Facts and Myths About Rubies

Rubies have been mined for over five thousand years. A myriad of cultures have coveted these jewels and believed that they had the power to heal and protect. It has been associated with royalty and the power of life and death, and has been attributed to prevent blood-loss and strengthen the heart. (McCreight) While most modern societies do not believe in the magical powers of the ruby, it is still regarded as the “Queen of Jewels” or the “King of Precious Stones” and is one of the most expensive precious stones. (Ruby) In fact, a large, dark red ruby with few inclusions can be worth far more than even a diamond. Today synthetic rubies are produced in laboratories and are used for jewelry, watch bearings and laser equipment. (McCreight

Although it has a different name in every language, the English term “ruby” was derived from the Latin term rubeus, meaning red. (Rogers) Rubies are made of aluminum oxide (conundrum in lay terms) and its red color comes from trace elements of chromium oxide. In fact, these traces of chromium oxide are the only thing that differentiates a ruby from a sapphire. All red forms of conundrum are considered rubies, while all other colors—ranging from blue, green, yellow, orange, pink and clear—are termed sapphires. (Zucker) Rubies range in color from light red (just a shade darker than a pink sapphire) to a dark red called “pigeon’s blood” which is considered the best and, therefore, the most expensive. (Rogers) They rate as a nine on Moh’s Hardness Scale, second only to diamonds. Though similar in color to garnets and spinels, a true ruby can be discerned by its hexagonal crystal formations and chemical makeup. In fact, the British Crown Jewels include a spinel called the “Black Prince’s Ruby” that was thought to be a ruby for over two hundred years!