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
Dahlia Ring, Round Ruby Sterling Silver Ring with Yellow Sapphire & Blue Topaz
Two rings of petals surround the center of this graceful star-shaped flower ring from Gemvara Essentials. Customize each ring of gems separately for endless design possibilities.Only $427.00 at Gemvara
no photoDahlia Ring, Round Ruby Sterling Silver Ring with Yellow Sapphire & Blue Topaz
$427.00
Gemvara
Claddagh Ring, Heart Peridot Sterling Silver Ring with Ruby
This timeless design by Jessica Bezhad is inspired by the traditional Irish Claddagh Ring, which is given as a token of love or of marriage. The heart symbolizes love, the hands friendship and the crown, loyalty.Only $399.00 at Gemvara
no photoCladdagh Ring, Heart Peridot Sterling Silver Ring with Ruby
$399.00
Gemvara
Alyssa Ring, Pear Blue Topaz Sterling Silver Ring with Ruby
Like one perfect tear of joy, a pear-shaped gemstone shines in this classic design. Two side gems add brilliance.Only $210.00 at Gemvara
no photoAlyssa Ring, Pear Blue Topaz Sterling Silver Ring with Ruby
$210.00
Gemvara
Ross-Simons 13.00 ct. t.w. Pave Ruby Bangle Bracelet In Sterling Silver. 8
It's all about rich color and big sparkle with our 13.00 ct. t.w. pave ruby bangle bracelet! Rubies adorn the front of this hinged, sterling silver bangle bracelet. Ruby birthstones are the perfect gift for July birthdays.Only $596.25 at Ross-Simons
no photoRoss-Simons 13.00 ct. t.w. Pave Ruby Bangle Bracelet In Sterling Silver. 8
$596.25
Ross-Simons
Ross-Simons 2.20ct Ruby, .25ct t.w. Diamond Pendant Necklace In Gold. 16
Sizzling with presence, this 2.20 carat rectangular ruby and .25 ct. t.w. diamond pendant necklace makes quite a statement. Central ruby is framed in sparkling diamonds for a fab effect! 14kt white gold necklace. Ruby birthstones are the perfect gift...Only $746.25 at Ross-Simons
no photoRoss-Simons 2.20ct Ruby, .25ct t.w. Diamond Pendant Necklace In Gold. 16
$746.25
Ross-Simons
King Baby Studio 7mm Ruby Bead Bracelet
Faceted beads add rough-edged elegance to the rock 'n' roll style of this King Baby Studio bracelet. A carved skull and logo tag give it signature attitude and artistry. Sterling silver. 7mm faceted ruby beads. Carved skull. Tag station with "For the...Only $325.00 at Neiman Marcus
no photoKing Baby Studio 7mm Ruby Bead Bracelet
$325.00
Neiman Marcus
Catelyn Ring, Marquise Black Onyx 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 $374.00 at Gemvara
no photoCatelyn Ring, Marquise Black Onyx Sterling Silver Ring with Ruby
$374.00
Gemvara
Mother's Heart Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Amethyst & Ruby
Delicate arcing lines form a heart that is open and always full. Two gems represent you two or two loved ones you want to hold close.Only $339.00 at Gemvara
no photoMother's Heart Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Amethyst & Ruby
$339.00
Gemvara
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
Tiny Gem Heart Earrings, 14K White Gold Stud Earrings with Ruby
These delicate and expressive heart-shaped stud earrings by designer Ji Hwang sparkle with one perfect gem for each ear.Only $355.00 at Gemvara
no photoTiny Gem Heart Earrings, 14K White Gold Stud Earrings with Ruby
$355.00
Gemvara
Created Ruby Heart Earrings with Diamonds 7/10 Carat (ctw) in 10K White Gold
FREE Shipping! Created Ruby Heart Earrings with Diamonds 7/10 Carat (ctw) in 10K White Gold #01JP50121CRUW. Reminiscent of ripe red cherries, this pair of 7/10 carat (ctw) gemstone earrings are crafted from beautiful 10 karat polished white gold. Each...Only $129.00 at MyJewelryBox.com
no photoCreated Ruby Heart Earrings with Diamonds 7/10 Carat (ctw) in 10K White Gold
$129.00
MyJewelryBox.com
Two Hearts Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Yellow Sapphire & Ruby
Two hearts meet in one simply perfect ring style. Create this style in your birthstones to add extra meaning.Only $212.00 at Gemvara
no photoTwo Hearts Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Yellow Sapphire & Ruby
$212.00
Gemvara
Queen of Diamonds Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Ruby
Lovely sculpted diamond shapes hold sparkling gems in this bold but delicate band ring.Only $341.00 at Gemvara
no photoQueen of Diamonds Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Ruby
$341.00
Gemvara
Lover's Knot Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Peridot & Ruby
Two knots intertwine in an unending braid that symbolizes the love that ties you together. Two gems, two people, forever. Add your birthstones for extra significance.Only $239.00 at Gemvara
no photoLover's Knot Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Peridot & Ruby
$239.00
Gemvara
Oval Ruby Solitaire Pendant Necklace in 14K White Gold (0.60ct)
This gorgeous 14K white gold pendant features a genuine natural 6x4mm oval Ruby beautifully set in a prong setting. Symbolize your love with this elegant July's birthstone pendant! Matching 14k gold chains are sold separately.Only $142.00 at Allurez.com
no photoOval Ruby Solitaire Pendant Necklace in 14K White Gold (0.60ct)
$142.00
Allurez.com
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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