What Is the Rarity of Ruby Gemstones?

Rarity means that something doesn't commonly occur, and rubies, the red variety of corundum, are one of the rarest recognized gems. Like any gem, its value, i.e. quality, is partly dependent on its rarity.

Ruby Red Ring

Features

Rare rubies have deep color (a pigeon's blood red) and are transparent. The larger the ruby, the rarer it is.

Chemistry

The red color of ruby comes from trace amounts of chromium in its chemical makeup. Rubies with deep color and clarity that have not been treated to enhance appearance, called untreated rubies, are rarer than treated rubies.

Considerations

Small strands of rutile inclusions sometimes form in a ruby, and can improve its value. When the rutile in a ruby grows in a certain way, the ruby may be cut to show a star shape. The "star ruby" is rarer than other rubies.

Geography

The world's finest rubies are most often found in the Southeast Asian country of Burma (Myanmar). Even though the highest-quality rubies are found there, the overall volume is small.

Misconceptions

In 2008, the United States banned the importation of Burmese gemstones because of human rights abuses by the government there. This ban increased the value of Burmese rubies already on the market.

References

• Rubies
• Red Corundum: Ruby
• Ruby

Resources

• How Rare Is That Gem?
• Are you Considering Buying an Expensive Ruby Gemstone?
• Ruby