Learn About Ruby
The ruby is a lustrous, deep red stone that has accrued special and symbolic meaning through time. Through the ages, the ruby has represented nobility, purity, and passion. From ancient times through the modern-day, Rubies have been valued by cultures around the world.
Properties of Ruby
Ruby Gemstonecomposed of transparent red corundum, a mineral form of aluminum oxide, Al2O3. Its colour varies from deep cochineal to pale rose red, in some cases with a tinge of purple; the most valued is a pigeon-blood red. The red colour arises from the replacement of a small number of aluminum atoms by chromium atoms (1 in 5,000). High refractivity is characteristic; when cut and polished, ruby is a brilliant stone, but, because it has weak dispersion, it lacks fire. On exposure to high temperature, ruby becomes green but regains its original colour upon cooling. When subjected to radiant discharge, ruby phosphoresces with a vivid red glow.
Color Properties of Ruby
Ruby Gemstones are valued for their rich, red color that denotes passion. This red hue takes on a variety of shades. Each ruby also has inclusions which makes each ruby unique. Even the name of the ruby was derived from the Latin word for red, “rubens.” Gemstones colors are typically graded based on three factors. Hue, tone and saturation. Hue is the gradation of the color, for example dark or pale. Tone is the degree of absorption and reflection of light. For example tones can range from black to clear. Tone is the major determinant of the intensity of color.Finally, saturation is how much of the color of the stone comprises of the primary color. For rubies, those that are vividly and primarily red are most sought after.
What are the best Colors of Ruby?
Ruby colors can range from a deep blackish red to an orangish or pinkish red. Regardless of the combinations of other colors that can be a part of the ruby, the primary color is always red. Rubies that are on the shade of too dark can be the color of a wine color. The darkness of this ruby has a rich color but can have less sparkle. Rubies that pure red are often called “pigeon blood” or burmese red rubies. Their color is a lustrous, sparkling true red color. These rubies are the most prized and valuable of all rubies.
How to Check Inclusions in Ruby?
While color is an important aspect, the transparency of a ruby is also an important factor in determining it’s value. Rubies that have many inclusions are difficult to see through. Common inclusions within rubies are called rutile needles. These needles are often referred to as silk as they are slender,and differently placed in each ruby. Rubies that have these inclusions are not transparent and therefore less valuable. The most valuable rubies have little to no inclusions and are easy to see through.
Treatments on Ruby
Rubies can also be treated to improve both their color and their clarity. The most common type of treatment is heat. This can improve the quality and consistency of the color. The appearance of inclusions can also be reduced with heat treatment. Other treatments also exist to fill the fractures and inclusions in a ruby. Rubies can be filled with molten lead glass which has a fairly similar look to real rubies. The majority of rubies are heat treated to improve their appearance. The heat treatment is permanent and is fairly common with all reputable ruby sellers. However, be wary of purchasing rubies that have treatments other than heat as they may not last over time. Rubies that are untreated and of high color and clarity carry a large premium and are several times more expensive than treated rubies.
So these are few interesting facts about Ruby. We hope you would have enjoyed reading this article. Learn and buy gemstones in Canada,Montreal from visiting our website Bijouterie et Joyaux International
Bijouterie et Joyaux International is a gemstones dealer(grossiste pierre précieuse, marchand de pierres précieuses) Company in Canada-Montreal which has Wholesale gemstones with wide range of Fine Quality Certified Natural Presious and Semi Precious gemstones. This is the best place to buy fine quality wholesale gemstones Canada
