The world of gemstones is replete with dazzling marvels, but few command the awe and admiration bestowed upon the Ruby. A member of the mineral Corundum family, this magnificent gem, known by various names such as Manikya or Lal in Hindi and Yakut in Urdu/Arabic, holds a revered position for its exceptional beauty, rarity, and captivating red hues. Indeed, after the indomitable diamond, Corundum boasts the highest hardness on Earth, a remarkable 9 on the Mohs scale, making it not only beautiful but incredibly durable.
A Spectrum of Splendor: The Properties of Corundum
At its core, Corundum is aluminum oxide, displaying a density of approximately 4.0 g/cm³. While Rubies are exclusively red, the broader Corundum family encompasses a spectrum of colors including yellow, blue (Sapphire), purple, pink, gray, black, and even colorless varieties. However, it is the fiery red of the Ruby that has captured human imagination for millennia, deriving its very name from the Latin word “Rubrum,” meaning red.
The most coveted shade of Ruby is often described as “Pigeon Blood” – a pure, intense red with a subtle hint of blue, reminiscent of the vibrant color found in a pigeon’s eye. The distribution of this captivating color can sometimes be uneven, appearing in stripes or spots, adding to the stone’s unique character. Rubies exhibit a range of red, from fiery vermilion to deep violet-red. Interestingly, the most brilliant and valuable Rubies often possess internal features known as “inclusions.” These can include minute rutile needles or “silk” – tiny liquid or gas bubbles, healing cracks, or foreign crystals that interfere with light, producing a distinctive silky sheen. When this silk is not overly heavy, the stones appear clearer, more attractive, and consequently, even more valuable.
From Dull to Dazzling: The Art of the Cut
In its rough state, a Ruby can appear rather dull and greasy. However, once skillfully cut and polished, its luster can rival that of a diamond. Rubies are most commonly given a mixed cut, often in an oval shape, which maximizes their brilliance and color. Round cuts are also popular, though other shapes are rarer. Historically, particularly for stones valued for their color, Rubies were given a Cabochon cut (a smooth, rounded, polished gem without facets). Today, the Cabochon cut is typically reserved for less transparent Rubies with numerous inclusions, enhancing their natural beauty.
Distinguishing Features: Unmasking the True Ruby
Several distinctive characteristics help distinguish a genuine Ruby from its resemblances:
- Pleochroism: Rubies exhibit a fairly obvious pleochroism, meaning their color appears to change slightly when viewed from different angles.
- Color Brightening: In bright and strong light, a genuine Ruby displays a distinct and noticeable brightening of its color.
- Silk Effect: As mentioned, the presence of the unique “silk” inclusion is a strong indicator of a natural Ruby.
- Considerable Luster: A cut Ruby possesses a considerable and captivating luster.
While Spinel, a resembling stone, can share a similar red color and luster, it lacks pleochroism, brightens much less in strong light, and never exhibits the characteristic silk effect.
Where Beauty Lies Beneath: Occurrence and Value
The Rubies renowned for their finest color historically originate from the Mogok region of Burma (Myanmar). Beyond Burma, other significant deposits are found in Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.
In terms of value, the highest quality, perfectly colored, and most transparent Rubies can even surpass the value of Diamonds, making them the most expensive gem in the world.
Legendary Gems and Astrological Significance
The world has witnessed some truly magnificent Rubies. The largest rough Ruby ever discovered, weighing a staggering 400 carats, was unearthed in Burma and subsequently divided into three parts. Among the famous stones of exceptional beauty are the “Edward Ruby” (167 ct) housed in the British Museum, the “Reeves Star Ruby” (138 ct) in the Smithsonian Institute, Washington, and the “Long Star” (100 ct) in the American Museum, New York.
Astrologically, Rubies are often worn by individuals born under the Zodiac sign of Leo, believed to bestow courage, power, and good fortune upon the wearer.
The Ruby, with its unparalleled beauty, remarkable durability, and rich history, continues to captivate hearts and minds, truly earning its title as the “King of Gems.”
