African Ruby

African Ruby Stone, the ultimate red gemstone following Burmese Ruby is now a worldwide luxury favorite, endorsed by legendary designer brands globally. The gemstone channels the power of the Sun, energizing leaders and igniting passion while reinforcing protection, concentration, and good health.

African Ruby, also referred to as African Yaqoot, is a bright red gemstone with undertones of purple and orange hues, which owes its red luster to chromium content and elevated aluminum oxide. Considered the 'King of Gemstones,' the meaning of African Ruby is passion, love, energy, courage, leadership, extravagance, and self-empowerment.

With reported attributes that are able to soothe depression and ensure digestive health, African nations such as Madagascar and Mozambique are becoming premium world ruby producers, supplying Original African Ruby stones that match Burma's best.

Geological Background – Formation and Discovery

Africa's ruby occurrences are found mostly in Mozambique, Tanzania, and Kenya. All of these nations have their own unique geology that has produced top-grade African Rubies, sometimes equivalent or even better than those found in the more classical sources of Asia.

Mozambique has become one of the world's top producers of rubies over the last few years, and especially since major discoveries of rubies were made at Montepuez in 2009. The Montepuez ruby mine, owned by Gemfields, is one of the world's largest ruby mines, and its rubies are highly sought after for their hue and clarity.

The mine yields more than half the world's production of Ruby gemstones and a significant percentage of the finest ones available in the market. Tanzania, specifically the Winza and Longido areas, has long been famous for ruby mining.

Rubies from the country also tend to have a special violet color, which contributes to their uniqueness in the international market. Kenya is famous for its varied gem deposits, with Ruby mining taking place only in the areas of Baringo.

Ruby Mining in Africa

African ruby mining is a thriving and dynamic industry within the world's gemstone economy. This sought-after gem, prized for its rich red color and ancient associations, has emerged as a top player in the economies of some African nations.

The wealth of geological variations on the continent has established Africa as a center of Ruby mining, with attention and investment drawn from all corners of the world. African Rubies have made a niche in international gemstone trade, valued for their superior quality and distinctiveness. The emergence of African Rubies, especially from Mozambique, has altered the long-standing Burmese Ruby dominance in creating a diversified and competitive market.

Mining Locations in Africa –

1. Mozambique

• Montepuez Mine: The world's biggest Ruby deposit can be accessed at the Montepuez mine. Gemfields has 75% of the share in Montepuez Ruby Mining Limitada (MRM), while the remaining 25% is with Mwiriti Limitada. Rubies found in the Niassa National Reserve in 2008 have a great amount of clarity and less inclusion.

• Ruambeze: The second notable site in Mozambique is popular for high-grade Ruby production.

2. Madagascar

• Vatomanamena
• Zahamena
• Didy
• Ilakaka

3. Kenya

Rubies from Kenya are known for their distinctive beauty.

• Mangare
• Baringo

4. Tanzania

• Kalalani
• Mahenge
• Morogoro
• Loolera

5. Malawi

• Chimwadzulu

What Makes African Rubies Special? – Distinctive Features of African Rubies

• Color: African Ruby gemstones are renowned for their diverse red color range, ranging from pure red to pinkish-red colors.

• Clarity & Transparency: They exhibit excellent clarity and transparency, especially Ruby variety coming from Mozambique.

• Fluorescence: Some of the African rubies, specifically from Tanzania and Mozambique, show a characteristic red fluorescence when they are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, enhancing their color and price.

• Size & Quality: African Ruby stones are highly variable in size, and examples range from small, 2-4 carat gemstones to larger, 12.75 carat gemstones, to even larger sculpted pieces.

• Affordability: African Rubies are, on average, less expensive than Burmese Rubies, so they are a more readily available option for buyers, collectors, and jewelers.

Market Value – African Rubies in the Global Market

African rubies, sourced mainly from Mozambique and Tanzania, vary between ₹30,000 and ₹1,12,500 per carat based on quality, color, and clarity. Highly exceptional rubies can fetch prices above ₹7,50,000 per carat or more, especially for high-quality and rare stones.

African Ruby Stone – Symbolism and Cultural Significance

African Ruby gemstones, like every other Ruby variety, symbolizes love, passion, strength, and vitality. They have great historical as well as cultural significance throughout the world, across different traditions. Besides, these gems also symbolizes protection from negative and evil, good fortune, rebirth, and fearlessness.

When it comes to cultural significance, African Rubies hold unique meaning to different cultures and traditions.

• Hinduism: As per Hinduism and Vedic astrology, Ratnaraj stones are associated with the Sun, representing vitality, strength of character, leadership and much more. Wearing a Chunni stone under an astrologer’s guidance is said to bless the wearer with blessing of the Sun, receiving protection, prosperity, success, good health, and overall well-being.

• Ancient India: In the ancient times, during the time of Maharajas, it was believed that Rubies could resolve and protect them from conflicts, helping the gem’s owner to live in peace with their rivals.

• Burma (Myanmar): Burmese soldiers believed that Ruby stones could make them invincible at the battle field, protecting them from defeat and death. Some even inserted Rubies under their skin thinking it would safeguard them.

• Christianity: In Christianity, the divine sacrifice of Christ on the cross is symbolized by Manikya, symbolized by the purity and deep red color of Manikya gemstone.

• China: Similar to Burmese soldiers, Chinese noblemen also believed that Rubies could protect them in wars. They often studded them on their battle armors.

Benefits of Choosing African Ruby Stone

There are myriad benefits of choosing an African Yaqoot stone. It comprises from astrological, metaphysical, healing benefits to ethical and sustainable sourcing. You not only enjoy the aesthetics and cosmic powers of this gem but are also content knowing that the product you are enjoying is not harming the environment.

• Astrological and Healing Benefits: The astrological benefits of African Rubies cannot be measured. Their association with planet Sun makes them one of the most significant gemstones in astrology. Therefore, anybody who wishes to enhance the power of the Sun in their work and personal life needs to wear an excellent quality African Ruby gemstone in order to produce the best effect.

African Rubies, discovered mostly in countries such as Mozambique and Tanzania, show up in colors of bright red ranging to somewhat pinkish hues. Metaphysically, African Manikya stone are considered to have association with strength and vitality. Having on an African Ruby gem is considered to enhance a person's stamina and vigor to be able to conquer problems and obstacles confidently.

• Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing: Despite the socio-economic challenges in multiple mining regions in Africa, they have managed to establish ethical and sustainable sourcing practices. Several organizations and institutions have taken responsibility to promote ethical, sustainable, and transparent mining practices, keeping today’s conscious buyers in mind.

Uses and Application of African Rubies

The uses and application of African Manik stones is endless. They are perfect for astrology, jewelry as well as investment. Known for their outstanding hues and clarity, African Rubies are used in stunning jewelry such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, and earrings. Besides, they are highly prized for their metaphysical properties and healing benefits.

• Astrology and Healing Purposes: As per astrology, Ruby is associated with the Sun, the center of our solar system and a highly influential planet in our birth charts. Wearing Manikya is said to bless its owner with the positives of planet Sun – strength, vitality, protection, leadership qualities and much more.

• Jewelry and Design: Rubies, especially from Africa, are revered for their rich, deep red hue and clarity. They are used to design and create intricate high-quality jewelry pieces, often seeing celebrities adorning them on red carpets and special occasions. Jewelry designs are of all kinds, both modern and traditional, which often gets pass down to generations as heirlooms.

• Potential Investment: Considering African Chunni stone’s growing popularity, gemstone market value, and ethical sourcing accreditation, they have great investment potential. Gem collectors and investors consider it as an excellent long-term investment opportunity. So, if you are not astrologically interested in Rubies, you can still definitely consider it as an investment option.

Care and Maintenance

African Manik stone is a tough and durable gemstone with 9 rating on the Mohs scale, yet you need to be gentle and cautious when cleaning and storing it. To keep your Ruby looking like when you first bought it, we recommend cleaning it quarterly or half-yearly. The best way to clean your Ruby is warm soapy water.

Here is how you can care for and maintain your precious stone.

• Cleaning: In a clean bowl, take some lukewarm water, gentle soap, and mix them well to make a warm soapy solution. Then take a soft cloth or soft bristled brush, dip it in the soapy water and clean around the gemstone well. Once all the dirt and grime are gone, rinse your gem with normal water and pat it dry.

Also, avoid using harsh soaps, detergents, ultrasonic or steam cleaners. All these can cause severe damage to your Ratnaraj, most of which is irreversible.

• Storage: Chunni Stone is one of the hardest gemstones. If kept with softer gems, Rubies can scratch or cause other damage to them. It is best to store Rubies in separate jewelry box, pouch, or envelopes, ensuring the container is velvet lined. This rules out the chances of hard knocks, scratches, chipping, and other damage.

Mother Nature blessingly bestowed on us the heavenly gem, 'African Ruby' famous in astrological mythologies since the day of its discovery. Fitted in its natural, virgin form, this incarnation of Ruby transforms into a miracle to look upon - an optic pleasure, and Pandora’s box of benefits that add glamour to the existence of its possessor on hundreds of fronts.

If you want to buy African Ruby Stone online that are 100% natural and certified, contact us at GemsRoot! We offer genuine, conflict-free, ethically, and sustainably sourced gemstones. Our gem experts also offer accurate gem advice based on your date of birth, birth chart and Lagna. If it is getting a little out of budget for you, you can buy your perfect gem with our No-Cost EMI option*. Call us today!

FAQs

What is the quality of African Ruby?

African Ruby gemstones are one of the best Ruby varieties available in the market. They exhibit a rich red color, excellent clarity, and minimal inclusions, especially Rubies from Mozambique. Mozambique Rubies command higher value in the market compared to other varieties, even other African varieties.

Which color is African Ruby?

Color is the most significant feature of African Rubies, displaying rich and deep red color. Manik Stones from different mines slightly vary in red shades, Mozambique Rubies usually have a rich garnet-red color.

Which are the best Rubies from Africa?

Ruby Stones are found in multiple location in Africa including Mozambique, Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi. However, the best of Manikya comes from Mozambique, Montepuez mine in particular is famous for producing some of the finest quality Rubies with excellent color and clarity, making them highly sought after.

Is African Ruby good for astrology?

A natural Ruby stone from African displays perfect color, clarity and overall quality that is ideal for astrological uses. The higher the quality of a Manik is, the better will be its astrological results; therefore, always opt for a Ratnaraj that is 100% natural and certified.

What is the difference between African Ruby and Burmese Ruby?

African Ruby stone comes from locations in Africa including Mozambique, Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi. Whereas, Burmese Ruby comes from Burma, presently known as Myanmar – particularly from Mogok Valley. African Rubies bring forth a wider range of red shades including red and purple-red variants. While Burmese Rubies are popular for their intense, pure red hue named as “pigeon blood red.”