Ruby Essentials

Rubies are a variety of corundum crystal, the same species as sapphires. The key difference is their red color, caused by trace amounts of chromium. This spectacular red color is why rubies have a distinct separation from sapphires in the gemstone world. There are also different types of rubies including natural rubies, treated rubies, and […]

What are Rubies? Rubies are variety of . Pure corundum has no coloration; with the vivid red ruby color comes from trace amounts of the element chromium (Cr). Like other precious stones, finding , ruby material […]

Understanding The 4Cs Of Rubies The quality of rubies is assessed via the same four criteria that diamonds are assessed. In the case of diamond evaluation, all four criteria are well defined and equally weighted.  As a colored gemstone, rubies lack universally accepted quality standards. Furthermore, the standards are differently balanced for rubies since color […]

Like any other gemstone, the cost of a ruby can vary depending on the quality and carat weight. Note that carat weight is the unit of measurement that most gemstones are weighted by (1 carat = 0.2 grams). Rubies can run as little as $1 a carat to $100,000+ a carat, depending on the 4Cs. […]

Ruby Treatments & Enhancements While the NRC carries untreated and heat-treated rubies only, the following treatments and enhancements are very common. People have been treating gemstones to improve appearance for a very long time. It spans from dying low-quality pieces of lapis lazuli, to heat-treating rubies with a small fire and a pipe, to foil-backing […]

There are many economic, geological, and political factors that create a limited supply of natural rubies.  While rubies and sapphires are found in many regions of the world, not all locations can be successfully mined.  If deposits are located in areas that are too remote, politically volatile, or environmentally extreme, those deposits will remain untouched. […]

Rubies (and the other corundum variety, sapphire) are an oxide written as Al2O3, formally called aluminum oxide. The difference between rubies and sapphires is the presence of trace elements, since pure corundum (white sapphire) is colorless. In rubies, traces of chromium (Cr) is what creates the red color. When there is not enough chromium (red) […]

The difference between a ruby simulant and a synthetic is that one only looks like a ruby, and the other is a ruby from the chemical composition to the crystal structure (even if it is man-made). Note that there is fraud with shady dealers offering rubies at extremely low prices. These are not rubies. They […]