Differences in Types of Rubies
The name "ruby" describes a specific type of red gemstone. However, there are many different types of rubies. The difference between the rubies is based on the chemical composition, color and origin. The rubies also have quality differences, as some are harder than others while others may have additional minerals in the gemstone that decrease the purity and quality. Does this Spark an idea?
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Location
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Rubies are found in several areas of the world. Those from Burma are considered some of the highest quality in the world and are described as blood red. Other areas that hold rubies include Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tanzania, Vietnam, the regions of Vatomandry and Andilamena in Madagascar, and Afghanistan. Tanzania rubies are frequently mistaken for garnets because of the similar colors.
Color
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The typical color of a ruby is red. However, there are many different shades of red. The color variations are due to minerals and other deposits in the gemstone. A yellow tint in rubies indicates the presence of ferric oxide. Intensely red rubies contain titanium. Different amounts of iron and chromium in the ruby can produce brown, orange, purple and pink shades.
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Natural or Synthetic
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People can mine rubies from the earth or make synthetic ones in a laboratory. Natural rubies are mined from corundum or aluminum oxide ore.
Synthetic rubies include flame fusion or Verneuil rubies, which contain gas bubbles and have straie, or curved color banding. These rubies are made using high heat.. Another type of synthetic ruby is a flux-grown ruby, created through a crystallizing molten flux. The different inclusions in flux grown rubies are similar to those in natural rubies.
Cuts
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An emerald-cut ruby uses parallel step cuts in a rectangular shape. This cut protects the corners of the gemstone. Brilliant-cut rubies have facets that are shaped like triangles or kites. The more facets, the more brilliant the gemstone, though you will not achieve the same sparkle as diamonds due to the different refractive properties of rubies.
Cabochon cuts are typically found on antique jewelry. These rubies are cut in a domed shape with a flat base. This is the simplest cut used for rubies. Mixed cut designs are the most common cuts for rubies. They use different facets and steps depending on the jeweler's preference.
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References
- Photo Credit Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images
