Natural and Treated Ruby

Rubies are among the most sought-after gemstones, prized for their rich red hues and durability. However, not all rubies on the market are the same—some are completely natural, while others undergo treatments to enhance their appearance. Understanding the differences between natural and treated ruby is essential for buyers who want to make informed decisions based on value, authenticity, and durability.

1. What Is a Natural Ruby?

A natural ruby is a gemstone that has been mined directly from the Earth and has not been altered beyond basic cutting and polishing. These rubies are valued for their originality, and their color and clarity are purely the result of natural formation processes over millions of years.

Key Features of Natural Rubies:

• Naturally formed with unique inclusions and color variations.
• May have visible inclusions, as flawless natural rubies are extremely rare.
• No artificial color or clarity enhancements.
• Higher value and price, especially if the color is vivid and the clarity is good.
• Often accompanied by a gemstone certification verifying that it is untreated.

Because of their rarity, untreated rubies with high-quality color and clarity command the highest prices in the gemstone market.

2. What Is a Treated Ruby?

A treated ruby is a natural ruby that has undergone enhancements to improve its color, clarity, or durability. These treatments make rubies more visually appealing and more affordable than their untreated counterparts.

Types of Ruby Treatments:

A. Heat Treatment (Most Common)

• Involves heating the ruby at high temperatures to enhance its color and clarity.
• A widely accepted industry practice with no added substances.
• Considered a permanent treatment, meaning the enhancement will last indefinitely.
• Increases availability of fine-looking rubies at a lower cost than untreated stones.

B. Lead Glass Filling (Fracture Filling)

• Fills surface fractures with lead glass to improve clarity.
• Can make lower-quality rubies appear more transparent and appealing.
• Less durable than untreated or heat-treated rubies, as the filling can be damaged by heat or chemicals.
• Significantly lowers the value of the ruby.

C. Flux Healing

• A variation of heat treatment where flux is added to “heal” fractures inside the ruby.
• Improves clarity but leaves traces of added substances inside the gem.
• Considered a semi-permanent treatment, with some durability concerns.

D. Diffusion Treatment

• Uses chemical elements like beryllium to artificially enhance the ruby’s color.
• The color change is often shallow and may fade over time.
• Less valuable than naturally colored rubies, as the treatment is not considered natural.

3. How Natural and Treated Rubies Differ in Value

• Natural, untreated rubies are the most valuable and rare, often fetching premium prices.
• Heat-treated rubies are widely accepted in the industry and provide a balance between affordability and beauty.
• Lead-glass-filled rubies are significantly cheaper but require extra care due to their lower durability.
• Diffusion-treated rubies are among the least valuable, as their color enhancement is artificial.

4. How to Identify Treated Rubies

• Professional Certification: A gemstone lab report (from GIA, AGL, or similar) will confirm whether a ruby has been treated.
• Close Examination: Treated rubies may show unusual color concentrations, air bubbles (in lead-filled stones), or surface residue.
• Price Differences: If a ruby’s price seems unusually low for its size and appearance, it may have undergone extensive treatment.

Conclusion

When choosing between natural and treated ruby, it is important to consider budget, durability, and long-term value. While natural rubies offer rarity and investment potential, treated rubies provide a more affordable way to own a beautiful gemstone. Buyers should always request gemstone certification and purchase from reputable sources to ensure they get exactly what they pay for.

For more details, explore Future Ruby Discoveries to learn about emerging sources and what lies ahead for ruby mining.