How is ruby

Typically, this results in a colorless substance. However, when some of the aluminum atoms are replaced by other minerals or substances, the stone can take on other colors. This is how the ruby is formed and gets its deep red hue.

Specifically, the presence of chromium creates a deep red color. Rare orange and pink shades of ruby are created by the presence of chromium and ferric iron. Learn more about ruby color.

However, the presence of silica or iron prevents the formation of a ruby. To add to that, corundum is also a rare mineral. Rubies are found along the stretch of land that borders the Himalayan mountain range. As the continents of Asia and the Indian subcontinent collided with each other, the immense pressure and presence of certain minerals created a deposit of rubies. The formation of rubies dates back to 50 million years ago.

Additional ruby deposits can also be found in Madagascar, Macedonia, and Montana. The majority of rubies have imperfections that are formed naturally when the ruby is developing within the earth. These characteristics are commonly referred to as rutile needles or silk. These rutile needles are a distinguishing factor between natural and lab-created rubies. Check out more information about ruby inclusions and clarity. The ruby is one of the most precious gemstones in the world made alluring through its rarity and durability.

Although rubies can be found all over the world, the Burmese Ruby, characterized by this enticing rich red color, from Myanmar formerly known as Burma continues to be the most sought after ruby of the collection. However, certain varieties and originations of Rubies are more valued and prized than others.

Rubies are mined in Afghanistan, India, Mozambique, and Tajikistan. While rubies of all qualities can be found in all mines, certain mines produce more visually appealing rubies. Origin greatly affects the worth of a ruby. For years of history , the Mogok Stone tract has been characterized as the most famous source for Burmese Rubies. The rubies found in this particular source can account for their beauty to not only their vibrant red color but also to a reaction to ultraviolet light, giving the gem an intense red glow when viewed in natural lighting.

Rubies from this region are also known to have lower iron content. When present in higher quantities, the iron can subdue the electric looking red fluorescence of the ruby. This ability to glow from within almost makes the Burmese rubies look like they have a flame glowing within them. Burmese rubies have a true red to pinkish, red color in natural lighting.

This valuable combination sets Burmese rubies apart from all others. As they do not have other undertones, their value is higher than rubies from other sources. The coloring is similar to its fluorescent-like effect, but stones found from this region can be easily identified by the darkness of their core. However, no conclusion has been made. For thousands of years, the brilliant coloring has made the Burmese Ruby practically irresistible.

They might fashion flattened ruby rough into shallow stones, even though light escapes through flattened pavilions, causing an unattractive see-through area in the stone called a window. Pleochroism—the appearance of different colors in different crystal directions—is another factor that influences cut.

In ruby it typically appears as red to purplish red in one crystal direction and orangy red in the other. Cutters can minimize the orangy red color by orienting the table facet perpendicular to the long crystal direction.

Fine-quality rubies over one carat are very rare, but commercial-quality rubies are commonly available in a wide range of sizes.

The price per carat goes up significantly for ruby as it increases in size. Ruby Quality Factors. The mixture of these untreated and heat-treated rubies show a range of darker and brighter red colors. Intersecting needles of the mineral rutile create a common ruby inclusion called silk.

When they are intact, they prove the ruby was not heat-treated at very high temperatures. Photo: John I. Koivula, GIA. Long mineral inclusions that intersect can create the star effect when stones are cut as cabochons. Rubies are commonly cut into oval and cushion shapes. Rough: Gift of William F.

Cut stone: Courtesy: Edward Boehm. These rubies were all mined in Myanmar formerly known as Burma. The faceted stone weighs Photo: Robert E. The fact that high-quality rubies are hard to find, further makes this gem a truly valuable possession. Also read: How Are Pearls Formed? How Are Rubies Formed? Can you think of a gemstone more gorgeous than the ruby? How are Rubies formed? Are Rubies rare? This is due to the following reasons… To begin with, corundum may be found abundantly in nature.

Are they exposed to any treatments? Related posts.