Ruby stones are the most sought-after gems of the corundum mineral family. These beautiful stones are admired for their vivid red color and are a great addition to your jewelry collection. Who won't like the beautiful ruby and diamond ring ready to steal the spotlight like no other? Yes, the beautiful hue of the stone is so astonishing that it will make you fall in love with it in just one glance. Since antiquity and in modern times, the popularity of this gemstone has evolved. Let's embark on this amazing journey where you get to know all about this fascinating red stone.
What are Rubies?
Ruby, one of the most valuable varieties of corundum minerals, along with sapphire, is known for its breathtaking and rich red hue. The stone's name comes from the Latin word 'rubber,' meaning 'red.' The formation of ruby stone takes place within the earth's crust under intense heat and pressure. The host rocks involved in the formation of these gemstones are marble, gneiss, and schist. Along with these metamorphic rocks, the original ruby gemstone is also formed inside igneous rocks such as basalt and syenite. The process of gemstone formation occurs through crystalization. During the process of crystallization, the elements like aluminum and oxygen come together to form corundum crystals. The specific conditions required to form this red-colored stone are high temperature, pressure, and trace elements. These trace elements give the characteristic color to the gemstone. 
INQUIRY NOW
What is the cause of the red color in ruby stone?
As discussed above, trace elements are responsible for giving a specific color to the stone; in case of rubies, chromium gives it a striking red color. The corundum crystal comprises aluminum and oxygen elements. This pure corundum is colorless; a small amount of chromium replaces aluminum atoms giving it a specific color. The trace elements absorb certain wavelengths of light and reflect others in the visible light spectrum. Red light is reflected; thus, we classify ruby gemstone or Chuni stone as red.
Ruby or Manik stone Quality factors
Like diamonds, rubies also rank high on the Mohs scale of hardness. These stunning gemstones are mined worldwide for their use in jewelry. The countries where these stones are sourced include Australia, Thailand, Mozambique, Tanzania, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India, the US, and Brazil. The finest quality rubies are those from Burma, followed by Mozambique and Thailand. The quality factors on which ruby stones are graded are as follows:
Color: The highlighted feature of Ruby
The color of rubies ranges from pinkish-red to deep blood-red color. The amount of trace elements intensifies the color of the stone. The more intense the color of Manik Ratna, the more desirable it is. The range includes medium red to vivid red color. The color of the ruby stone falls under three criteria: hue, tone, and saturation. The primary hue of the stone is red. There are secondary colors also that are exhibited by the stone. For instance, the most valued Burma ruby features a purplish color as a secondary hue, while a tint of orange color is common in African rubies. The fine-quality ruby stones feature medium to dark tones and also vivid saturation.
Clarity: A must feature for quality determination
The imperfections or inclusions determine the clarity of the stone. In general, eye-clean gemstones are preferred for judging the stone's quality. The inclusion-free ruby stones are considered expensive. However, inclusions in rubies, such as the aster lines of star ruby stone, are valued, and these ruby varieties are amongst the finest corundum. Ruby inclusions are highlighted in this blog due to the increased value of the finest rubies as per the origin. The two most recognized mines of Myanmar (Burma) offer the best quality rubies. The Mogok mines of Burma offer rubies with inclusions like rutile needles. These needles are crystal inclusions.
Along with this, these gemstones also feature silk inclusions. These inclusions can be short with an arrowhead shape, whereas these inclusions can be long, accompanied by round calcite crystals. Heat treatment is generally not required for Mogok Burma rubies. These 'silk rutile needles' indicate the origin of ruby.
The other renowned mines of ruby deposits are Mong Hsu. The Burma ruby inclusions characteristic, particularly from these mines, are different. The dark blue zones and fractures in the core are common inclusions seen in unheated rubies from Mong Hsu mines. These unheated ruby gemstones are rare to find. When given heat treatment, these red-hued gemstones feature a dense hexagonal white cloud in the core.
Thus, it can be inferred how inclusions can help identify the origin of ruby stones.
Cut: The Art that defines beauty
The ruby stone cut considers its facets, dimensions, and symmetry. Though the cut doesn't directly impact the stone's quality, it still is an important factor. The quality cut highlights the stone's color, which is the defining feature of the stone. Other than this, it also maximizes carat weight and minimizes inclusions. The rubies available in different cuts such as cushion, oval, heart, and more reflect beauty in almost every shape.
Carat Weight: Unveiling the rarity
The gemstone's carat weight is also an ideal feature that determines its quality. A natural ruby stone with a higher carat weight is rare and accounts for a higher price. Manik stone price of 3.96 carats at Navratan is higher than natural ruby 3.02 Ratti.
Ruby in Jewelry and Astrology
The significance of ruby stone has been acclaimed throughout antiquity. Apart from its brilliant color, the gemstone's beauty is also defined by its mystical properties. The original ruby stone has been associated with talismans and religious significance. This red-colored gemstone, also called ratnaraj or 'king of precious stones' as per Hindu culture, was offered to God Krishna. The kings made this offering so that they were bestowed with the same powers as emperors when reborn. The ruby gemstone was regarded as the stone of protection. For instance, these powerful gemstones were inserted inside the flesh of Burmese soldiers, protecting them from any harm during wartime.
A prominent gemstone, rubies engagement rings with trends shifting towards colored stones as a reference for the same. Apart from this, these stones are ideal gifts for July born and a suitable 40th wedding anniversary stone.
As per Vedic astrology, Manik Ratna is associated with the Sun. The gemstone blesses the wearer with name, fame, good health, wealth, and prosperity.
To conclude, gemstones from the corundum family feature wide properties and indispensable beauty. Ruby stone, the red variety of corundum, signifies love, passion, commitment, and strength. This July birthstone's rich history, mesmerizing hue, and exceptional hardness have enchanted people of almost every culture and civilization. These gemstones are an eternal testament to nature's wonders and are perfect as engagement or wedding rings. Besides this, these coveted gems also exhibit astrological and healing properties. So, if you are impressed by these beauties, shop for the certified ruby gemstones at Navratan, the online gem bazaar now!
Categories 
