known to man since BC. In India, the gem was considered the king of precious stones and was used to decorate crowns and create talismans. Among all peoples, the mineral was considered a companion of kings and other noble persons. In ancient Asia, rubies, diamonds and sapphires were combined under the name “corundum”. The ancient Russian name for the mineral is “yakhont”; it was considered a talisman against bad dreams.
According to Indian legend, the stone was tempered with the blood of the demon Vala. The sun god Surya dropped a vessel of blood into the Bhakarta River. According to the legends of other nationalities, the gem came from the blood of a dragon.
In 1800, European scientists discovered the relationship between sapphires and rubies. Blue corundum began to be called sapphire, and scarlet corundum became ruby. In the article about cornwood ruby, read how it differs from a regular ruby.
In 1835, a method for producing artificial stones was discovered.
Among the famous crystals are:
- Burmese “pigeon blood” ruby weighing 25 carats - sold at Sotheby’s for $30 million, becoming the most expensive ruby in history;
- another expensive piece - a crystal in a Bulgari ring weighing 8.6 carats and worth $5 million;
- the largest crystal was found in Greenland, it has not yet been given a name - its mass is 440 carats.
Crystals are found in limestones, mica veins, and igneous rocks.
One of the wedding anniversaries is associated with the name of the gem. The ruby wedding is celebrated after 40 years from the date of marriage. On this anniversary, it is customary to exchange old wedding rings for new ones. They must be inlaid with rubies. Old rings are given to grandchildren as wedding gifts. It is customary for spouses to give items reminiscent of the red gem - 40 bottles of red wine, a photo album made of red leather.
Continue watching the story about the stone:
How to distinguish an original from a fake
ring
is very expensive, so fakes often appear on the market. To check the authenticity of a gem at home or when purchasing, you can see what a ruby looks like under a magnifying glass.
Nature is a strict mother, so genuine stones formed in the bowels of the earth are very rarely perfect; you can see small air bubbles, foreign inclusions, cracks, and abrasions in them. There are other ways to expose scammers.
- In the old days, the authenticity of red corundum was checked by placing it in a container of milk. If the crystal is real, it turns pinkish.
- It is very difficult to imitate the play of light. Natural crystal will refract the sun's rays. If you look at it from different angles, the shade will change slightly.
- The crudest fakes made of glass or plastic can be identified by clenching them in your fist. The genuine gem will remain cold, the glass will heat up. But an artificial stone grown in a laboratory will pass such a test.
- If you put the crystal in a glass, it will glow pink. When ultraviolet rays are shined on it, the stone turns orange.
When purchasing, it is important to remember that only genuine minerals have magical and healing properties. A synthetic ruby grown in a laboratory is useless as a talisman. A piece of plastic or glass - even more so.
Crystal Care
For all its hardness, ruby is a fragile stone. It is necessary to protect ruby products from falling or hitting hard surfaces.
But ruby is able to scratch other gems - its hardness is second only to that of diamond. Therefore, a separate house - a case or bag made of dense soft fabric - is suitable for decoration. Rubies do not like to be exposed to the hot sun for long periods of time, so store them in the dark and avoid wearing jewelry with these stones in hot countries.
Cleaning at home is simple:
- If your jewelry is dirty, dilute baby soap in warm water and carefully rinse the stone in this solution. Use a used (not hard) toothbrush or just a napkin. Rinse the jewelry and wipe gently with a dry cloth.
- If you are going to work with your hands, remove the ruby ring. Household chemicals are not at all beneficial for gems.
- It is better to take heavily soiled jewelry to a jeweler, he will clean it using special methods and means.
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Interesting: choose a place to store ruby jewelry in the southern part of the house. According to Feng Shui, this will increase the social status of the family in general and the owner in particular.
Who suits the name
Jewelry with ruby
Ruby favors those who are called by the following names:
- Allah. The stone will awaken pure thoughts in her, but will also bring trials into her life to achieve them.
- Benjamin. Ruby will help him improve leadership skills, determination, and a sense of responsibility, eliminating uncertainty and sad thoughts.
- Varvara. For such a girl, the gem will become a love talisman, bringing happiness in matters of the heart.
- Pavel will be able to overcome his complexes, gain leadership qualities, and become responsible with a ruby amulet.
- Faith will gain strength and confidence to achieve your goals. Ruby will help this girl gain recognition, fame, and will also protect family happiness, protect her from troubles and troubles.
- Victor will strengthen his characteristic sense of purpose, dignity and courage. And also the ruby will relieve him of fears and worries.
It must be remembered that ruby helps only those who know what they want to achieve. When the owner goes to the goal according to the principle “all means are good”, the stone will “teach” such a person a lesson, contributing to the loss of everything accumulated. This is worth considering when choosing a talisman.