History and Origin of Rubies

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Questions and Answers

In what era did Pliny the scholar first mention rubies in his writings?

First century AD (correct)

Middle Ages

Ancient Egypt

Modern Era

What mineral is used to form rubies?

Diamond

Quartz

Corundum (correct)

Emerald

What was the historical significance of rubies for ancient rulers and warriors?

They were believed to enhance beauty.

They functioned as tools in warfare.

They were used solely as currency.

They were seen as symbols of power and protection. (correct)

Which country is known as the primary source of high-quality rubies?

Myanmar Signup and view all the answers

In the context of gemstones, which of the following characteristics should be carefully considered when choosing a ruby?

Color, clarity, and cut Signup and view all the answers

What concept related to rubies was maintained throughout ancient and modern history?

They have always represented symbols of wealth and romance. Signup and view all the answers

What additional materials, besides rubies, is Myanmar known to be a source of?

Jade, oil, and natural gas Signup and view all the answers

In ancient cultures, rubies were often used in ceremonies that honored whom?

The gods and the dead Signup and view all the answers

What was the sale price of the Sunrise Ruby at auction in 2015?

Over $30 million Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of the Carmen Lúcia Ruby?

It weighs 23.10 carats. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors does not influence the overall value of a ruby?

Celebrity ownership Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of rubies is referred to as 'hue'?

The overall color with visible overtones Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining factor of a ruby's saturation?

The purity of the ruby's color Signup and view all the answers

How many rubies were given to Queen Elizabeth II as a wedding gift?

96 Signup and view all the answers

What was the Liberty Bell Ruby modeled after?

The Liberty Bell and Bald Eagle Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the inclusions in a high-quality ruby?

They should be minimal and not noticeable. Signup and view all the answers

What type of design does the Burmese Ruby and Diamond Tiara feature?

Intricate design with curls and bursts Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about colour zoning in rubies is correct?

It makes the ruby less valuable. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary significance of the Carmen Lúcia Ruby aside from its beauty?

It belonged to a philanthropist. Signup and view all the answers

Which ruby is known as the largest ruby ever mined?

Liberty Bell Ruby Signup and view all the answers

Which quality of a ruby describes its clarity?

Presence of notable inclusions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that influences the final beauty of a ruby?

The cut of the ruby Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a high-quality ruby?

Has a medium tone and is free from visible inclusions Signup and view all the answers

What important document should accompany a ruby purchase?

A colored stone grading report Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about rubies compared to diamonds?

Rubies are denser but typically less expensive than diamonds. Signup and view all the answers

What type of mining practice is essential when purchasing rubies?

Purchasing only from fairtrade mining companies Signup and view all the answers

Why is heat treatment commonly used on rubies?

To enhance color and dissolve inclusions Signup and view all the answers

What is a downside of ruby irradiation treatment?

It permanently alters the ruby's atomic structure. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following ruby cuts is not typically used by jewellers?

Emerald cut Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is NOT typically included in a colored stone report for a ruby?

Current market value Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of filling fractures in rubies?

It leaves the ruby with a softer quality than before. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of rubies varies but is generally around 4.02 g/cm3?

Density Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of a poor-quality cut on a ruby?

It causes the ruby to appear dull and lifeless. Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when purchasing rubies?

Rubies from non-reputable sources Signup and view all the answers

In rubies, what is pleochroism?

The ability of a stone to change color when viewed from different angles. Signup and view all the answers

What type of metal infiltrates corundum crystals primarily to form red rubies?

Chromium Signup and view all the answers

Which category of rubies is known for having red as their dominant color with no noticeable overtones?

Red rubies Signup and view all the answers

What is the main scale used to define the hardness of minerals like rubies?

Mohs Scale Signup and view all the answers

What is pleochroism in the context of rubies?

The presence of multiple colors from different angles Signup and view all the answers

What causes the natural fluorescence in the most valuable red rubies?

Chromium Signup and view all the answers

What are rubies called when they exhibit a color similar to pigeon's blood?

Ko-twe rubies Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ruby is characterized by the presence of titanium and purple overtones?

Purplish red rubies Signup and view all the answers

Which mineral is considered to be the softest on the Mohs scale?

Talc Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes corundum crystals from sapphires?

Color variety Signup and view all the answers

Which ruby type could potentially be classified as a black ruby due to its dark shade?

Purplish red rubies Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'rubers' refer to in historical context?

Red corundum crystals Signup and view all the answers

Where are the majority of ruby mines located worldwide?

Myanmar Signup and view all the answers

What effect does trace amounts of iron have on rubies?

Reduces fluorescence Signup and view all the answers

What is generally considered a characteristic of a valuable red ruby?

Medium color with soft glowing fluorescence Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of dyeing rubies?

To mask defects in the gem Signup and view all the answers

Which method of synthetic ruby production was developed by Auguste Verneuil?

Flame fusion rubies Signup and view all the answers

What effect does beryllium treatment have on rubies?

It intensifies the natural color of the ruby Signup and view all the answers

Why do modern jewellers prefer white metals for setting rubies?

They enhance the depth of ruby color Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended for cleaning a ruby engagement ring regularly?

Soak in warm water with mild detergent and use a soft toothbrush Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about synthetic rubies is NOT true?

They are always more valuable than natural rubies Signup and view all the answers

Rubies are traditionally associated with which month as its birthstone?

July Signup and view all the answers

What unique characteristic do rubies symbolize?

Power and purity Signup and view all the answers

Which method of producing synthetic rubies is noted for being time-consuming and expensive?

Flux-grown method Signup and view all the answers

When should you typically have your ruby engagement ring cleaned by a jeweller?

Occasionally for deep cleaning and inspections Signup and view all the answers

Which type of clarity is recommended for diamonds to use alongside rubies in an engagement ring?

VVS2 to VS2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called that artificially increases the intensity of a ruby's natural color?

Beryllium treatment Signup and view all the answers

What do rubies represent in the context of anniversaries?

40th anniversaries Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about natural rubies and synthetic rubies is accurate?

Natural rubies are more valuable than synthetic rubies Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

History of Rubies

Rubies have been around for centuries, with evidence of their existence in ancient Egypt dating back to 200 BC.
Ancient civilizations used rubies for various purposes, including embedding them in armor and weapons for power and protection.
Rubies played a role in ancient religious rituals, symbolizing wealth, power, and romance.
The first official mention of rubies came from Roman scholar Pliny in the first century AD.

Origin of Rubies

Myanmar (formerly Burma) is the primary source of the highest quality rubies.
Myanmar's first ruby mine was established around 600 AD.
Other ruby sources include Afghanistan, Vietnam, Australia, India, Russia, Africa, and the United States.

Formation of Rubies

Rubies are made from the mineral corundum, which is also the source of sapphires.
Corundum crystals form when magma cools and hardens.
Aluminum and oxygen molecules bond to create corundum crystals.
The color of corundum is determined by trace metal amounts within the crystal.
Magma in Myanmar contains high levels of chromium, which gives rubies their red color.

Hardness of Rubies

Rubies rate a 9 on the Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness, making them very resistant to scratching, chipping, and cracking.
They are harder than steel and only slightly softer than diamonds (which rate a 10).

Ruby Colors

Rubies come in various shades of red, but red is always the dominant color.
Pinkish red rubies have pink overtones, ranging from light rose pink to deep magenta.
Red rubies lack any significant color overtones.
Purplish red rubies have purple overtones due to the presence of chromium and titanium.
Rubies with dominant pink or purple colors, with secondary red overtones, are considered sapphires, not rubies.

Pleochroism in Rubies

Pleochroism is the phenomenon where gems exhibit different colors when viewed from various angles.
Rubies display pleochroism due to the presence of multiple trace metals.
Jewelers carefully cut rubies to maximize color and minimize the effects of pleochroism.

Famous Rubies

The Sunrise Ruby, weighing 25.59 carats, is one of the largest pigeon's blood rubies in the world and sold for over $30 million dollars.
The Carmen Lúcia Ruby, a 23.10-carat Burmese ruby, is housed in the Smithsonian Museum and represents the life and dedication of its former owner, Carmen Lúcia Buck.
The Burmese Ruby and Diamond Tiara, crafted by Garrard, features 96 rubies donated by the people of Myanmar to Queen Elizabeth II in 1947.
The Liberty Bell Ruby, the largest ruby ever mined (2.04 kg or 8,500 carats), was sculpted into the Liberty Bell and the Bald Eagle.

Choosing a Quality Ruby

Color is crucial for determining ruby value and is evaluated based on hue, tone, and saturation.
- Hue: The overall color of the ruby, considering red dominance and overtones. Vibrant red with minimal zoning is ideal.
- Tone: The depth of the ruby's color (light, medium, or dark). Medium tones are generally preferred.
- Saturation: The purity of the ruby's color. Vivid, pure red indicates good saturation.
Clarity: The presence of inclusions, or trapped fibers, metals, and crystals. Eye-clean rubies, with no visible inclusions, are preferred.
Cut: The shaping of the ruby to maximize its beauty and hide inclusions. Expertly cut rubies exhibit brilliance and fire.

Ruby Treatments

Heat Treatment: Widely accepted industry standard for rubies, improving color and clarity by dissolving inclusions.
Irradiation: A treatment that uses ionizing radiation to enhance color but weakens the ruby's natural structure.
Fracture Filling: A treatment where cracks are filled with transparent resins, resulting in a lower quality gem.### Ruby Treatments
Rubies can be treated to improve their color and clarity.
Heat treatments are common, but care should be exercised to ensure the treatment is ethical and doesn't damage the ruby.
Dyeing rubies is less common and can fade over time.
Beryllium treatments are rare and can intensify the natural color of the ruby.

Synthetic Rubies

Synthetic rubies are made in a laboratory and are almost identical to natural rubies in composition and appearance.
Flame fusion, pulled crystal, and flux-grown methods are used to create synthetic rubies.
More than half of all synthetic rubies are used for industrial purposes.

Pairing Rubies with Other Gemstones

Rubies are often paired with white metals, such as white gold or platinum, to highlight their color and brilliance.
Diamonds are the best gems to pair with rubies, especially those with clarity between VVS2 and VS2.

Ruby Care

Regularly clean your ruby engagement ring with warm water, mild detergent, and a soft toothbrush.
Have your ring professionally cleaned by a jeweler occasionally.

Ruby Symbology

Rubies are the birthstone for July and are used to celebrate 40th anniversaries.
They symbolize power, purity, passion, and especially romance.

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Explore the fascinating history and development of rubies, from their ancient uses to modern sources. Learn about their significance in various cultures and the geological processes that create these precious gemstones. Test your knowledge of rubies with this engaging quiz.