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Red corundum
Ruby is corundum, the same mineral as sapphire, colored red by chromium. If the color is not red enough, the stone is called a pink sapphire. The most prized rubies have a vivid, slightly purplish red, sometimes described as pigeon’s blood in the trade.
Traditional associations
- Passion, courage and vitality.
- Prosperity and protection in many old traditions.
- Love: a ruby is a classic gift for a 40th anniversary.
What affects value
Color is first, then clarity, cut and size. Large, clean rubies of fine color are rarer than diamonds of the same size. Many rubies are heat-treated, a standard practice, and some are filled with glass to hide fractures, which lowers value, so make sure the seller discloses treatments.
Wear and care
At 9 on the Mohs scale, ruby is among the hardest gems and suits daily wear. A soft brush with warm soapy water is enough for cleaning, though glass-filled stones need extra care and no harsh chemicals.
Zodiac connection
July covers Cancer and the start of Leo. Ruby’s fiery look is often paired with Leo, though no list is official.
Where rubies come from
Myanmar (Burma) has long been the most famous source, and Mozambique, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Madagascar are well known too. Origin can affect price, but a good stone matters more than a famous name. If you are buying a significant ruby, ask for a report from a recognized gem laboratory that notes any treatment.
For a gift on a smaller budget, consider a smaller ruby with a rich color, or a lab-created one. Both give you the look at a gentler price. Ruby also pairs well with yellow and rose gold, which warm the red, and with diamonds, which make it look even deeper.
Questions people ask
What is the July birthstone?
Ruby.
What is the difference between a ruby and a pink sapphire?
Both are corundum. If the red is deep enough it is a ruby; paler shades are called pink sapphire.
Are synthetic rubies real?
Lab-created rubies are chemically the same as natural ones. They are cheaper and should be labeled.