One of the greatest challenges for the contemporary gemologist is the separation of natural and synthetic rubies, especially when there are no characteristic internal features. A further consideration in many markets is identifying the deposit or country of origin of the ruby. The lead article in this issue reports the results of a comprehensive study on the trace-element chemistry (as determined by EDXRF analysis) of synthetic rubies from various manufacturers and natural rubies from several different deposits. The natural ruby crystal shown here on a calcite marble matrix is from Jegdalek, Afghanistan, and measures 17 × 10 × 9 mm. The accompanying 1.29 ct faceted ruby is from Mogok, Myanmar. Both are courtesy of the collection of Michael M. Scott. Photo © Harold & Erica Van Pelt—Photographers, Los Angeles, California.