What is an artificial ruby called?
A natural ruby is a gem-quality chromium-containing variety of corundum that is colored a rich red color with or without slight orange or purple tints. The name comes from the Latin “rubeus” – “red”. Chemical composition: Al2O3; Syngony: Trigonal, ditrigonal-scalenohedral symmetry class (point group); Color: Red, red with a slight orange tint, red with a weak or strong purple tint. The red color in natural ruby is due to an admixture of chromium (Cr 3+ ).
Diagnostic properties
| physical properties | |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness: | 9 |
| Density: | 4,00±0,03 g/cm 3 |
| Cleavage: | no |
| Kink: | conchoidal |
| Optical properties | |
|---|---|
| Optical character: | anisotropic, uniaxial, negative |
| Refractive index: | ne = 1,760-1,764, no = 1,768-1,772 |
| Birefringence: | 0,008 – 0,009 |
| Dichroism: | faint to distinct red tones |
| Light dispersion: | 0,018 (BG) |
| Shine: | glass |
Characteristic inclusions and structural heterogeneities
natural ruby
Rutile inclusions (“rutile silk”) in untreated ruby (deposit of the Mogok region, Burma). Viewing mode – reflected light. 
Inclusion of garnet in natural ruby. Viewing mode – dark-field lighting. 
Rutile inclusions (“rutile silk”) in untreated ruby (deposit of the Mogok region, Burma). Viewing mode – dark-field illumination.
Basic methods of refining
| Upgrading method | Goal |
|---|---|
| Heat treatment | Elimination of purple or orange tint, as well as to dissolve micro-inclusions of rutile, which subsequently improves the visual perception of the quality characteristics of cleanliness |
| Heat treatment in flux environment | “Healing” (“treatment”) of open cracks |
| Hydrothermal growth of a layer of synthetic ruby | Improved color and clarity performance |
| Diffusion treatment, including the use of beryllium salts | Obtaining ruby red color |
| Filling open cavities and cracks with highly refractive glass or colored compounds | Improved color and clarity performance |
| Surface painting | Changing color characteristics |
Characteristic inclusions and structural heterogeneities
Термообработка
A group of mineral inclusions in natural heat-treated ruby. Viewing mode – reflected light. 
Two-phase inclusions in heat-treated ruby. Viewing mode – dark-field lighting. 
Mineral inclusion in natural ruby. Viewing mode – dark-field lighting. 
Inclusions of the “destroyed silk” type in heat-treated ruby. Viewing mode – dark-field lighting. 
Destroyed calcite inclusion in heat-treated ruby. Viewing mode – dark-field lighting. 
Destroyed two-phase inclusion in heat-treated ruby. Viewing mode – reflected light. 
Inclusions of the “destroyed silk” type in heat-treated ruby. Viewing mode – dark-field lighting. 
Inclusions of zircon, calcite (partially destroyed) and unidentified mineral in heat-treated ruby. Viewing mode – dark-field illumination. 
Structural heterogeneities (twinning) in natural ruby (Burma deposits). Viewing mode – dark-field illumination. 
Structural heterogeneities (twinning) in natural ruby (Burma deposits). Viewing mode – dark-field illumination. 
Two-phase internal inclusions in natural ruby (Burma deposits). Viewing mode – dark-field illumination.
Filling cracks
Flux relics in refined ruby. Viewing mode – dark-field lighting. 
Flux relics in refined ruby. Viewing mode – dark-field lighting. 
Air bubbles in the glass fill cracks and cavities in a refined ruby. Viewing mode – dark-field lighting. 
Caverns filled with glass in natural refined ruby. Viewing mode – reflected light. 
Flash effect in the plane of cracks filled with glass in a refined ruby. Viewing mode – transmitted light. 
Glass-filled cracks in a refined ruby. Viewing mode – reflected light. 
Apatite crystal in natural ruby, subjected to heat treatment and “treatment” with glass. Viewing mode – dark-field light. 
Veils of boron flux in a crack in a natural ruby. Viewing mode – dark-field illumination.
Synthetic analogues and imitations
- gas-flame method of crystallization of the molten phase (Vernel method);
- methods based on the principle of “pulling” from the melt (Czochralski method, etc.);
- methods based on the principle of zone melting (methods of Bagdasarov, Stockbarger, etc.);
- methods of crystallization from a solution in a melt (group of flux methods)
- methods of crystallization from aqueous solutions (hydrothermal method group).
The following are used as ruby imitations:
- corundum, colored by cavity filling method;
- surface-coated corundum;
- corundum with a layer of artificially grown ruby;
- diffusion-treated corundum;
- doublet: corundum+glass and corundum+garnet;
- natural and synthetic minerals with similar colors;
- colored glass.
Characteristic inclusions and structural heterogeneities
Verneuil method
Gas bubbles in synthetic ruby. The synthesis method is the Vernel method. Viewing mode – reflected light.
Plateau lines in synthetic ruby. The synthesis method is the Vernel method. Viewing mode – polarized light, nicoli +.
Color zoning in synthetic ruby. The synthesis method is the Vernel method. Viewing mode – polarized light, nicoli+.
Color zoning in synthetic ruby. The synthesis method is the Vernel method. Viewing mode – transmitted diffused light.
Flux “healing” of “forced” cracks in synthetic corundum grown using the Vernel method. Viewing mode – dark-field lighting.
Characteristic zoning in synthetic ruby grown using the Vernel method with subsequent healing of cracks in a flux environment. Viewing mode – diffused transmitted light.
Relics of flux in the form of veils in synthetic ruby. The “rough” relief of flux inclusions is characteristic. Viewing mode – dark-field light.
Gas bubbles and charge relics in synthetic ruby. The synthesis method is the Vernel method. Viewing mode – transmitted diffused light.
A cloud of inclusions of gas bubbles and charge, as well as a veil of flux, in a synthetic ruby. Gas-flame synthesis method, flux “treatment” of cracks. Viewing mode – dark-field lighting
A cloud of inclusions of gas bubbles and charge, as well as growth zoning in synthetic ruby. Gas-flame synthesis method. Viewing mode – dark-field lighting
Valuation of natural rubies
Gemological evaluation of natural ruby is carried out based on an assessment of the main qualitative criteria:
- Weight (expressed in carats), determined by weighing or calculation;
- Color determined in accordance with approved standards for cut ruby or color samples of the International Commission on Illumination (CIE). The color of a ruby for gemological grading purposes ranges from orangeish-red to red with a strong purple tint;
- Purity (in accordance with the approved ruby purity factors) is determined by the naked eye, with the possibility of using an arbitration viewing tool – a triplet magnifying glass with 10x magnification;
- A cut (taking into account the shape factor), characterized comprehensively based on assessments of proportions, symmetry and polishing. As an additional factor in assessing the cut of a ruby, the degree of internal reflection (SIR) parameter is used.
Additional evaluation criteria include:
- Selection is the degree to which the stones in a product match each other. Significant for several or a large number of large stones;
- Optical phenomena – in rubies this is the effect of asterism and “cat’s eye”. If they are present, the degree of manifestation and perfection is assessed;
- Patterned textural effects – in rubies this is a “trapiche” pattern. If present, decorative qualities are assessed;
- Availability of reliable information about the stone mining region. Relevant for stones from Burma (Mogok region), Tanzania, USA (Montana).
A stone of passion and frantic energy. Perhaps it’s all about the color, but this is one mineral that you can’t take your eyes off. It is possible that this is precisely why the royals of many kingdoms turned their gaze to the “scarlet flower” of the bowels of the earth.
Majestic rubies adorned the royal regalia of many states. How much is the “Polish Eagle” hairpin, which is kept in the Louvre, worth? Or Elizabeth II’s ruby Burmese tiara? And the majestic “Monomakh’s Cap”? It is decorated with 8 large rubies on each of the plates.
In the old days, rubies were called, in the European manner, yakhont. And the older our world becomes, the more attractive the stone seems to us.
Yakhontovye mines
The main deposits are considered to be India, Thailand, Vietnam, Tazania, Sri Lanka and Australia.
But the most valuable are those mined in the mines of Myanmar. Imagine not just a dark red transparent ruby, but with a bluish tint – called “pigeon blood color”.
Dark rubies of a noble burgundy color are found in a mine in the city of Mogou. And near the city of Mong Shu, gemstones are mined with amazing purple, blue and black colors at the core, with red ruby edges.
In India, you can come across star-shaped rubies – if you hold one up to the light, you can see a star.
Pink, like ripe raspberries, specimens can be found in Sri Lanka. And minerals that shimmer in the light are mined in Africa.
To get cut, stones are most often sent to Europe, Thailand and Israel. Jewelers have a difficult job; a ruby is rarely pure, without inclusions of other materials. These inclusions are removed, the cracks are glued together, and the voids are filled with glass melt.
The price of ruby passion
Rubies are not only the brightest stones, but also one of the most expensive, surpassing even diamonds in value. If we are talking about high-quality, pure and transparent ruby, then the price can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars and more.
The most expensive example, called Sunrise, was sold at Sotheby’s for almost $30,5 million.
That is, approximately a little more than 1 million per carat! And today this is a record.
The second record holder is the largest ruby - its size is 440 carats. Found quite recently in Greenland. It is still unnamed, but it is not difficult to guess that such a stone will be given a name to match.
There are also cheap, low-quality rubies, these are often sold in Indian markets. Their cost is about 25 rupees per carat (that’s less than 1 dollar). A bracelet made from such stones will cost about 2000 rupees (about $30).
The magic of red stones
Fiery red stones may have been the eyes of a dragon in the past, as an ancient Eastern legend says. Fascinating, hypnotizing – if huge snakes existed, they would definitely look at the world with two ruby drops.
Already 2000 years ago, people began to attribute magical properties to rubies. For example, it was believed that ruby enhances the good and bad qualities of nature: an evil and powerful person with such decoration can become an even greater tyrant, and vice versa.
Ruby is still used as a talisman to protect against the evil eye, envy and slander.
The red mineral will help those who are overcome by doubts and uncertainty, and will restore harmony, peace and vitality.
It is a stone of health, prosperity, greatness and success.
For Aries, such an amulet will restore mental strength and help get out of a depressive mood. This stone will give Scorpio confidence and push them to new beginnings. Gemini will be given flexibility and restraint. Ruby color will help Leos achieve their goals.
But Aquarius and Virgo need to be careful with such a stone: they may not be able to withstand its power.
Synthetic ruby
The first synthetic ruby was created by the French scientist Mark Houdin back in the 19th century.
Now artificial stones are produced on an industrial scale. Rubies are grown from a mineral called corundum.
This ruby looks like a natural one, and the chemical composition is similar. It’s just that the product is initially transparent, and then it is painted with chrome particles.
How to choose a ruby
The price is affected by both weight (carats) and color. Shades of ruby can range from burgundy to crimson. But the standard and most expensive stone is a pure red stone (Pigeon’s Blood), which contains a lot of chromium and little iron.
To understand the purity of a stone, look at it with a magnifying glass and pay attention to the structure: it should be heterogeneous, interspersed. Cracks and cloudy areas are formed due to crystalline inclusions (zircon, apatite, boehmite, rutile). A perfectly clean sample should make you wonder: is it a fake?
By the way, specialized homology centers carry out professional testing and certification of precious stones: GRS, AIGS, GIA, SSEF, IGI, AGTA, EGL, HRD.
How to distinguish a fake
No matter how much you want to quickly leave with a decoration dear to your heart, take a few minutes and:
- Look carefully at how the stone shines and what color it is. At different angles it should change from dark to light;
- run the stone across the glass. If a reddish mark remains, the stone is most likely artificial;
- try scratching the ruby itself, for example, with a coin. Don’t be afraid, real natural stone will not be damaged;
- lower the sample into the glass: highlights should appear in it. And if you pour milk into a glass, it will turn pinkish;
- look at the cracks: are they straight and shiny? Here is a synthetic; in natural stone they are zigzag and matte;
They can also sell it for a ruby pomegranate, tourmaline, rubellite и spinel. Mineral reserves are decreasing, which means that there are more fakes and the price of rubies will only increase. So it’s a good investment.
