Ruby

Ruby is the red variety of corundum (Al₂O₃), an aluminum oxide mineral colored by trace chromium that produces hues from pinkish red to deep blood-red. The top color grade, called "pigeon's blood," describes a pure red with slight bluish undertone and strong fluorescence. Ruby ranks second only to diamond in hardness among natural gemstones, making it one of the few colored stones suitable for daily-wear rings. The specimen shown here is an opaque crystalline piece with typical dark inclusions — iron- and chromium-bearing zones visible to the eye.

Ruby Origin and Key Properties

The Mogok Valley in Myanmar has produced Ruby for more than 800 years and still sets the benchmark for color. Mozambique became the largest commercial source after the 2009 Montepuez discovery and now supplies most of the material in the global market. Additional deposits occur in Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Afghanistan. Thai and Cambodian stones tend toward darker brownish reds due to higher iron content, while Mozambique rough bridges Burmese saturation with better clarity. Gem-quality crystals above 3 carats are uncommon.

Ruby measures 9 on the Mohs scale, with a specific gravity of 3.97–4.05 and a refractive index of 1.762–1.770. The chemical formula is Al₂O₃ with Cr³⁺ as the chromophore; iron and titanium traces shift tone toward purple or brown. Transparency ranges from transparent to opaque, and almost every natural ruby contains rutile "silk," fingerprint inclusions, or color zoning.

Treatment disclosure matters. An estimated 90%+ of commercial rubies receive heat treatment (typically 1,600–1,800°C) to improve color and dissolve rutile silk; this is stable and industry-accepted. Lower-grade material is often lead-glass filled or flux-healed to disguise fractures — these treatments are less durable and require gentle handling. Untreated rubies with lab certification command significant premiums. SilverRush Style discloses treatment type on item pages where known.

Ruby in Sterling Silver Jewelry

Cabochon cuts dominate silver-set ruby because most rough falls into the opaque to translucent grades suited to dome shapes, and cabs showcase the stone's internal glow without demanding eye-clean material. Faceted ovals, cushions, and rounds appear in higher-clarity pieces, while raw and slice forms work for pendants and statement rings. Sterling silver (.925) gives ruby a cool, reflective bezel that pushes the red forward — warmer metals compete with the chromium color, while silver frames it. Pricing in our ruby jewelry collection typically runs $40–$250, depending on carat weight, clarity, and setting complexity.

Smaller accent rubies (2–4mm) pair well with sterling in stackable rings and studs. Larger solitaires (6mm and up) usually feature opaque to semi-translucent stones, often from African or Indian sources, set in prong or bezel mounts.

Care and Cleaning

Clean ruby with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally safe for untreated and heat-treated stones but should be avoided on glass-filled or fracture-healed rubies. Keep ruby away from harsh chemicals (bleach, chlorine) and store it separately in a soft pouch — at Mohs 9, ruby will scratch softer stones and silver surfaces kept alongside it.

Frequently Asked Questions