Ruby is a valuable gemstone belonging to the corundum mineral family, characterized by its vibrant red color. This red color comes from the chromium element in the stone. Due to its high hardness and rarity, ruby is favored in both jewelry and investment. Throughout history, ruby has been considered a symbol of love, power, and passion. It holds great aesthetic and spiritual value. Rubies are known for their deep red color and 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes them durable. While natural rubies are often clear, they can contain inclusions. To distinguish real rubies from imitations, pay attention to their hardness and shine.
What is Ruby?
Ruby is one of the rarest and most captivating gemstones. It is notable for its deep red color and high hardness. A symbol of love, passion, and strength, ruby holds great importance in both jewelry and spiritual contexts.
Ruby Properties
Color: Rubies are known for their deep red color, which is caused by the presence of chromium. The most valuable rubies have rich, vibrant red hues.
Hardness: With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, rubies are highly durable and resistant to scratches.
Structure: Rubies belong to the corundum mineral family and are colorless in their pure form, but they acquire their red color due to the presence of chromium.
Sparkle: Rubies reflect light beautifully, providing a brilliant shine.
Value: Due to their rarity and aesthetic properties, rubies are highly valuable.
Spiritual Impact: Rubies are associated with energy, courage, passion, and love, and are considered healing stones in many cultures.
How to Recognize a Ruby?
Shine: Real rubies reflect light beautifully, giving off a bright, sparkling appearance. Dull or pale stones may be imitations.
Weight: Rubies are typically heavier than fake stones, which tend to be lighter.
Clarity and Inclusions: Natural rubies may have microscopic inclusions, which can serve as evidence that the stone is genuine. If the stone is completely smooth, it could be fake.
Sound: Rubies may produce a clicking sound when tapped. This characteristic can be tested by gently tapping the stone.
Where is Ruby Used?
Jewelry: Rubies are most commonly used in rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, being valued both for their beauty and rarity.
Decorative Objects: Rubies may also be found in luxury decorative items such as watches, boxes, and ornaments, adding elegance and sophistication.
Medical and Spiritual Use: In some cultures, rubies are believed to enhance energy and courage and are used as healing stones for meditation and spiritual balance.
Investment and Collecting: Due to their rarity and value, rubies are also used as investment pieces and in gemstone collections.
Industrial Use: Due to their high hardness, rubies are used in industrial cutting and processing tools.
How to Care for Ruby?
Cleaning: Clean rubies gently with warm water and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning materials. Dry with a soft cloth.
Protection: Rubies should be kept away from high heat and chemicals. When wearing ruby jewelry, avoid heavy work or exposure to harsh products that could damage the stone.
Storage: Store ruby jewelry separately from other hard gemstones and jewelry to prevent scratches.
Inspection: Periodically check the setting of your ruby. Since rubies are sensitive to impacts, ensure that the setting is secure to prevent any damage.
