Geology/History
The name Ruby name comes from ruber, Latin which means red. Ruby is a corundum & an alumina (the most stable form of Al2O3). The red colour is mainly caused by the presence of the element chromium which replaces small amounts of the existing Aluminium. Colour ranges from deep crimson to light pink. Other varieties of gem-quality corundum are called Sapphires.
Ruby is widely considered one of the four precious stones, along with Emerald, Sapphire, & Diamond. All natural Rubies have imperfections in them. This includes colour impurities as well as Rutile inclusion known as "silk". These inclusions distinguish them from synthetics, simulants & fakes.
Rough Ruby is usually heated before cutting. Almost all Rubies today are treated in some form, with heat being the most common form of treatment. Rubies that are completely untreated & of excellent quality command a high price.
Some Rubies will display a three-point or six-point star called an asterism & are known as Star Rubies. These effects occur when light is reflected off the Rutile inclusions. These particular inclusions increase the value of a gemstone. On very rare occasions Rubies can show colour changes & chatoyancy (cat's eye effect).
For centuries the Mogok Valley in Burma was the world's main source of Rubies & has produced some of the finest Rubies ever mined.
Through history Rubies have symbolized royalty, love, abundance, peace & vitality.
Metaphysical Properties
The King of Gemstones. Ruby is filled with love & is considered the most powerful gem in the universe. It harbor’s intense life force energy & promotes great strength. Ruby brings peace, prosperity, creativity & abundance. It keeps us on our soul’s path & deflects negativity or obstacles from impeding our growth.
Ruby gives the courage to allow one to reach their best potential & intensifies manifestation abilities. It purifies the body, mind & soul allowing the higher self a greater continual connection. The strength Ruby imposes on the heart chakra is profound, it brings unwavering belief in ones innate abilities.
Ruby also calls forth the ancestral line assisting with integrating blood line & past life abilities into the physical realm. The ancient truth of your soul is heard with Ruby & karmic ties are released allowing for quick spiritual expansion. Understanding, acceptance, compassion & a fearless resolve come when connected to Ruby.
Crystal Healing
Aids circulation, heart restrictions, blood disorders, detoxification, infection, stomach upset & eye sight.
Mineralogy
Group: Oxide mineral -Corundum
Crystal System: Trigonal
Composition: Al2O3:Cr
Form/Habit: Terminated tabular hexagonal prisms.
Hardness: 9
Cleavage: No true cleavage
Fracture: Conchoidal, splintery
Lustre: Subadamantine, vitreous, pearly (on partings)
Streak: White
Specific Gravity: 3.97 – 4.05
Transparency: Transparent - Translucent
R.I: nω=1.768–1.772, nε=1.760–1.763
Colour: Various shades of red
Birefringence: 0.008
Fluorescence: Red under longwave or vibrant pink
Pleochroism: Strong: purplish-red - orangy-red
The name Ruby name comes from ruber, Latin which means red. Ruby is a corundum & an alumina (the most stable form of Al2O3). The red colour is mainly caused by the presence of the element chromium which replaces small amounts of the existing Aluminium. Colour ranges from deep crimson to light pink. Other varieties of gem-quality corundum are called Sapphires.
Ruby is widely considered one of the four precious stones, along with Emerald, Sapphire, & Diamond. All natural Rubies have imperfections in them. This includes colour impurities as well as Rutile inclusion known as "silk". These inclusions distinguish them from synthetics, simulants & fakes.
Rough Ruby is usually heated before cutting. Almost all Rubies today are treated in some form, with heat being the most common form of treatment. Rubies that are completely untreated & of excellent quality command a high price.
Some Rubies will display a three-point or six-point star called an asterism & are known as Star Rubies. These effects occur when light is reflected off the Rutile inclusions. These particular inclusions increase the value of a gemstone. On very rare occasions Rubies can show colour changes & chatoyancy (cat's eye effect).
For centuries the Mogok Valley in Burma was the world's main source of Rubies & has produced some of the finest Rubies ever mined.
Through history Rubies have symbolized royalty, love, abundance, peace & vitality.
Metaphysical Properties
The King of Gemstones. Ruby is filled with love & is considered the most powerful gem in the universe. It harbor’s intense life force energy & promotes great strength. Ruby brings peace, prosperity, creativity & abundance. It keeps us on our soul’s path & deflects negativity or obstacles from impeding our growth.
Ruby gives the courage to allow one to reach their best potential & intensifies manifestation abilities. It purifies the body, mind & soul allowing the higher self a greater continual connection. The strength Ruby imposes on the heart chakra is profound, it brings unwavering belief in ones innate abilities.
Ruby also calls forth the ancestral line assisting with integrating blood line & past life abilities into the physical realm. The ancient truth of your soul is heard with Ruby & karmic ties are released allowing for quick spiritual expansion. Understanding, acceptance, compassion & a fearless resolve come when connected to Ruby.
Crystal Healing
Aids circulation, heart restrictions, blood disorders, detoxification, infection, stomach upset & eye sight.
Mineralogy
Group: Oxide mineral -Corundum
Crystal System: Trigonal
Composition: Al2O3:Cr
Form/Habit: Terminated tabular hexagonal prisms.
Hardness: 9
Cleavage: No true cleavage
Fracture: Conchoidal, splintery
Lustre: Subadamantine, vitreous, pearly (on partings)
Streak: White
Specific Gravity: 3.97 – 4.05
Transparency: Transparent - Translucent
R.I: nω=1.768–1.772, nε=1.760–1.763
Colour: Various shades of red
Birefringence: 0.008
Fluorescence: Red under longwave or vibrant pink
Pleochroism: Strong: purplish-red - orangy-red