Back to gem encyclopedia

Ruby

Ruby is the most valuable variety of the corundum mineral species, which also includes sapphire.

Responsive image
Fine Mogok Ruby

This fine 2.58-ct. ruby is from Myanmar’s classic Mogok deposit.

Responsive image
Extraordinary

Ruby’s extraordinary red color is caused by traces of chromium.

Responsive image
Mixed Cut

Like many fine rubies, this example is fashioned as a mixed cut.

Responsive image
Responsive image
Calcite Matrix

These exceptional ruby crystals on calcite are from Mogok, Myanmar.

Responsive image
Origin In Marble

The snow white calcite matrix hints at the ruby crystal’s origin in marble.

Responsive image
Ruby Crystal

The characteristic form of this ruby crystal allows it to be recognized.

Responsive image
Tools

Research

Sea urchin–like 3D radial fissures in a heated Mong Hsu ruby. Photomicrograph by Taku Okada; field of view 1.70 mm.
Sea Urchin–Like 3D Radial Fissures in a Heated Mong Hsu Ruby

Examination of a 1.34 ct ruby reveals a unique inclusion formed during heat treatment.

Read More

The reflection of a flux-healed fissure from a step pavilion facet in this Mong Hsu ruby resembles an evil eye. Photomicrograph by Ungkhana Atikarnsakul; field of view 1.07 mm.
Evil Eye in a Flux-Healed Mong Hsu Ruby

The mirror reflection of a flux-healed fissure from a step pavilion facet in a Mong Hsu ruby creates an interesting inclusion scene.

Read More

Devitrified glass inclusions resembling pom-poms or sea urchins in a clarity-enhanced ruby. Photomicrograph by Kevin Bishop and Joseph Hukins; field of view 1.99 mm.
Devitrified Glass “Pom-Poms” in Ruby

Devitrified glass inclusions resembling pom-poms or sea urchins are observed in a clarity-enhanced ruby.

Read More

Figure 1. This Mozambique ruby contains needles and bands of particles before heating (left). The inclusions did not show any signs of alteration after heating at 900°C for 5 hours in air (right). However, the development of the 3309 cm–1 series in the FTIR spectrum was detected in this stone after heating, providing evidence of low-temperature heat treatment. Photomicrographs by Suwasan Wongchacree; field of view 1.75 mm.
The 3309 cm–1 Series in Sapphire and Ruby: A Focus on FTIR Peak Position Variation

Investigates the correlations between peak positions in the 3309 cm–1 series with trace element concentrations for ruby, metamorphic and basalt-related blue sapphire, and laboratory-grown sapphire.

Read More

An area of a filled cavity in ruby exhibiting a lower luster than the ruby and surrounded by a granular texture, caused by a reaction layer of synthetic overgrowth. Reflected light (left) and brightfield illumination (right). Photomicrographs by Polthep Sakpanich; field of view 8.2 mm.
Ruby with Synthetic Overgrowth Lining Cavities

An unusual area of granular texture lining the cavity of a ruby indicates synthetic overgrowth.

Read More

Figure 1. The 33.98 ct carved ruby cabochon from Mogok. Photo by Christopher Smith.
Arzakite Inclusion in Ruby from Mogok

A report on the first documented arzakite inclusion in a Mogok ruby.

Read More

Figure 1. Strong angular graining in a Ramaura flux-grown synthetic ruby. Photomicrograph by Makoto Miura, field of view 3.99 mm.
Natural-Looking Inclusions in a Ramaura Synthetic Ruby

Milky clouds and flux inclusions in a synthetic ruby create a challenge for identification.

Read More

Figure 1. This unheated 11.43 ct purplish red round ruby cabochon displayed a white double-star phenomenon. Photo by Nuttapol Kitdee.
Fireworks in Ruby

An unheated purplish red ruby cabochon displays a white double-star phenomenon.

Read More

Figure 1. Colorless crystals with high relief in a ruby mined near Caraia in the Montepuez region. Photomicrograph by Wim Vertriest; field of view 3.6 mm.
Update on Inclusion Scenes in Mozambican Rubies

GIA researchers identify zircon inclusions in several Mozambican ruby samples, potentially impacting origin determination criteria used for sources of East Africa ruby.

Read More

Figure 1. Ten corundum samples from the Lofa River in Weasua, Liberia. Photo by Shunsuke Nagai.
Update on Liberian Ruby

Ten Liberian corundum samples are examined in GIA’s Tokyo laboratory.

Read More