Ruby (Manik)

Ruby is a vital part of the “Big Four” gems alongside Emeralds, Sapphires and Diamonds. Yet, off all the precious gems, it carries a rare energy. Since ancient times, it has been associated with and said to represent the Sun – a vital life force and an inextinguishable flame. Once an emperor named Kublai Khan offered an entire city in exchange of a Ruby.

As per a Burmese legend, placing a natural Ruby gemstone beneath the skin could bless you with immortality. Nonetheless, there is no doubt that this stone has otherworldly powers!

Ruby Stone Meaning – Ruby hails from the corundum mineral family. Corundum in its purest form is colorless; the trace element chromium is what gives it its stunning red color. The name “Ruby” comes from the Latin term “Ruber,” which translates to red. In Sanskrit, it is known as “Ratnaraj,” which translates to the “King of Gemstones.” It scores 9 on the Mohs and is a part of hexagonal structure system.

Ruby is one of the most expensive colored gemstones ever and its price significantly increases with better color, clarity, cut, and carat. It is also a popular gift to mark special milestones such as 40^th anniversary. Various cultures and traditions over the world have a different Ruby gemstone meaning. Nonetheless, it has always represented protection, purity, passion, and wealth.

• Emotional Meaning: Ruby gemstone has a deep emotional meaning. It has long represented love, passion, and devotion. The fiery red color is said to inspire deep emotions, understanding, sensuality, and faithfulness in romantic relationships. In the 1800’s, the French jewelers often called this stone as the “dearly loved stone.”

Besides romantic relationships, Ruby is excellent for enhancing positive emotions. It can enhance self-confidence, courage, self-care, strength, and potential to live life to the fullest. While it fosters these emotions, it also removes the negative ones from our mind such as anxiety and self-doubt.

• Spiritual Meaning: This gemstone has profound and significant spiritual meaning. It is believed to help open and balance the Root Chakra and it has the power to align the energies of mind, body, and soul. Since its color is closest to that of blood, wearing it is said to provide energy to the body. It can also remove negativity that disrupts positive energy, promoting spirituality, vitality, and overall wellness.

• Wellness Meaning: Ruby is great for healing and wellness. Through crystal healing, this gemstone can help with body pain, blood circulatory issues, heart problems, low energy, and detoxification. During ancient period, it was also rubbed on people’s skin to promote youthfulness and vitality. Overall, wearing Ruby promotes better health and wellness.

• Ruby Birth Stone: This gemstone holds a deep meaning for many; however, it is extra special and lucky for the people born in the month of July. Yes, Ruby is a July birthstone and is believed to bring good luck, protection, courage, passion, power, and love to July born individuals. The gem’s fiery red color also resonates with their enthusiastic and outgoing personalities.

Ruby Stone Symbolism – Ruby symbolizes different things in diverse cultures. For thousands of years, it has symbolized passion, protection, and abundance. It was also a symbol of love, loyalty, commitment, and devotion. Many ancient cultures associated this gemstone’s color with blood and believed that it was force of life.

That is why, Burmese, and Chinese warriors of old times adorned their armors with Ruby, thinking it would protect them in the battlefield. Some of them even inserted it under their skin believing it would make them invincible. Whereas in India, Rubies were offered to Lord Krishna, as per the ancient Hindus he would bless them with rebirth as an emperor.

Ruby Gemstones in the USA Culture

Ruby’s history is full of mystery, passion, and splendor! It has also been mentioned in the Bible over 8 times. As per the Bible, Ruby is among the 12 precious gems create by the God himself. For similar reasons, this gemstone has been treasured by royalties, warriors, gem explorers and collectors.

It has been considered a vital source of life and power, often worn as the talisman of protection, wisdom, health, and abundance. Today, Ruby gemstones command some of the highest price per carat in the industry, especially among colored gemstones.

• Popularity Among Celebrities & Influencers

Rubies are extremely popular among celebrities and influencers as we see them flaunting their Ruby jewelry pieces on red carpet events. They specially indulge in statement and bespoke pieces; nonetheless, there are everyday wear pieces too.

• Trends in Bridal & Custom Jewelry

Today, there is a huge trend of Ruby engagement rings as an alternative to Diamonds. It is a unique and beautiful choice that looks incredible on its own or paired with other gemstones like Diamonds or Pearls. Rubies are also often given as a present on special occasions like 15^th or 40^th wedding anniversary.

Ruby Stone Benefits

The Ruby stone is known as the "King of Gems" and has a long history and cultural significance. Deep red in color, the ruby symbolizes passion, protection, and wealth. Its allure is not only aesthetic but also provides numerous benefits to its wearer.

• Enhances Self-Confidence: As per belief, Rubies can help enhance self-confidence and courage of a person. It can also help promote leadership quality which further leads to authority, name, fame, and luxury.

• Offers Protection: Rubies also protect the wearer from negative energies and evil eyes. If you are an individual who often has nightmares or negative otherworldly experiences, consider wearing this gemstone.

• Mental & Emotional: Ruby stones can reduce stress and anxiety, giving a soothing feeling to the mind. It boosts self-confidence and motivation, making you face challenges with an optimistic approach. The energy of the ruby is believed to wash away the negative thoughts from the mind, facilitating decision-making, and improving the level of concentration.

• Physical Health: Rubies are said to be energizing and reaping the vital of energy. If you desire a better physical body, then consider wearing them. The stone is said to restore the heart; thus, blood circulation improves, and the toxins in the body are detoxified. You can also use them to cure eye-related issues, fevers, or infections.

• Spiritual Benefits: Rubies is a spiritual growth stimulant. They also enhance meditation and mindfulness practices, making them a favorite of people who seek spiritual development. The stone opens the heart chakra and fosters love, compassion, and forgiveness. Rubies also aid in connecting to higher consciousness, giving a person a feeling of inner peace and spirituality.

Characteristics of Rubies

Rubies are one of the most exquisite gemstones, captivating for their stunning red color and beauty. When it comes to characteristics of Rubies, the 4Cs come into our minds. The 4Cs stand for – color, clarity, cut and carat, color being the most crucial feature of a natural Ruby gemstone.

• Color: Ruby color is the foremost characteristic that grabs attention and hearts of the people. The red comes from the presence of chromium in the corundum crystal structure, exhibiting a wide range of reds. This stone’s color can range from pinkish to deep, rich red color, the most coveted color being the “pigeon blood red color.”

• Clarity: Next important characteristic is clarity. Like any other gemstones, Ruby stones have some natural inclusions. These inclusions are a part of gemstone formation and can include needle-like rutile inclusions, tiny mineral crystal structures, or fingerprint-like growth patterns. The most common inclusion present in Rubies are known as “Silk.”

• Cut: Cut is also a crucial Ruby characteristic. It can significantly enhance or lower a gemstone’s value. Cutting Rubies can be difficult because of their pleochroic nature. A stone may appear red to purplish red in one direction and orangey red in another in a single crystal. This makes achieving the ideal color challenging. The best shape for this gemstone in the market is oval and cushion.

• Carat: Rubies are mostly found in smaller carats. Large and quality gemstones are rare and expensive than the smaller ones. As the carat of the stone increases, so does the price, keeping quality factors and scarcity in mind. Anything about 2-3-carats can be rare and pricey.

Origins of Ruby Stones

Ruby gemstones crystallize in the setting of highly super-heated waters with low silica and iron. Notably, both silica and iron are extremely abundant elements. In order for the crystals to become rubies and not sapphires, corundum in red instead of blue, rubies also need to have some amount of chromium. This element is much less common.

• Burmese Rubies: Burma, presently Myanmar is a major producer of Ruby stones. In fact, Burmese Rubies are considered the best quality Rubies throughout the world. Gemstones from this particular origin display a deep red color because of the presence of chromium.

The Mogok Valley, also known as the “Valley of Rubies,” has been popular for centuries for producing the finest quality gemstones. This variety is highly coveted by pigeon blood red color, excellent clarity, and fluorescence.

• African Rubies: Another excellent source is Africa, mainly including Mozambique and Tanzania. After Burmese, Mozambique Rubies are highly revered and sought-after due to their vibrant red color and exceptional transparency. Mozambique has also been popular for producing not only lively gems but also diverse color variations.

• Thailand Rubies: Next famous origin is Thailand with deep and rich history of Ruby trade. This variety is well-known for its dark red color and strong fluorescence. Chanthaburi province is renowned for producing high-quality gemstones, often treated with different methods to enhance color and clarity. Nonetheless, Thai Rubies offer a unique charm.

• Other Sources: Some other reliable sources of Ruby stones include Afghanistan, Madagascar, Pakistan, Pailin and more. Each origin offers unique gemstone qualities and features depending on the geological setting.

Uses and Applications of Rubies

Natural Ruby stones can be used in multiple ways. They are most frequently used in jewelry making for everyday wear, special occasions, or high-end fashion events. Besides, Ruby is also greatly used for gemstone healing and other spiritual purposes.

• Jewelry Options: Rubies are an excellent choice for jewelry, be it Ruby rings, pendants, bracelets, or necklaces. They are a popular choice for bridal and statement jewelry designs. You can always get a loose Ruby stone made into a personalized jewelry piece.

• Special Occasions: They are also excellent for special occasions such engagement, weddings, and anniversaries. Being a symbol of love, passion and loyalty, Rubies further add meaning and charm to such events. Besides, their durability and timeless appeal make them great heirlooms that you can pass onto your generations.

• Incorporation in Fashion Trends: Today, Rubies are huge in high couture jewelry making. You can often see them as a part of celebrity red carpet looks or endorsement campaigns. There is also a trend to mix Rubies with other precious stones such as Diamonds.

• Healing: Ruby is often used for gemstone/crystal healing. It is said to alleviate body ache, low energy, blood circulation issues, and heart problems, promoting passion, courage, and a zest for life. If you want to detoxify your mind, body and soul of negativity and foster positivity, meditate with a natural Ruby stone, or wear it.

Buying Guide for Ruby Gemstones

Since Ruby stones are so popular and in-demand, there are many dealers trying to sell you fake or inferior quality stones in the name and price of natural ones. That is why it is important to know certain factors that can help you choose an authentic and quality gemstone. Remember it is not an easy task, and you have to be extremely vigilant.

What to Look for When Buying Rubies?

• Color: Color is the most important quality factor for Rubies without a doubt. The moment the stone’s color becomes too purplish or orangey, it is no longer considered a Ruby. Finest quality stones exhibit true, vibrant red color or even slightly purplish red color. The most coveted color is “pigeon blood red.” Choose a stone with pure, vividly saturated, and not too dark or too light red color.

• Clarity: Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions. Inclusion-free Rubies are extremely rare and carry a hefty price tag, some of them are for auctions only. While inclusions are natural, look for a gem with fewer inclusions that do not affect the transparency or overall beauty of the stone. Obvious inclusions will lower a gemstone’s value dramatically.

• Cut: Cut is also a crucial quality factor. It determines the overall quality and beauty of the stone. Several factors determine the cut and proportion of rubies available. A ruby's crystal shape determines the type of cut it can undergo. The most common shape is flat tabular hexagonal, although ruby crystals from some sources may be elongated.

• Carat: Ruby’s carat is also a crucial factor to consider. Larger carats are rare when it comes to Rubies that too with high-quality features. Choose a decent carat weight gemstone and strike a balance with quality color, clarity and cut.

Cost of Ruby Gemstone in the USA

Ruby Stone price depends on several factors including color, clarity, cut and carat. The better these quality factors are, the higher will be the price. Besides, the origin source and treatment history influence its pricing. Some Rubies have also been priced over $1,000,000 per carat, breaking all records.

• Low Quality Rubies – $100 to $500 per carat
• Medium Quality Rubies – $500 to $3,000 per carat
• High Quality Rubies – $3,000 to $10,000 or more per carat

Care and Maintenance of Rubies

Ruby gemstones are extremely tough and durable, displaying a solid rating of 9 on the Mohs scale. Yet, to maintain the longevity and beauty of your stone, you must know how to properly care for it. Some basic cleaning and maintenance tips can help you keep up its beauty, brilliance, luster, and shine. So that the gemstone can last you for generations.

• Cleaning: The best method to clean your natural Ruby gemstone is with warm soapy water. In a clean metal bowl take some lukewarm water, gentle soap, and mix well. Then take a soft cloth or soft bristled brush and dip in the warm soapy water and clean the stone with gentle hands. Once the gem is cleaned, rinse it with normal water and pat it dry using a soft lint-free cloth.

• Storage: There are some useful common practices that you must remember when storing Rubies. Since it is a tough and durable gemstone, Rubies can scratch and damage other softer stones. Therefore, it is best to keep it in a separate jewelry envelope, pouch, or box. Also, store them in a cool and dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.

Things to Avoid

• Never soak your stone in soapy water or even in strong solvents including paint thinner, alcohol or acetone.
• Avoid wearing your gemstone jewelry when doing household chores, swimming, or gardening.
• Use appropriate cleaning techniques only, avoiding steam and ultrasonic cleaners.
• Do not expose the stone to sudden extreme temperatures changes.
• Always have your Ruby jewelry checked by a professional in 6-12 months.

Rubies are one of the most spectacular gemstones that have been part of human history for centuries. Starting from being linked to kings and warriors, and moving towards mystical healing powers, the rich red color has definitely fascinated human minds. A gem collector, jewelry enthusiast, or simply someone who loves nature will certainly not fail to fall in love with the charm of owning a natural Ruby stone.

FAQs

What is Ruby stone good for?

Ruby stone is good for multiple reasons. Not only is it suitable for jewelry pieces but also is an excellent healing stone. Wearing it can bless you with countless mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical benefits.

Is Ruby an expensive stone?

Yes, Ruby is one of the most expensive colored gemstones. Some high-quality Rubies have also been priced at record breaking $1,000,000 per carat.

How to tell if Ruby is real?

To check Ruby’s authenticity, look at its color, clarity, cut, carat and most importantly certifications.

Which color Ruby is expensive?

The most expensive Ruby color is the “pigeon blood red” Ruby color exhibits a pure, vibrant red color with slight purple tints.

Are Rubies worth more than Diamonds?

• There rarely has been any gemstone associated with the lore of power, love, and royalty like Ruby gemstone. There is something ethereal about this stone that captures the hearts and minds of the onlookers. Perhaps it is Ruby’s glowing blood-red color, or it is the metaphysical powers arousing our chi, or the fact that we have seen people occupying the seats of nobility wear this stone.
• Some Rubies are worth more than Diamonds depending on their quality as Rubies are rarer.