0.64 Ct. Ruby from Mozambique

Here is a transparent, cushion shape ruby weighing 0.64 carat, measuring 5.53 by 3.99 by 2.94 millimeters, cut in a mixed brilliant style, with intense color intensity, a clarity graded slightly included at eye level, and an excellent polish, heat treated for color enhancement, originating from Mozambique, a gem of compact size and remarkable presence that carries the deep red fire collectors and designers seek. From the moment this crystal first revealed itself in alluvial terraces and hard rock pockets in Mozambique, its destiny was clear, a compact gem with a heart of vivid red that the cutter could coax into lively brilliance. The cushion silhouette holds the classical silhouette of heritage and the contemporary sparkle of the mixed brilliant cut, so the table and crown facets sing while the pavilion retains depth, making the stone feel larger than its 0.64 carat weight. Viewing it under natural light, the intense hue broadcasts a warm, almost velvety red that shifts with movement, transparent enough to reveal internal character, slightly included when examined at eye level, which is a natural fingerprint of growth and origin, a reminder that this is a terrestrial treasure rather than a laboratory replica.

The story of this ruby began in Mozambique, a region that has risen to prominence for producing rubies with saturated, vivid tones that rival older sources, and that history is part of the gem’s identity. Miners working the deposits and artisanal hands sifting rivers and matrix bring forth rough crystals that have been formed over millions of years under pressure and heat deep in the earth, where corundum crystallizes with traces of chromium to yield the red of ruby. The cultural resonance of ruby runs through many traditions as a symbol of passion, vitality, and protection, worn by royalty and travelers alike, and this Mozambique example continues that lineage. When our team acquired a piece of rough with the right combination of color and clarity, it was selected for cutting to preserve as much weight and color saturation as possible, honoring the stone’s geology and the story of the miners who found it.

In the hands of experienced cutters the rough evolved into a precisely faceted cushion with a mixed brilliant arrangement, a cut chosen to balance face-up color and internal light return, while keeping the table small enough to intensify red saturation and large enough to showcase brilliance. The excellent polish reveals clean facet junctions and crisp reflections, while the slight inclusions visible at eye level tell of natural formation and provenance, not synthetic origin, and are often embraced as part of the gem’s narrative. Heat treatment has been applied, a common, stable enhancement in ruby trade that deepens hue and reduces undesirable zoning, and when properly disclosed and executed, it enhances beauty without compromising structural integrity. The finished gem sits ready for settings that honor its story, whether as the solitary heart of a petite ring, the focal point of a delicate pendant, or an elegant accent in bespoke jewelry, each setting preserving the balance between protection and display.

Regarding durability and everyday wear, rubies are corundum and rate 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them one of the hardest jewelry gemstones, second only to diamond at 10, and harder than topaz at 8 and quartz at 7, which means this 0.64 carat Mozambique ruby stands up very well to daily life. This high hardness gives excellent resistance to scratching from most household materials, yet like all gemstones it should be protected from sharp, direct blows and from contact with extremely hard abrasives. Heat-treated rubies are generally stable to normal cleaning, but we recommend professional cleaning or gentle ultrasonic cleaning after consulting with your jeweler, and avoid sudden extreme temperature changes. For long-term protection and to respect the gem’s natural inclusions, secure settings such as a low-profile bezel or well-crafted four-prong mounting are advisable if the piece is intended for frequent wear, while a raised, delicate prong setting can maximize light performance for occasional wear pieces. At The Natural Ruby Company we care for provenance, craftsmanship, and aftercare, and we would be pleased to advise on mounting options that best suit your lifestyle, ensuring this Mozambique ruby remains a cherished part of your collection for generations.