Interesting Facts About Ruby Gemstones

Round shape ruby gemstone close-up
Gemstone Guide • Ruby

Facts About Ruby Gemstones

If you are looking for a gorgeous red gemstone, a ruby is a wonderful choice. Many jewelers design with this gemstone not only because of its beauty, but also its distinct rarity and durability.

To better understand a ruby, let's take a look at the history behind the stone, its meaning, how rubies form, and the gemstone’s color options.

Birthstone: July
Anniversaries: 15th & 40th
Durability: 9 Mohs
Gem Type: Precious
Argentium® Silver Ruby Ring Handmade by Jewelry Artist Lisa Ramos
Argentium® Silver Ruby Ring Handmade by Jewelry Artist Lisa Ramos. This design highlights the rich red color of ruby in a sculpted Argentium silver setting, creating a timeless, elegant statement piece.

Round Shape Ruby Gemstone

Where Was the First Ruby Gemstone Found?

The first ruby was discovered around 2500 B.C. in the Habeikkyin District of the Mandalay Region of Myanmar.

How Is a Ruby Gemstone Formed?

A ruby gemstone forms deep below the earth’s surface under extreme heat and pressure. When compression occurs, oxygen and aluminum atoms transform into a crystalline form of aluminum oxide called corundum. It takes roughly 20–30 million years for a ruby to form.

What Are the Color Options of a Ruby?

A ruby is primarily red. The range of red can vary from deep, blackish-red to orangish-red and pinkish-red hues.

What Is the Meaning of a Ruby Gemstone?

A ruby is known for its durability, making it one of the world’s most desirable stones and often referred to as the “ruler of jewels.” It is believed that rubies were favored by warriors and associated with strength. The gem is also credited with increasing the strength and stamina of those who wear it. Rubies are connected to calming anger and navigating passionate social situations.

What Is the Largest Ruby in the World?

The largest ruby in the world sold at a New York auction for $34.8 million. The ruby weighed 55.22 carats. It was found by a firm in Africa called Fura Gems. The name of the ruby gemstone is Estrela de Fura, meaning “Star of Fura” in Portuguese.

Where Do Rubies Come From?

The most expensive rubies are from Burma. Although some rubies are mined in the United States, they also come from Afghanistan, Australia, Cambodia, India, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Is a Ruby a Precious Gemstone?

Yes, a ruby is one of the four precious gemstones. The other precious gemstones include diamond, sapphire, and emerald.

What Birthstone Month Is Ruby?

A ruby is both the modern and traditional birthstone for the month of July. Ruby is also the gemstone of the 15th and 40th anniversaries.

How Strong Is a Ruby?

A ruby is considered a very strong gemstone. It ranks 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale . The Mohs scale measures the hardness of various minerals from 1 through 10 – one being the softest and ten the hardest.

How Much Does a Ruby Cost?

How much a ruby costs depends on the quality, size, and color of the stone. Rubies can range from approximately $2,000 to $50,000 (or more) per carat for high-quality stones.

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Jewelry Designer Lisa Ramos - MONOLISA Collection Handmade in California

About Jewelry Designer Lisa Ramos

This blog article is written by California Jewelry Designer Lisa Ramos who creates one-of-a-kind and limited edition jewelry and leather handbags in her Clayton, California studio.

Lisa is a member of the International Gem Society (IGS) , the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) , and the Argentium Silver Guild .


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