Ruby

Ruby is known as the stone of love. It is worn in all types of jewellery.

General Information 

Ruby may be any colour of red depending on the chromium and iron content of the stone. 

Generally, ruby is quite durable. Still, rubies are subject to chipping and fracture if handled roughly.

Rubies are often heat treated to permanently improve their colour and clarity.

Reputable dealers will not use the following misleading terms. However, for your protection, I am listing them here:

 

"Adelaide ruby" is a common name for almandine garnet,

"Cape ruby" is a common name for pyrope garnet found in South Africa; "Arizona ruby" and "Colorado ruby" are common names for pyrope garnet.

"American ruby" and "Mont Blanc ruby" are really garnet or rose quartz.

"Bales Ruby" is really pale red spinel.

"Bohemian ruby", "Montana ruby" and "Mountain ruby" are really red garnet.

"Brazilian ruby" is really pink or "fired" topaz, or pink tourmaline.

"Siberian ruby" is really dark pink/red tourmaline.

Where Ruby is found

Ruby is found worldwide. The finest stones are from Myanmar. Bright red stones are mined in: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Vietnam. Brownish-red ruby are from Thailand. Darker stones are generally produced from the mines in Australia, India, Russia and USA (Georgia, North Carolina and Wyoming).

Anniversary Gemstone for Ruby

Ruby is the anniversary gemstone for the 15th and 40th year of marriage.

Ruby Mystical Properties

Ruby is said to be the "queen " of all gemstones. The stone of love, it surrounds the user with an aura of beauty, and can actually transform the appearance. Ruby is said to attract stability, and loyalty. Also known as the "stone of royalty", it was believed that as long as a piece of ruby was around, wealth would be too. 

More Ruby Lore 

The three-ray, six-point star effect seen in some cabochon rubies happen when rutile inclusions are present. The star on the ruby moves on the stone as the light from a single source moves.

Rubies were thought to ward off misfortune and ill-health. They are given as a symbol of success, devotion and integrity.

According to ancient lore, a Ruby is capable of reconciling lovers' quarrels.

Ruby engagement rings are given to express passion and promise of their heart.

Ruby is the US State Gemstone of Wisconsin.