The word ruby comes from ruber, Latin for red. The color of a ruby is due to the element chromium.
Rubies are the red version of the mineral known as corundum. Pure corundumis made up of aluminum and oxygen and is colourless. In a ruby, about 1% of chromium replaces aluminum. When chromium replaces aluminum in corundum, the chromium absorbs certain wave lengths of light and reflect light in the red part of the visible light spectrum. This reflected red light is what yours eyes see and gives rubies their distinctive red color!
Color is the most significant factor affecting a ruby’s value. The finest ruby has a pure, vibrant red to slightly purplish red color. As the color becomes too orangy or more purplish, the ruby moves down the quality scale. In some areas, light pink rubies go by the name pink sapphire. A ruby is a hard stone, on the MOHS scale is is 9.0, subsequent to a Diamond only which is 10.0 .
Ruby is also used to Celebrate 40th Year Wedding Anniversary. Red ruby is famous as a protector from misfortune and bad health, ruby is also used to open the heart and promote love. Given as a gift, ruby is a symbol of friendship and love.
Whether a Ruby is your Birthstone or you just love the colour Red, it is truly a beautiful Precious Gem Stone!
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