Ruby gemstone, known for its deep red hue and royal appearance, is one of the most valued precious gemstones in the world. It holds a special place in both jewellery and astrology due to its striking color and strong symbolism. Ruby is considered the birthstone for July and is believed to bring confidence, strength, and vitality to the wearer.
There are different types of rubies available in the market, each varying based on origin, color, and quality. Understanding these varieties helps in selecting the right ruby for personal or astrological use. This blog will explain the types of ruby stones, their qualities, and other important aspects in a clear and simple way.
Different Types of Ruby Stone by Their Origin
The value and appearance of a ruby gemstone largely depend on where it is mined. Each ruby-producing region gives the stone a distinct look in terms of color, clarity, and texture. Some origins are famous for producing top-quality rubies, while others are preferred for their availability and affordability. Here are some well-known sources of ruby gemstones:
Burmese Ruby (Myanmar)
Rubies from Myanmar, especially those mined in the Mogok Valley, are among the most sought-after in the world. These rubies are known for their rich and vibrant red color, often described as “pigeon blood red” — a bright, pure red with a slight bluish hue. Burmese rubies typically have a soft, glowing appearance with strong fluorescence, making them highly attractive. Due to their rarity and unmatched beauty, these rubies are considered premium and are often found in high-end jewellery.
Mozambican Ruby
Mozambique has become a major player in the ruby market since the 2000s. Mozambican rubies usually have a bright to deep red color and offer good transparency. Some stones also show purplish or pinkish undertones. These rubies are more readily available than Burmese rubies, making them a popular choice for both fine and commercial jewelry. They offer a good combination of color, clarity, and affordability, especially in larger sizes.
Thai Ruby
Rubies from Thailand, mostly mined in the Chanthaburi and Trat regions, tend to have a darker red tone, sometimes with a slight brownish tint. These rubies are not as vivid as Burmese or Mozambican stones but are appreciated for their hardness and durability. Thai rubies are often heat-treated to improve color and clarity. They are widely used in the jewelry trade and are available in various sizes and shapes.
Afghan and Tajikistani Ruby
Afghanistan and Tajikistan produce rubies that closely resemble Burmese rubies in color and texture. These rubies can have a strong red color with good clarity and natural glow. However, they are not as widely available and are often found in limited quantities. Their growing popularity among collectors and gem enthusiasts has increased demand in recent years.
Indian Ruby
Rubies mined in India, especially from the Odisha and Karnataka regions, are usually more affordable and come in shades ranging from light pinkish-red to medium red. These stones may have more visible inclusions and less brilliance compared to high-grade rubies. Indian rubies are often used in astrological rings and spiritual jewellery due to their availability and lower price range. While they may not match the clarity of rubies from other origins, they hold traditional and cultural value in Indian society.
Types of Rubies by Their Color
The color of a Manik stone is one of the most important factors that determine its value and beauty. While all rubies belong to the corundum family and are red in color, the exact shade of red can vary depending on the presence of trace elements like chromium and iron. These color differences help identify various types of rubies.
Pigeon Blood Red Ruby
This is considered the most valuable and desirable color in rubies. Pigeon blood red rubies have a pure, vivid red hue with a slight bluish tint. They show strong fluorescence and appear bright even in low light. Most of these rubies come from Burma (Myanmar), and due to their rich color and rarity, they often command high prices.
Vivid Red Ruby
Vivid red rubies have a strong red tone without being too dark or too light. These rubies are found in multiple origins, including Mozambique, and are known for their good balance of brightness and clarity. They are ideal for both jewellery and astrological use.
Pinkish Red Ruby
These rubies show a red color mixed with noticeable pink undertones. They are lighter in appearance and often mistaken for pink sapphires. Pinkish red rubies are more common and are usually more affordable than deep red varieties. They are suitable for those looking for a softer color in their gemstone.
Purplish Red Ruby
Rubies with a red color mixed with a slight purple tone fall into this category. The purple tint gives the stone a unique look but may reduce its value slightly compared to pure red rubies. These rubies can still be quite attractive and are found in several mining regions.
Dark Red or Brownish Red Ruby
These rubies have a deeper red tone with a brown or black tint. They usually come from Thailand or India. While they are not as bright or brilliant as other color types, they are more budget-friendly and commonly used in mid-range jewellery.
Understanding the Ruby Quality
The quality of a ruby gemstone is determined by several key factors that influence its beauty, value, and suitability for different purposes. These factors include color, clarity, cut, and carat weight often referred to as the “Four Cs” of gemstones. Let’s understand how each of these aspects affects ruby quality.
Color
Color is the most important factor in evaluating a ruby. The best rubies have a rich, vibrant red color. The most prized shade is pigeon blood red, which shows a bright red hue with a slight bluish tone. Rubies that are too dark, too light, or have a noticeable brownish tint are considered lower in quality.
Clarity
Almost all natural rubies have some inclusions, which are tiny imperfections inside the stone. Inclusions are accepted in rubies as long as they don’t affect the overall transparency or brilliance. Eye-clean rubies, where inclusions are not visible to the naked eye, are rare and valuable. However, some types of inclusions (like rutile needles, also called “silk”) can actually improve the appearance by scattering light evenly.
Cut
The cut of a ruby refers to how well it has been shaped and faceted. A well-cut ruby reflects light evenly and shows good brightness. Poor cutting can result in a dull or uneven appearance. Rubies are commonly cut in oval, cushion, and round shapes to preserve as much weight as possible while maximizing brilliance.
Carat Weight
Like all gemstones, rubies are measured in carats. Larger rubies are much rarer than smaller ones, and the price increases significantly with size especially if the color and clarity are also high. A 2-carat high-quality ruby is far more valuable than a larger ruby of lower quality.
Origin and Treatment
The place where the ruby is mined and whether it has been treated also affect its quality. Untreated rubies from reputable sources like Burma are considered premium. On the other hand, rubies that have been heavily treated or filled to improve appearance may have lower market value.
Characteristics of Ruby Gemstones
Ruby gemstones are known not only for their rich color but also for their physical strength and symbolic importance. The table below highlights the key characteristics that define the value and identity of a ruby.
| Characteristic | Details |
| Color & Composition | Rubies are red due to chromium in corundum. Higher chromium = deeper red. |
| Hardness & Durability | 9 on Mohs scale; second only to diamond. Highly durable for daily wear. |
| Luster & Transparency | Vitreous (glass-like) luster; ranges from transparent to semi-transparent. |
| Fluorescence | Many rubies show red fluorescence, especially under UV light. |
| Symbolic Meaning | Linked with strength, leadership, and vitality. Associated with the Sun in Vedic astrology. Believed to bring success and confidence. |
| Birthstone for July | Traditional birthstone for July. Also gifted for 40th wedding anniversaries. |
Treatments and Enhancements of Ruby Stone
Most rubies available in the market undergo some form of treatment to improve their appearance, durability, or color. These treatments can affect the stone’s value and should be clearly disclosed at the time of purchase. Understanding the common treatments helps buyers make informed decisions.
Heat Treatment
This is the most common and accepted method used to improve a ruby’s color and clarity. Rubies are heated at high temperatures to remove impurities and enhance their natural red tone. Heat-treated rubies are widely available and considered genuine, though they are usually less expensive than untreated stones.
Lead Glass Filling (Fracture Filling)
In this method, rubies with surface cracks or fractures are filled with a lead-based glass. This improves the stone’s transparency and makes it appear clearer than it naturally is. However, these rubies are much lower in value and require special care, as the filling can be damaged by heat or chemicals.
Diffusion Treatment
This technique involves adding coloring agents during the heating process to change or deepen the ruby’s color. It is not a permanent part of the natural stone and only affects the surface. Rubies treated this way are generally considered less valuable and are not suitable for astrological purposes.
Dyeing and Coating
Some lower-quality rubies are dyed or coated to artificially improve their color. These enhancements are superficial and can wear off over time. Such rubies are mostly used in low-cost fashion jewellery.
FAQ
1. What is the best type of ruby gemstone?
Rubies from Burma (Myanmar), especially those with a pigeon blood red color and minimal treatment, are considered the best due to their rich color, natural beauty, and rarity.
2. Are all rubies red?
Yes, rubies are always red by definition, but the shade of red can vary from pinkish-red to deep purplish or brownish red. If a corundum stone is any color other than red, it is classified as a sapphire.
3. What are the benefits of ruby stone?
The benefits of ruby stone include increased confidence, mental strength, leadership qualities, and support for heart and blood-related health in Vedic astrology. It is also believed to bring fame, recognition, and success when worn after proper recommendation.
4. Can treated rubies be used for astrological purposes?
No, heavily treated rubies, especially those that are glass-filled or dyed are not recommended for astrological use. For Vedic astrology, only natural or minimally heat-treated rubies are considered suitable.
5. How can I identify a real ruby gemstone?
Real rubies usually have some inclusions, a consistent red color, and strong hardness. The best way to confirm authenticity is through lab certification from a reputed gem testing laboratory.
Conclusion
Ruby gemstone is one of the most admired and meaningful gemstones known for its striking red color, strength, and symbolic power. From its origin and color variations to quality and treatments, every aspect of ruby adds to its uniqueness. Whether worn for its visual beauty or astrological value, choosing the right type of ruby requires a basic understanding of its different forms.
As the birthstone for July, ruby continues to be a symbol of vitality, confidence, and leadership. Always make sure to buy ruby stone from trusted sources like HTP Gemstones with proper certification, especially if you’re choosing a ruby for spiritual or healing purposes.
