Ruby gemstone belongs to the corundum mineral family. Same as sapphires they also have the chemical formula aluminum oxide (Al2O3). The only difference that occurs between the two is the color where sapphires occur in almost all colors except red, rubies occur only in red color.
Learn More: What is the Chemical Composition of Ruby and Sapphire?
But did you know there are variations in the shades of red found in rubies? The color range is due to the different gemstone origins and the amount of trace elements. So, if you are looking to buy ruby stone online, this blog will help you make the right choice.
How Many Colors are in Ruby?
The primary ruby color is red. The color of this corundum is due to the presence of trace elements such as chromium. Higher this element more intensely is the color red. Vivid red with a purplish tint is the true color of ruby. Besides purple being a secondary overtones pink, orange, and black.
Read Here: Ruby Gemstone Grading Factors
These secondary hues are because of the presence of iron, nickel, manganese and titanium. The most popular color variation is Pink rubies from Sri Lanka. These gems feature less saturated red hue which is due to the presence of lower chromium. This makes these gems appear pink and called pink rubies. So if you think rubies are only red you might be surprised to learn that it occurs in various shades.
Read Here: Ruby vs Pink Sapphire: The Major Differences
Pink ruby stone is often misled as pink sapphires because of the color similarity. But the difference lies in the hue. The primary color of pink sapphire is pink whereas pink is seen as a secondary overtone in rubies. When you buy ruby stone make sure you purchase it along with a gemstone certificate stating its real color.
Also Read: 10 Ruby Wedding Rings Under Budget
Which Ruby Stone is Best Based on Color?
The rarest color of ruby is “pigeon blood red”. This characteristic hue is found only in Burma rubies. However, today this valuable ruby color is also found in Madagascar and Mozambique stones. This color fetches the highest price because it is found in only 1% of the natural rubies. Combined with other factors such as high clarity and brilliance these Burma ruby stone are incredible investments.
Read Here: Best Gemstones To Invest In For Long-Term!
It makes the best heirloom gem. Moreover Burma ruby is the most expensive birthstone for July month owing to its symbolism. Read More Here: What are the most expensive birthstones?
The Ruby color meaning stands for love and affection. Spiritually it refers to self exploration and connection with the natural world.
How Expensive is Ruby Stone?
When you talk about expensive gemstones ruby takes the lead. Besides the other 4C’s, color is the main consideration when deciding the value of ruby. This also answers why it is even more expensive than diamond. The price of Burmese pigeon blood red ruby per carat can go up to $100,000 and more for those obtained from Mogok mines.
How to Identify Ruby Quality?
The finest quality of rubies can be more expensive than sapphire stone and emerald stone. Quality of these gems are also assessed by the 4C’s. Vivid red color with high saturation and medium tone is the prerequisite whereas carat weight, cut and clarity also adds value to the gemstone. Origin and treatment also determines the ruby worth.
Read Here: Ruby Gemstone Origins – Best Sources of Rubies
For instance, these gems from Burma, Mozambique and Madagascar are highly valued. Indian rubies are cheap. They show a purplish red color. High quality ruby price ranges from $1000 per carat and more.
However the market is full of imitants and synthetic ruby, it is important to differentiate between the real one. To identify real rubies, having a genuine laboratory certificate is essential. Why look around when you can find certified ruby gemstones all under one roof at Navratan?