Ruby vs Pink Sapphire: The Major Differences

Ruby vs Pink Sapphire
Posted on March 23rd, 2023 06:26 PM

It’s an innate tendency of every human being to compare the two biggest titans and draw a verdict, rationally or irrationally. In the sumptuous and gigantic realm of gemstones, rubies and sapphires are two of the biggest goliaths with an unparalleled fan following and a vast array of implications in the different aspects as well as unbelievable benefits.

To compare giant gemstones like ruby and pink sapphire, one has to take into account numerous standard factors as well as yardsticks to derive a concrete conclusion as well as to find out which gemstone stands apart. After hours of painstaking and arduous research, we have curated a comprehensive list that encapsulates detailed comparisons between ruby vs pink sapphire on the basis of integral factors. Let’s get started.


ruby vs pink sapphire

Ruby vs Pink Sapphire: Origin

Both ruby and pink sapphire are two of the most vital varieties of the mineral corundum and can be found in many locations around the world. However, there are some differences in their origins.

Ruby is typically found in metamorphic rocks, such as marble or gneiss, as well as in igneous rocks, such as basalt. Some of the most famous ruby deposits are found in Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Tanzania.

Read More:- Ruby vs Garnet

Pink sapphire, on the other hand, is often found in alluvial deposits, which are deposits of sediment that have been transported and deposited by water. Pink sapphire can also be found in metamorphic rocks, like ruby, but is more commonly found in secondary deposits. Some of the major sources of pink sapphire are Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Myanmar.

It's worth noting that the origin of ruby or pink sapphire can affect its value and desirability in the market. For example, rubies from Myanmar are highly sought after for their rich color and high quality, while pink sapphires from Sri Lanka are valued for their light and bright color.

ruby

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Ruby vs Pink Sapphire: Color

Color is by leaps and bounds one of the predominant factors when it comes to distinguishing between ruby and pink sapphire. 

Ruby is typically a deep red color, ranging from pinkish-red to purplish-red. The color comes from the presence of chromium in the crystal structure of the gemstone.

Pink sapphire, on the other hand, is a light to medium pink as well as pinkish-orange color gemstone. It is also a variety of the mineral corundum, like ruby, but it gets its color from traces of iron and titanium rather than chromium.


Ruby vs Pink Sapphire: Physical Properties

The physical properties of the gemstones are another noteworthy and quintessential pointer that helps in distinguishing between two gemstones in a lucid way. In physical properties, we are considering only three to four principal factors that will help us to compare these two mighty gemstones.


ruby stone


Refractive index: Ruby has a refractive index of 1.76-1.78, while sapphire has a slightly lower refractive index of 1.76-1.77. This simply means that ruby has a slightly higher optical density than sapphire, which can affect the way light travels through the gemstone and the way it appears to the naked eye.

Cleavage: Both ruby and pink sapphire have no cleavage which clearly means they do not have any planes of weakness along which they can be easily split or fractured.

Crystal structure: Ruby and pink sapphire have the same crystal structure which is hexagonal. However, the presence of traces of different elements in the crystal lattice gives each gemstone its distinctive color. Ruby gets its red color from the presence of chromium, pink sapphire gets its various colors from the presence of iron, titanium, or other trace elements.

In a nutshell, while ruby and pink sapphire share many physical properties due to their mostly similar mineral composition, their differences in color, refractive index, and crystal structure can help distinguish them from each other.

Read More:- Tanzanite vs. Sapphire

Ruby vs Pink Sapphire: Hardness

As we all know that ruby and pink sapphire both are significant variants of the mineral corundum which is one of the hardest minerals in the world. Therefore, both gemstones are very durable and have similar hardness properties.

On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, both ruby and pink sapphire have an astonishing rating of 9 out of 10. This means that they are very resistant to scratching and abrasion and are considered excellent choices for jewelry that can be worn for a long time. In terms of longevity, rubies and pink sapphires are par excellent.


pink sapphire


It's worth noting that while ruby and sapphire have the same hardness rating, some varieties of corundum, such as those with high levels of inclusions or fractures, may be more prone to chipping or cracking. Additionally, the setting of the gemstone and the type of metal used in the jewelry can also affect its overall durability.

Read More:- Emerald vs Diamond

Ruby vs Pink Sapphire: Price

When it comes to the price factor, The price of a ruby or a pink sapphire can vary to a great extent based on a number of factors, including color, clarity, size, origin, treatment, and other gemstone characteristics. However, there are some general differences in price between ruby and pink sapphire that we have stated below.

Generally, ruby tends to be a bit more expensive than pink sapphire, especially if the ruby is unheated, untreated, raw, and has a lush and intense red color, it can make some serious dent even in the pockets of crazy rich people. This is partly because rubies are rarer than sapphires, especially the highly valued pigeon's blood-red rubies. Additionally, the demand for rubies tends to be higher than for sapphires as their implications in different industry verticals as well as for personal use are massive which can also contribute to higher prices.

Pink Sapphire, on the other hand, is generally more affordable than ruby, although some rare and highly sought-after variants of pink sapphire such as padparadscha sapphire or Kashmir sapphire can boast jaw-dropping and staggering prices. Blue sapphire, which is perhaps the most common color of sapphires, is typically less expensive than padparadscha sapphire.

It's quite imperative to note that the price of a ruby or a pink sapphire can vary greatly depending on numerous crucial factors, and it's always a good idea to have a gemstone evaluated by a reputable appraiser or gemologist to determine the exact value of the gemstone as well as its quality check.

Read More:- Emerald vs Sapphire

Ruby vs Pink Sapphire: Final Verdict

Both rubies and pink sapphires have been one of the most coveted and revered possessions of illustrious personalities for centuries. Over the years, rubies of Burmese origins like the Pigeon blood ruby have managed to topple sapphires in terms of value and popularity. Some of the highest-quality rubies and pink sapphires even surpass diamonds in terms of value.

If we talk about the implications of rubies and pink sapphires, both have mammoth implications in the realm of astrology, jewelry, as well as fashion accessories. The demand for lush red and top-notch quality rubies will continue to rise exponentially and so does pink sapphires. Ultimately, all things come down to you. According to your needs, preferences, and budget, you have to decide what suits best on you. Moreover, you should also take consultation with numerous prominent astrologers who will perform a thorough analysis of your birth chart and render you the best possible suggestions accordingly.

If you are looking to rope in premium quality rubies and pink sapphires, look no further than Navratan where you can find a thumping selection of the best ruby gemstones and pink sapphires available at budget-friendly prices. All the gemstones listed at Navratan are original, certified by different gem labs, and delivered to customers at a blazing speed.

Read More:- Ruby vs Diamond

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