Ruby : The Scarlet Precious Gemstone
Also considered one of the gemstones of the king and has been converted by royalty and high-status people throughout history. Edward of Woodstock also known as the black prince in 1367 acquired a 170ct unpolished ruby that to this day is set in the imperial state crown. Funnily enough this ruby is not a ruby at all, it is a spinel. Due to the value and recognition the royalty had for rubies in general, they considered the big red spinel as a ruby for countless years.
InIn the royal order of St George, they have used rubies in the sacred cross of the grand collar, as aside from its finery rubies have also symbolised protection and preservation to. They considered the blood coloured stone had the ability to preserve them from any perils and storms.
Are Rubies Red Sapphires?
Yes, in fact a ruby is the same stone as a sapphire. The difference between a ruby and a pink sapphire is so minute that it’s based on the amount of chromium, the transition element in it. Even though visually a glowing red spinel may appear more like a ruby, in reality if it doesn’t come from the sapphire family it is not a ruby.
The Best Rubies in the World
If colour is the most valuable asset of a gemstone, the most valuable rubies will come from Myanmar. Also referred to as “Burmese Rubies” these rubies have a renowned pigeon blood colour, which is a rich and dark red. This rich red is because of the high levels of chromium in the stone.
The second highest quality ruby in terms of colour, will come from Thailand, specifically the Southeast corner of Bangkok. These rubies are generally darker than the Burmese rubies, because of the mix of iron and chromium within it.
Rubies are a very precious stone as well, partly due to their rarity and partly due to their historic desire. Its constant association with royalty may be due to its brilliant red colour. In comparison to the other precious stones, the most iconic one among them seems to be the ruby.
Sources:
Gemological Institute of America, G. I. A. (2020). Ruby History and Lore. Gemological Institute of America. https://www.gia.edu/ruby-history-lore#:%7E:text=Early%20cultures%20treasured%20rubies%20for,most%20historically%20significant%20colored%20stones.&text=In%20the%20ancient%20language%20of,%E2%80%9Cking%20of%20precious%20stones.%E2%80%9D
Gemological Institute of America, G. I. A. (2020). Ruby History and Lore. Gemological Institute of America. https://www.gia.edu/ruby-history-lore#:%7E:text=Early%20cultures%20treasured%20rubies%20for,most%20historically%20significant%20colored%20stones.&text=In%20the%20ancient%20language%20of,%E2%80%9Cking%20of%20precious%20stones.%E2%80%9D