Difference Between Glass-Filled Ruby vs Natural Ruby

We are all aware of the importance and price point of rubies in the market, but are you aware of how many forms a ruby can be found in?

If not, then with this article we will make it clear. In the jewellery market, there are two kinds of rubies available, which are the natural rubies that have great significance and other is the treated glass-filled rubies. There is a significant difference between the both of them; today we will be discussing the same.

Let’s have a closer look at the characteristics and features of both the rubies.

Characteristics of Natural Ruby

Natural ruby stone are created over millions of years under extreme heat and pressure, making them rare and of great importance. The red colour present in rubies is due to the presence of chromium in them. They belong to the corundum family, which includes other stones like sapphire, and have their distinct characteristics. Let’s shed some light on the distinct characteristics of natural rubies:

The colour ranges between light pinkish red to a deep blood-red as well.
Natural rubies have inclusions like impurities, colour zoning, etc., which makes them unique and is a certificate for their authenticity.
As the rubies are from the corundum family, they rank at number 9 on the Mohs scale. The Mohs scale is an indicator of durability and hardness through which one can determine if they can use the gemstone for daily use.
Natural rubies have immense astrological benefits, as according to Vedic astrology, the stone is connected to planet Sun, responsible for leadership, enhancing confidence, and much more.

Characteristics of Glass-Filled Ruby

Glass-filled rubies are also known as composite rubies. These are low level rubies that undergo treatments for enhancing their appearance. In this entire process of treating the ruby and enhancing its beauty, people fill the gaps and fracture with glass, reducing the stone’s value and astrological benefits. Let’s look at the visible characteristics of glass-filled rubies:

Glass-filled rubies appear redder and brighter due to their fillings and treatments.
To the naked eye, there are various fractures and voids in these rubies, but the glass filling makes them clearer. However, when seen from a jeweller’s eye and loupe, there are bubbles in the stone because of filling.
In terms of durability, it might seem that these rubies will last longer due to the filling and treatments, but the reality is entirely different. In comparison to a natural ruby, these are not very reliable.
Glass-filled rubies reduce their astrological benefits significantly as they lose their natural essence and properties that play a vital role in astrology.

Difference between Natural Ruby and Glass-Filled Ruby

While examining rubies, there are certain visual properties through which we can demarcate a natural ruby from the glass-filled ruby; let’s have a better look at that.

Characteristic	Natural Ruby	Glass-Filled Ruby
Clarity and Shine	These have a more crystal-like finish.	These have a more synthetic and plastic finish.
Inclusions	These have natural inclusions due to years of making.	These have a visible bubble-like inclusion when seen under a microscope.
Durability	When exposed to heat treatment, then it enhances its colour to some extent. Otherwise, extreme environments have little to no effect on natural ruby stones.	When exposed to high heat or chemicals, these tend to lose their colour and have the risk of getting damaged.
Colour	Natural ruby stone varies in colour from an attractive red with a blue hue to a slightly lighter red.	These can be of any colour depending on their making, but with time, their colour tends to fade due to the environment.
Transparency	Despite having various inclusions, a natural ruby contains a balanced transparency throughout the stone.	Glass-filled rubies are more transparent because of the presence of glass in them, and they have visible bubbles in them as well.
Origin	Natural rubies have specific origins, and each has their own special qualities. We can see natural rubies from Burma, Mozambique, India, and various other places.	Since glass-filled rubies undergoes a lot of treatment, these are low-level rubies that can be retrieved from various places with less significance.
Astrological Benefit	Astrologically, they have great significance and contribute to a person’s success and various other things.	Whereas glass-filled ruby does not have astrological benefits. The essence of nature is not present in them, making them good pieces just for jewelry.

Conclusion

To sum up, when you go to buy ruby online or in-person, you have options. The decision lies in your hands what do you want to purchase and for what purpose are you purchasing the gemstone. Both the categories have their significance and differences; the major thing is if the gemstone is solving your astrological issues or not. Additionally, glass-filled rubies are not reliable and durable; they tend to fade with time, so it is not a good investment piece as well. Therefore, choose your stones wisely and choose your buyers even more wisely.

When you think to buy rubies online, make sure you are working with a reliable platform such as GemsRoot that has lab-certified gemstones, worldwide shipping, and transparent and unmatched prices. You’ll get all the varieties at a reasonable price with proper guidance and quality assurance. You can contact us at +91 114-314-8316, we also offer consultation for a better understanding of what to wear and how to purchase the stone. Contact us to know more!