Ruby
January 6, 2009
Ruby
Ruby is the birthstone for July. A Ruby is a pink to blood-red gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminium oxide). The red color is caused mainly by the presence of the element chromium. The ruby is considered one of the four precious stones, together with the sapphire, the emerald, and the diamond.
Prices of rubies are primarily determined by color. The brightest and most valuable “red” called pigeon blood-red, commands a huge premium over other rubies of similar quality. After color follows clarity: similar to diamonds, a clear stone will command a premium.
Rubies have historically been mined in Thailand, the Pailin and Samlot provinces of Cambodia, and Afghanistan.