RUBY
the red variety of corundum

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VARIETY INFORMATION:

  • VARIETY OF: Corundum , Al2O3 .
  • USES: Gemstone.
  • BIRTHSTONE FOR: July
  • COLOR: various shades of red.
  • INDEX OF REFRACTION: 1.76 - 1.78
  • BIREFRINGENCE: 0.009
  • HARDNESS: 9
  • CLEAVAGE: none, although there is a rhombic parting
  • CRYSTAL SYSTEM: trigonal
  • PLEOCHROIC: strongly
  • For natural ruby mineral specimens see our For Sale or Sold lists
    For Ruby Jewelry, see --> RUBY JEWELRY

Ruby is the red variety of corundum, the second hardest natural mineral known to antiquity. The non-red variety of corundum is Sapphire. Sapphires are well known among the general public as being blue, but can be nearly any color. The red color in ruby is caused by trace amounts of the element chromium. The best shade of red for ruby is often given the name "pigeon blood red", but ruby can be any shade of red up to almost pink.

Oriented rutile crystal inclusions cause a six-rayed-star light effect (called asterism) to form the popular Star Ruby.

Rubies come from all over the world but good gemstones are found at Thailand, India, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, North Carolina in the U.S., Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, Kampuchea, and perhaps most notably, Burma.

Rubies have a famous place in science - the first lasers were made from artificial ruby crystals.  They still are used for this purpose although other materials offer improved efficiency.  Some ruby crystals show the fluorescence (actually very short term phosphorescence) that makes a laser possible.

Ruby Jewelry Powered by Bizrate - Hover over an item for more information
Balcony Band, Sterling Silver Ring with Ruby & Diamond
This intricate band designed by Jessica Behzad is inspired by the delicately curled and arched forms of the wrought iron balconies of the French Quarter of New Orleans. The pattern repeats all the way around the finger, punctuated by brilliant...Only $347.00 at Gemvara
no photoBalcony Band, Sterling Silver Ring with Ruby & Diamond
$347.00
Gemvara
Roberto Coin .95ct t.w. "Capri Plus" Blue Topaz Earrings, Rubies
Founded in Vicenza, the City of Gold in 1977, Roberto Coin jewelry celebrates the elegance of femininity, creativity and craftsmanship. Each of his collection pieces carries his signature in a hidden position on the inside: a small ruby as Roberto...Only $970.00 at Ross-Simons
no photoRoberto Coin .95ct t.w. "Capri Plus" Blue Topaz Earrings, Rubies
$970.00
Ross-Simons
Catelyn Ring, Marquise Red Garnet Sterling Silver Ring with Ruby
With scrolls, twists, and an elegantly tapering marquise cut with two brilliant accents, this design has the layered richness of a medieval tapestry. It will add romance to everything you wear.Only $417.00 at Gemvara
no photoCatelyn Ring, Marquise Red Garnet Sterling Silver Ring with Ruby
$417.00
Gemvara
Meredith Frederick Suzette Striped Bracelet
14-karat gold beads. Ruby, garnet, zircon stones and silver beads. 3/8"W. Fits up to a 7 1/2" wrist. Keywords: April,Birthstone,bracelet,diamond bracelet,gold,platinum,silver,valentines day,white gold,Meredith Frederick,421 Status Jewelry,72...Only $600.00 at Neiman Marcus
no photoMeredith Frederick Suzette Striped Bracelet
$600.00
Neiman Marcus
The Dozen Rubies Bracelet
Superbly crafted and plated in 14kt gold, this extraordinary bracelet features 12 gracefully linked hearts each adorned with a vibrant ruby. Combined, these glittering gemstones total nearly three impressive carats! The bracelet features a convenient...Only $139.00 at Danbury Mint
no photoThe Dozen Rubies Bracelet
$139.00
Danbury Mint
Ruby Splendor Stackable Ring Set
A magnificent stackable ring set featuring 17 radiant rubies and 10 flashing diamonds. This superb trio of radiant 24kt gold-plated rings features a stunning ruby center ring flanked by two diamond bands. Available in whole sizes 5 to 10.Only $129.00 at Danbury Mint
no photoRuby Splendor Stackable Ring Set
$129.00
Danbury Mint
Bamboo Three-Stone Ring, Round Ruby Sterling Silver Ring with Emerald
This three-gemstone bamboo ring makes a refined statement alone or combines well with other bamboo rings by designer Martha Gomez Gutierrez as elegant family rings.Only $314.00 at Gemvara
no photoBamboo Three-Stone Ring, Round Ruby Sterling Silver Ring with Emerald
$314.00
Gemvara
Summer Palace Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Ruby & Diamond
The scrolls and curves of this elegant ring by Jessica Bezhad are inspired by the ornate wrought-iron gates to a Summer palace in Europe.Only $336.00 at Gemvara
no photoSummer Palace Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Ruby & Diamond
$336.00
Gemvara
Two Hearts Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Black Diamond & Ruby
Two hearts meet in one simply perfect ring style. Create this style in your birthstones to add extra meaning.Only $237.00 at Gemvara
no photoTwo Hearts Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Black Diamond & Ruby
$237.00
Gemvara
Stepping Stones Ring with One Gem, Sterling Silver Ring with Ruby
Circles trace a path around the finger in this stylish design by Gary Stucchi. In the center, one brilliant gem shines.Only $315.00 at Gemvara
no photoStepping Stones Ring with One Gem, Sterling Silver Ring with Ruby
$315.00
Gemvara
Two Hearts Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Ruby & Diamond
Two hearts meet in one simply perfect ring style. Create this style in your birthstones to add extra meaning.Only $249.00 at Gemvara
no photoTwo Hearts Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Ruby & Diamond
$249.00
Gemvara
Kira Ring, Oval Citrine Sterling Silver Ring with Ruby
Polished, tailored and modern, this three-stone style has a streamlined design. This style's sleek bezel settings are especially perfect for the active woman.Only $274.00 at Gemvara
no photoKira Ring, Oval Citrine Sterling Silver Ring with Ruby
$274.00
Gemvara
10k Gold Mother-Of-Pearl and Lab-Created Ruby Flower Ring, Size 10,5,8 by PalmBeach Jewelry, Size 10
Rated by 25,000+ Customers. . Blooming with a pretty pink mother-of-pearl flower and red lab-created rubies, .54 carat T.W., this delightful ring shimmers with feminine allure in 10k gold. Sizes 5-10. (Carat weights may vary by plus or minus 5% of...Only $175.99 at PalmBeachJewelry
no photo10k Gold Mother-Of-Pearl and Lab-Created Ruby Flower Ring, Size 10,5,8 by PalmBeach Jewelry, Size 10
$175.99
PalmBeachJewelry
Stargazer Earrings, 14K Yellow Gold Stud Earrings with Ruby
These elegant stud earrings by designer Ji Hwang have intricately sculpted petals that curve to catch the light.Only $415.00 at Gemvara
no photoStargazer Earrings, 14K Yellow Gold Stud Earrings with Ruby
$415.00
Gemvara
Pressed Flower Pendant, Sterling Silver Necklace with Ruby
Daisies fill the frame of this pretty pendant by Ji Hwang, a bevy of gem blooms to brighten everything you wear.Only $366.00 at Gemvara
no photoPressed Flower Pendant, Sterling Silver Necklace with Ruby
$366.00
Gemvara
See More Ruby Jewelry Selections at Bizrate

This Site Awarded
Available RUBY specimens:
RUBY specimen RUB-52
$ 45.00 -30% = $ 31.50
Dims: 1.89x1.55x1.49in (4.80x3.94x3.77cm) .... Wt: 5.1oz (144g) .... Loc: Madagascar
The cross-section of this sapphire crystal shows good hexagonal form and most of one natural termination. Part of the specimen is a mass of brown to black muscovite plus minor amounts of albite.
no photo
RUB-52
$ 31.50
no photo
RUBY specimen RUB-48
$ 25.00
Dims: 0.88x0.84x0.64in (2.22x2.14x1.62cm) .... Wt: 0.40oz (11.3g) .... Loc: Rai-Iz, Polar Ural, Russia
This small specimen contains four ruby crystals, but only one is significantly exposed - the others show a single face. Still, it is a nice ruby crystal, with excellent color and a pleasing appearance when examined using a loupe.
no photo
RUB-48
$ 25.00
no photo
RUBY specimen RUB-49
$ 28.00
Dims: 1.22x0.80x0.60in (3.09x2.04x1.54cm) .... Wt: 0.64oz (18.0g) .... Loc: Rai-Iz, Polar Ural, Russia
Both of the ruby crystals on this specimen have an excellent luster and good color. They are effectively translucent, and appear as though stacks of crystals are lined up. In reality, they are each single crystals with a myriad of basal striations.
no photo
RUB-49
$ 28.00
no photo
see this List of ALL specimens including SOLD ones
 
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