4.02 Ct. Ruby from Mozambique

This transparent 4.02 carat oval red ruby, measuring 10.22 by 8.66 by 4.80 millimeters, exemplifies the classic combination of size, color, and craftsmanship that discerning buyers seek. The stone is cut in an elegant mixed brilliant oval shape, a style chosen to balance strong face up color with lively brilliance, the facet arrangement designed to return light to the eye while preserving weight from the rough. Observed at eye level this ruby carries a clarity grade of slightly included, which means that fine natural inclusions are visible under close inspection yet do not disrupt the gem s transparency or its overall visual appeal. The color displays a vivid intensity, a saturated red that leans to the pure red zone prized in corundum, and the polish is excellent across all facets, providing crisp facet junctions and lively reflections. Importantly, this ruby is natural and untreated, with no enhancement, a characteristic that significantly affects rarity and value, and the stone is sourced from Mozambique, a modern premier origin for high color rubies. At The Natural Ruby Company we describe each gem with precision, because accurate measurements, documented clarity observations, and transparent disclosure of enhancement status are essential for informed buying decisions.

The geological story of this ruby begins deep within metamorphic host rocks in Mozambique, where high temperature and pressure conditions allowed corundum crystals to grow over long geological timescales. The vivid red color of ruby is the result of trace chromium replacing aluminum in the corundum lattice, a substitution that produces selective absorption in the blue and green portions of the spectrum and a resultant rich red to pigeon blood hue in the right concentrations. Mozambique rubies often show intense saturation with slightly purplish or pinkish overtones in some stones, and the particular balance in this example produces a strong, vivid red that reads as lively and pure in standard lighting. Natural inclusions, which are present in this piece at a slight level, are part of the gem s fingerprint, often carrying mineral crystals, rutile silk, or healed traces of growth patterns, each feature a microscopic record of the crystal s formation history. Responsible procurement matters, and our sourcing practices emphasize traceable supply chains and engagement with local mining communities, ensuring that when collectors choose a ruby from The Natural Ruby Company they acquire not only a remarkable gem, but a gemstone whose origin story is documented and ethically considered.

From the moment this crystal was extracted to the final market presentation, a series of careful decisions preserved its best attributes. The rough material was assessed for color distribution, internal features, and overall shape, and it was determined that an oval mixed brilliant design would yield the optimum combination of color retention and light return. Skilled cutters oriented the pavilion and crown to manage color zoning and to position any inclusions away from the table as much as possible, a strategy that enhances the face up appearance while respecting the integrity of the original rough. The mixed brilliant faceting pattern used here creates a central burst of fire surrounded by more intricate facet planes that accentuate the gem s vivid color, while the excellent polish ensures minimal light diffusion at facet junctions. After cutting, gemological evaluation confirmed the eye level clarity assessment of slightly included, and measurements were recorded as 10.22 by 8.66 by 4.80 millimeters with a weight of 4.02 carats. The final imaging and the example of the stone shown on a hand illustrate how the ruby performs in a wearable setting, providing a realistic sense of scale and how the color reads under natural daylight and mixed interior lighting conditions. The inherent durability of corundum, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, makes this ruby suitable for everyday wear in rings, pendants, and heirloom pieces, while still retaining the care and respect a fine gem merits.

For the educated buyer, this ruby s value lies in a constellation of verifiable attributes, beginning with its unenhanced status, vivid color saturation, significant carat weight, and provenance from Mozambique. Untreated rubies of this size and color are uncommon in the market, and the absence of heat treatment or glass filling preserves both the stone s natural character and long term rarity. The slightly included clarity grading, documented under standard viewing conditions, provides a transparent account of the stone s internal features, which can be appreciated by connoisseurs who value natural signatures over homogenized appearance. When considering acquisition, buyers often weigh aesthetic quality alongside long term market considerations and emotional resonance, and this ruby is attractive in all three regards. The Natural Ruby Company stands ready to provide additional technical details, independent laboratory reports upon request, and bespoke setting services that complement the gem s proportions and color. We encourage potential purchasers to examine high resolution imagery, to request viewing under standardized lighting, and to consult with our gemological staff for any comparative analysis. A responsibly sourced, expertly cut, vivid Mozambique ruby of 4.02 carats is both a wearable treasure and a conservable asset, an heirloom quality stone that carries geological history, careful human craft, and a clear chain of provenance.