Ruby is, in fact, the king among precious stones, and looks the part. The gem is blood-red in color and looks the part. By the way, Gem translated from Latin means “RED”.
A high quality gem looks something like this. It has a smooth surface without any defects. Has significant weight. It always sparkles and shines. It has a deep red color and may contain milky inclusions.
This stone is a sign of love; it speaks of the desire for life and health. He has immeasurable power and cannot stand lies.
A little history and myths
A gem is one of the materials used in the manufacture of jewelry. According to one of the many stories of Ancient India, this gem was tempered in the blood of one of the demons named Vala. His blood ended up in the river, on the banks of which these gems were found. After this, stones began to be found on the banks of rivers flowing in Burma, Afghanistan, Nepal, etc. It should be noted that these stones continue to be found in these lands.
Some resemble human blood, some pomegranate seeds. The best examples have a uniform color, and from their middle comes a unique radiance that reflects the sun's radiance. The most expensive gem in the world weighs 8.62 carats. It is set into a Bulgari ring. Another legendary stone is the Black Prince. It weighs 170 carats and is currently placed on the Crown of the British Empire.
In fact, humanity became acquainted with this stone several hundred years BC. It would not be a mistake to say that this is the No. 1 stone for the ancient Romans.
What to wear with
It all depends on the quality of the ruby and the design - a ring with an inexpensive stone allows a lot of liberties regarding the choice of clothing style, the brightness of the manicure, and the occasion. On the contrary, rings with rubies of high quality and appropriate value oblige the owner to observe a dress code and politeness.
A ring with a large ruby, with a democratic design, will go perfectly with denim clothes, boho style, will not be suitable for the office, but will be appreciated by guests of a fashionable party. The jewelry is more suitable for frequent wear by girls and young women, and ladies with rich life experience should wear such a ring with a ruby on any informal occasion. If you want to wear rings with rubies more often, mature women should pay attention to the following option.
It seems that the models are similar, but the purity of the ruby, the gold setting and large sapphires give the ring more solidity, while maintaining the overall visual lightness of the ensemble. This type of jewelry can be worn to the opera or to a meeting with friends. You should avoid such a ring with a ruby if you have a business meeting; it would also be inappropriate in the office. Wearing an evening satin dress with a ruby ring or a cozy knitted sweater with jeans – it all depends on the occasion. It will be equally beautiful.
If you want to wear ruby rings more often, choose moderation. Small stones, elegant frames and the absence of flashy elements always indicate a good understanding of style. Even a strict dress code at work does not prohibit wearing rings with rubies, if their size and characteristics do not overshadow your personal work qualities.
Physical parameters
Compound
In ancient times, the gem was called yakhont or carbuncle. The basis of the stone is corundum Al2O3. The chromium oxide and iron in its composition give it a blood-red hue. The composition of the gem may include inclusions of rutile.
Physical parameters
Below are the main physical characteristics of the stone:
- Jewel class - 1.
- The Mohs hardness is 9, which is slightly lower than that of diamond.
- Density 3.97 – 4.05 g/cm3.
- One might add that its brilliance is comparable to that of a diamond.
How to distinguish a real gem from an artificial one
There are several ways to determine the authenticity of a mineral:
- Having examined the stone under a magnifying glass, you can notice various kinds of defects inside it - if they are absent, this is a fake.
- Place the red mineral in a container of milk; it should take on a pink tint.
- On the one hand, the gem should have a bright shade, and on the other, pale.
- Place the ruby on your eyelid - if it remains cold for a long time, then it is natural, if it gets hot, it is a fake.
- In a glass glass, the stone should emit red light.
- Artificial stone differs in strength - it is softer than natural stone.
- Try to scratch a ruby or drop it on the floor - the real one will remain intact, but the artificial one will develop cracks, chips, and perhaps even break.
- When exposed to sunlight, the ruby should take on an orange tint.
- In natural mineral the cracks are zigzag, in artificial ones they are straight and shiny.
Place of Birth
The gem can be found all over the world. But, as a rule, these are semi-precious stones that have various defects. They cannot be processed.
Meanwhile, the highest quality stones are found in Burma, in mines located near Myanmar. The deposits are located in Asian countries. They are mined in East Africa. In Russia, this gem can be found in the Polar Urals, but mining is not carried out on an industrial scale. It is mined as a by-product.
Areas of use
Most natural and synthetic gems are used for industrial purposes. The durability of the stone makes it useful in many industries, including watchmaking, astronomy, optics and electronics. For example, the material is used to create sandpaper, lasers and bearings for precision mechanisms.
For jewelry processing, only materials that belong to category 1 are used. Preference is given to stones mined from well-known deposits. Raw rubies of lower quality are often purchased by collectors.
Primary colors
The base color is blood red. But the gem can also be fiery crimson in color, etc. The most valuable are stones that have a purple or bluish tint. This color is called pigeon blood.
The composition of the gem is close to sapphire, the latter also belongs to corundum. But it doesn't have such a wide range of colors. If someone talks about a green ruby, then most likely they are talking about a sapphire.
Meanwhile, a pink gem exists. This is a young gem with a light pink tint.
Durability
The strength of a stone is assessed according to three parameters:
- Hardness
- Strength
- Stability
Ruby is difficult to scratch and ranks 9 on the Mohs scale (hardness 1 to 10) as a type of corundum. Diamonds are the only natural stone harder than corundum.
Toughness refers to a mineral's susceptibility to chipping and cracking. Corundum has no cleavage planes, although it tends to cleave. This means that rubies are very durable and resistant to breaking and cracking.
Stability refers to how much a mineral is affected by things like light, temperature changes, and chemicals. Rubies react little to light, temperature changes and various chemicals. This makes ruby jewelry ideal for frequent use, such as rings and bracelets.
Varieties
Pink ruby
In fact, this gem can be classified as sapphire, and it can have any color. Its dignity lies in the sparkling six-pointed star, which is located in the very center of the processed stone.
Star ruby
This is a unique rock that consists of green cyrsite. It includes rubies that are dark pink or dark red in color. The value of this stone lies in the amazing pattern and combination of colors that is formed by two rocks. The cost of this mineral is quite high.
It must be remembered that the color and properties of a gem are directly related to the deposit in which it was mined.
Size
The size of a gemstone, expressed in unit weight, is called a carat (abbreviated “ct”). A carat is a metric unit equal to one-fifth (0.20) of a gram. A one carat ruby will appear smaller than a diamond due to its high specific gravity.
It is worth noting that usually the size of a ruby does not exceed 1 carat. This is because chromium, which causes its red color, is relatively rare in corundum.
Oval cut ruby 1 carat $1500
Ruby forms in the earth's crust in the form of octahedral crystals, that is, wide and flat plates. This makes large rubies difficult to cut and makes stones larger than a carat exceptionally rare.
While a five-carat size is considered small for an aquamarine, a quality five-carat ruby is large enough to attract the attention of serious collectors. High quality stones of more than one carat are rare and very expensive. The most valuable ruby is intense, bright red, large in size (over 5 carats), fairly clean and perfectly cut.
2 carat pigeon blood ruby $15,000
Magic properties
Initially, the ruby should be considered as a symbol of power. It helps to raise the political weight of its owner. In addition, this gem is a symbol of love. It is able to help its owners; people who own it are capable of love, compassion, and, if necessary, they are ready to make self-sacrifice. The gem speaks of passionate love. As a rule, it is given to those people from whom reciprocity is expected.
Many are sure that the gem changes color when danger approaches. This mineral has enormous supernatural significance. It is an excellent amulet against damage; in addition, it protects the owner from the machinations of ill-wishers. By the way, it was worn by those people who were afraid of poisoning.
Its magical power is widely used by people with paranormal abilities - psychics, etc.
Medicinal properties
The healing properties have been well known to people since ancient times. Lithotherapists use it to treat the digestive organs and joints. In addition, the use of the mineral helps to increase the body's resistance, saves from insomnia and depression.
If the gem is placed in water and left for 24 hours, the infused water will help rejuvenate the skin and restore damaged cells. Significantly makes you feel better when you have a cold. Improves the quality of metabolism and removes toxins from the body.
This gem is considered feminine. It protects them from various kinds of gynecological problems.
Who is suitable according to the horoscope?
The gem is a solar gem and belongs to the fire element. It suits those zodiac signs corresponding to fire. That is, Leo, Aries and Sagittarius. It is not suitable for signs related to water - Cancer, Pisces. It is not recommended to use this gem for Taurus and Virgo.
For Capricorn, this gem is useless, it does not bring any benefit, but there will be no harm from it.
STRUCTURE
Crystal structure of ruby
The crystal structure of Al2O3 is shown in the figure in the form of Al2O3 groups at the corners of two rhombohedrons that make up the unit cell. Despite its apparent complexity, it has a fairly simple structural diagram. Oxygen ions are in a dense hexagonal packing and are arranged in sheets perpendicular to the triple axis, superimposed on one another. Al cations are located between two such sheets in the form of hexagons (with an unoccupied center), filling two-thirds of the octahedral voids (i.e., the voids between six oxygen anions, three of which belong to one, and the other three, rotated relative to the first by 180°, - another sheet of oxygen ions). In this case, the groups of every three oxygen ions form a common face for two adjacent octahedra in adjacent sheets. It is characteristic that the oxygen sheets are superimposed on each other in such a way that in each column of octahedra two occupied ones also alternate with one unoccupied one, and the pairs of occupied octahedra form helical triple axes vertically.
Talismans and amulets
The gem acts perfectly as a talisman for military and fire fighters. He protects them from death. The gem warns owners of danger by changing color. In addition, it is believed that a talisman with a gem protects against natural disasters
If there is a gem in the house, it will protect the house from fire and intruders. As they say, if a gem talisman is constantly near its owner, then luck will accompany him in everything and everywhere.
The energy of the stone allows you to strive for everything new. A talisman made from it helps creative people and those who are engaged in mental work. In addition, the talisman will always help those who love different adventures. And also, if you dream of a ruby, then the person will soon experience luck and prosperity.
Indian magicians sincerely believed that the stone influenced a person’s actions and provided broad power to its owner. But, on the other hand, the mineral causes positive emotions in people.
Ruby jewelry
Ruby has found its application in jewelry. It is used to make jewelry.
Every lady will surely be delighted with such a gift. The stone looks especially luxurious in silver. If the ring is used for daily wear, then it makes sense to choose a thin ring. To appear in the world, it is advisable to use large, massive rings or rings. A gem framed in silver fits into almost any look. Ruby jewelry suits both blondes and brunettes.
By the way, for an engagement it makes sense to choose a ring framed in gold.
Stone care
Ruby is quite durable; you need to wear jewelry with it and store it carefully.
This gem does not tolerate hot sunlight.
Jewelry can only be worn after makeup has been applied.
Decoration that has become contaminated can be soaked in water for 20-30 minutes and then washed using soap, a soft cloth and soap.
For storage you will need a box lined with soft material on the inside. Only stones of equal value can be stored next to it.
