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Ruby: 6 + 1 things you need to know
"Ruby: the stone of passion"
1. What is ruby?
Ruby is one of the most popular colored gemstones. It belongs to the corundum family and is found in various shades of red. The mesmerizing and coveted stone was named after its inherent red coloring and was named ruber (< lat. rubeus < ruber = red), while it was also known in antiquity under the name "sapphire porphyrite" or "sapphire porphyrizon". Ruby with its striking fiery red color was considered the "king of precious stones" and was used extensively in the manufacture of royal jewelry. A special characteristic of it is its hardness, as, after diamond, it is the second hardest stone in nature with a value of 9[1] on the Mohs scale[2].
2. Why is it red?
Ruby owes its special red coloring to the presence of chromium, which depending on its content creates different shades from deep rich red to pink. All other corundums of a different color are known as sapphires.
3. What factors affect its value?
The value of a ruby soars if it possesses the brilliant and exciting red color known as Pigeon's blood (= pigeon's blood), a variety found only in Burma. Of course, a decisive factor in the value of a ruby is its purity, which depends on the existence of inclusions inside the stone. Flawless, deep red rubies are hard to find and of course very expensive, with prices exceeding even diamonds of similar weight and quality.
4. What is its origin?
The coveted gemstone came for many centuries from northern Myanmar, specifically the Mogok Valley. In recent decades, however, the main source of ruby mining is Monk Shu located in central Myanmar. Of course, mining also takes place in other countries, such as Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Afghanistan, Cambodia, India and Australia.
5. What are the most famous rubies of all time?
One of the most famous jewels with rubies is Elisabeth Taylor's necklace designed by Cartier. The famous actress also owned an 8.24-carat ruby, which sold at auction for more than $4 million!
Another unique creation with rubies and diamonds worth $800,000 is the engagement ring that the famous soccer player David Beckham gave to his beloved Victoria Beckham to formalize their relationship.
Of course, to this day the most valuable ruby that has been mined is the "Sunrise Ruby» 25.59 carat from Myanmar, which sold at auction for 30 million dollars! The "Sunrise Ruby» is the most expensive colored stone ever auctioned!
6. Why is it considered a "useful" stone?
The coveted stone has not only conquered the field of high jewelry, but is used more widely in the field of watchmaking and mechanical engineering. Due to its hardness and resistance to oxidation, it is chosen by watchmakers to hold support shafts, while its use is also frequent in the manufacture of fine precision machines, such as e.g. ship timers.
7. What does it symbolize?
The wondrous gemstone with unparalleled beauty was sought after in antiquity and specifically in ancient India with historical sources citing the ruby as Ratnaraj, means "the king of precious stones». Its red color was associated with life, passion and energy. For centuries the ruby was a symbol of love, prosperity and power, which is why it adorned the crowns and rings of kings.
Many believe that the ruby gives happiness, boosts self-confidence, encourages and leads to spiritual clarity for its owner. It is considered the lucky birthstone of the month of July, while a jewel adorned with a ruby is the ideal gift for the 15the, on the 40ththe and the 80ththe a couple's wedding anniversary, as a manifestation of ultimate love.
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[1] Maximum hardness value is 10 in which the Diamond is located.
[2] Mohs Scale: International scale for measuring the hardness of minerals
