Ruby (Manik)

The name ruby comes from the Latin word ‘ruber’ which means red. In Sanskrit ruby is called “Ratnaraj” king of gems. Many Europeans wore rubies to guarantee health wealth wisdom and success in love.

Ruby is found in pinkish, purpulish or orangy red colour tones. The best ruby colour is deep, pure, vivid red.

Burma (now called Myanmar) is credited for producing the finest quality rubies since at least 600 ad.

The colour and clarity we see in rubies today is usually not natural. There are various treatments done to the stone to enhance its apparent colour and clarity.

Chemical composition

Ruby is made of Aluminium Oxide and Chromium.
Species: Corundum
Refractive Index: 1.762-1.770 (+0.009/-0.005)
Specific gravity: 4.00 (+ 0.10 /-0.05)
Melting point: 2050 C (Approx)

Best source

Burma (Considered to produce the finest quality ruby in the world).

Other sources

Sri Lanka
Afghanistan
Kenya
Madagascar
Thailand (mining depreciated in early nineties but it is worlds center for treatment of stones today).

Treatments

Heat Treatment: Heating to a very high temperature for the purpose of changing its appearance.

Surface Diffusion: Heating at a very temperature in presence of colouring agents for allowing chemicals to penetrate in the stone.

Fracture Filling: Stones are filled with epoxy resin or glass OR lead glass to conceal the fractures.

Any treatment done on the stones damages the internal structure of the gemstones.

Hardness & Toughness

Hardness(resistance to scratching) 9 on the Mohs scale.
Toughness (resistance to breaking and chipping) Usually excellent but large fractures can lessen the durability.

Stability (Resistance to Heat and Chemicals)

Heat: Heat can cause change in color or clarity, it can also damage fracture filling
Light: Fracture filling may dry out or alter under intense light
Chemicals: Can harm the fillings in fracture filled stones

Synthetics

Ruby synthetics are readily available in the market.
Ruby is made from flame fusion ,flux ,hydrothermal, floating zone many process in the market

THE ONLY WAY TO SEPRATE NATURAL RUBY FROM LAB GROWN RUBY IS THROUGH INCLUSION(MAGNIFICATION).

Care and cleaning

Ultrasonic cleaning: Usually safe, but not for fracture filled stones.
Steam cleaning: Usually safe, but not for fracture filled stones.
Warm soapy water: Safe, but strong detergents should be avoided.

CAUTION

LEAD BEING A POISONOUS SUBSTANCE, LEAD GLASS FILLING RUBIES ARE HARMFUL FOR THE BODY.