Ruby, one of the pioneer gemstones in history, is valued for its vivid color and healing properties. These fantastic gems come from the corundum mineral family, of which sapphires are also a member. Rubies are found in various parts of the world, including Afghanistan, Australia, Thailand, the United States, Vietnam, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, India, Burma, and Tanzania. Each corundum from these different places features a different shade of red, making them unique in many ways. In this blog, we will discuss the two major sources of this gem and the difference between them.
What is Burmese Ruby?
These gems are known for their unique color, making them different from the natural ruby stones from other regions. Like other gemstones, these red species from the corundum mineral family also vary mainly in price, from affordable to most expensive ones. Rubies from Burma are the finest varieties that feature the phenomenal “pigeon blood red color.” The most famous Sunrise ruby weighs 25.59 carats, is the largest of all varieties, and is from the Burma (Myanmar) region.
What is Mozambique Ruby?
So, if you think the pigeon blood red color is only the Burma region’s entity, look at another star from Mozambique. These excellent rubies from East Africa are natural and possess the same color with a little difference. There are many other factors that make a point of consideration. The most sought-after and world’s largest ruby is from Mozambique, which was auctioned in New York. The original rough ruby weighed 101 carats, a rare find in the gemstone marketplace.
Mozambique Vs Burmese Ruby: Key Differences
Both varieties are valuable and prized for their exceptional quality and color. These vibrant stones epitomize luxury and exclusivity, making them the most adorable choice for high-end jewelry. So, before picking any of these for your expensive jewelry items, let’s know their fundamental differences.
Origin and Formation
Burma rubies: Myanmar, now called Burma, is the leading producer of high-quality rubies. The principal mines in this area from where the gemstones originate include Mogok Valley and Mong Hsu. Mogok Valley is considered the oldest mine, while Mong Hsu gained popularity after 1990. The formation of these gems occurs in the same way as that of the other varieties. The process involves intense heat and pressure, creating an environment suitable for crystal formation.
Mozambique ruby: These gems are mined in areas like Montepuez, northern Mozambique. The difference lies in the formation where Burma rubies are formed in marble deposits; the ones from Mozambique are found within the amphibolite and gneiss rocks.
Difference in Color
Burma ruby stone: The characteristic color of the stone from this region is “pigeon blood red.” The hue ranges from pinkish-red to bluish-red. The primary color of these gems is red, whereas the secondary hue can be pink or blue. The color ranges from vivid red to subtle red. The low iron content within the gem gives them a subtle hue, making them look more striking.
Mozambique ruby: The difference between Mozambique and Burmese ruby is their color. Corundum from Mozambique displays a rich red color with purplish or pinkish overtones. Another significant distinction is that these rubies are darker than the Myanmar gems.
Clarity and Transparency
Burmese ruby: Clarity in gemstones is defined by inclusions. The absence of these imperfections makes the stone look clear and transparent, thus adding to its value. Myanmar ruby from the old Mogok Valley features inclusions like silk rutile needles formed within the gem during their formation. This is one significant factor to tell if ruby is real. Those obtained from the Mong Hsu region display color zoning, which is a type of inclusion that results in uneven distribution of the color in a gem. The dark core inside these gems is removed through heat treatment.
Mozambique ruby: These gems are much clearer and inclusion-free than those sourced from Burma. However, they are also heat-treated to enhance their color and clarity.
Geological and Chemical Composition
Mozambican rubies: These corundum belong to amphibole metamorphic rock and have diaspore, amphibole, and feldspar inclusions. The trace element that gives the stone its intense red color is chromium. Untreated rubies are heated at 900 degrees Celsius to change their chemical composition. During the heating process, the secondary overtones decrease, and the content of Chromium increases.
Burmese ruby: Conversely, silk rutile is a common inclusion in these gems. Color zoning in Mogok pigeon blood red rubies is rarer than that in those obtained from the Mogok region. These gems also undergo heat treatment, which results in changes in their crystal structure.
The difference lies in the fluorescence property. Mozambican rubies lack fluorescence, so they hardly glow in UV light, whereas these gems from Burma show high fluorescence.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Although relatively new to the gemstone market, Mozambique rubies have quickly gained popularity since their discovery in the early 2000s. They are more valued for their beauty and quality in modern jewelry.
Burmese rubies, particularly from the Mogok Valley, have been revered for centuries and are deeply rooted in history and culture. Since ancient times, these “king of gemstones” have been popular for their healing properties. It is believed that ruby stones benefit the wearer with heightened spiritualism, self-esteem, motivation, and inner peace.
Mozambique Vs Burmese Ruby: Price Difference
Burma rubies are more expensive compared to those obtained from the Mozambican region. Burmese corundum that is of high quality and above 3-carat weight is rare. Mozambique ruby costs $200 to $1,000 per carat, depending on the quality. Burma ruby cost, on the other hand, starts from $500 and can reach upto $6000 per carat or more.
Factors such as color, clarity, carat weight, and cut matter. So, a small carat weight Mozambican ruby stone with good color, clarity and cut can value high compared to Burmese ruby with high carat but dull colored, unimpressive cut and low clarity.
To conclude, Burma (Myanmar) and Mozambique are renowned as the lands of rubies, but they tell different tales. While one boasts a legacy steeped in tradition, the other shines with the fresh allure of a contemporary marvel.