Pigeon blood ruby is one of the rare and finest varieties of rubies. These gems come from Burma and feature the exclusive pigeon blood red color. They are highly coveted, and their remarkable color makes them a precious center gemstone for expensive jewelry. The pigeon’s blood-red ruby color ranges from medium red to vivid red with secondary overtones of purple and pink. The soft, shiny red fluorescence differentiates them from other ruby varieties. These are unique gems known for many benefits. The red color of the gem symbolizes passion, courage, and energy. Spiritually, they bring positivity, protect the wearer from psychic attacks, and connect with divinity.
About
Like other varieties, these rubies are obtained from the corundum mineral family. The formation process occurs primarily in metamorphic rocks such as marble, gneiss, and schist and igneous rocks like syenite and basalt. The specific environmental conditions, such as high temperature and pressure, along with aluminum, oxygen, and chromium, form these precious gems. Trace elements like chromium, iron, vanadium, and titanium give a fantastic hue to the stone. The color of the pigeon blood is red due to the high intensity of these elements, especially chromium. In the trade market, these gems are named pigeon blood red. There are many claims suggesting the validity of the name. For instance, the gemstone hue represents the eye color of the pigeon. In Burma, vivid rubies are called “Ko twe” which means pigeon’s blood.
Benefits
Natural pigeon blood ruby benefits individuals with its metaphysical and healing properties. The splendid hue of the stone has been associated with health benefits. These gems are believed to improve blood circulation and aid relief in blood-related issues. This property has been associated with ancient beliefs. It was thought these red gems were embedded under the skin of ancient soldiers of Burma. Doing this protected them from battle injuries and loss of blood. Wearing a pigeon blood ruby ring helps strengthen love in a relationship. Thus, adorning this gemstone as jewelry can be beneficial for individuals who are going through a troubled marriage or love life. Individuals who want to enhance their leadership qualities can wear this stone.
How to Wear
Pigeon blood rubies are the birthstones for individuals born in July. This red gemstone is lucky for zodiac signs such as Leo, Cancer, Sagittarius, and Scorpio. One can wear this stone as a pendant necklace, ring, bracelet, and earrings. Wearing it as jewelry or keeping it in your pocket or purse can help clean away mental fog. Doing the same can help students and professionals concentrate and focus and get better results in their tasks. Manifest with these Rubies from Burma to gain more wealth and prosperity. Wear it around your neck as a necklace or pendant. This will help motivate you and bring professional success.
Making it a striking focal point of any jewelry adds a pop of color to your outfit. They are a beautiful everyday accessory, from studs to drop or dangle earrings. A tennis bracelet with an alternate arrangement of these precious wonders and contrasting diamonds is an apt modern choice. A solitaire ring adds a sophisticated look to your casual and formal wear.
Quality and Price
Those gemstones which fit the 4C’s criteria are considered top quality.
Color: As per GRS (Gem Research Swiss Lab), rubies from Burma are characterized as type 1 and type 2. Type 1 features medium to saturated, vivid red hues. Since pigeon red stones are identified by fluorescence, type 1 displays medium to strong fluorescence when exposed to UV light. Type 2 rubies are those with vivid red color and less strong fluorescence. For a gem to be called “pigeon blood red ruby,” it should contain 51% primary color, which is red. The secondary overtones such as pink, purple, blue, and orange are familiar. These overtones need to be in a balanced state.
Moreover, these secondary hues should not overshadow the primary ones. So if you find a gemstone with more than the required secondary overtones like pink and no red primary hue, they are not rubies. They are pink sapphires. Be cautious while purchasing these gems.
Clarity: Standard inclusions found in these gems are rutile needles. Rubies from Mogok valleys feature minimum inclusions, whereas those from Mong Hsu have more inclusions. Pigeon Blood red rubies from the Mong Hsu region of Burma are heat treated. This enhances their color and transparency. Mogok ruby with no inclusions is priced higher.
Cut: Fine-cut gems define their quality. A well-cut stone that beautifully reflects the color and clarity of the stone. Cushion and oval are the best cuts for Burma gems. A symmetrical cut retains the glow of the gem.
Carat Weight: Gemstones with high carat weight are highly valued if they have bright color and transparency. However, these red gems above 3-carat weight are rare and expensive.
Origin: Two major mines in Burma produce these gems. The finest ones are from Mogok Valley. Besides this, Mozambique and Madagascar are areas where pigeon blood red corundums are found. Mozambican pigeon blood rubies differ from those of Burma in terms of rarity. Burma sources give highly priced and rare gems.
Care and cleaning
Clean your gem with mild soap and lukewarm water. Gently rub the surface with a soft brush. Keep gemstone jewelry in separate pouches to avoid scratches. Remove the accessories while doing household chores. Visit a professional jeweler who can inspect each feature, allowing better care.