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Ruby

· 1 min read · Materials

Cut ruby in deep red

Ruby is the red variety of corundum and one of the most valued gems in the world. Its deep red comes from chromium, and its hardness makes it suitable for everyday wear.

Properties #

  • Composition: aluminum oxide (corundum) with chromium.
  • Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond.
  • Color: from pinkish red to purplish red; the most prized is an intense, vivid red.
  • Origins: Myanmar (Burma), Mozambique, Thailand and Sri Lanka, among others.
  • Treatments: heating is very common; lab-grown rubies exist.

Uses in jewelry #

  • Rings, pendants and earrings, alone or surrounded by diamonds.
  • Anniversary jewelry (ruby is the July stone and is linked to the 40th wedding anniversary).
  • Antique pieces and high jewelry.

Pros and cons #

Advantages #

  • Very hard and wear-resistant.
  • Intense, lasting color.
  • Highly prized and holds value.

Limitations #

  • Quality rubies are expensive.
  • They may be treated or synthetic: ask for a certificate.
  • A hard blow can chip it, even though it is very hard.

Care and cleaning #

  • Clean with lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft brush.
  • Store it apart from other jewelry so they do not scratch each other.
  • For rubies with glass filling, avoid ultrasonic cleaning and sudden temperature changes.

See also #

This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.