Ruby gemstones
For ages red color was symbolizing love and was associated with power, vividness and passion. And therefore the ruby which color is also red is considered the emperor among the other gemstones. All the time it was one of the most valuable gems on Earth. No wonder that ruby gemstones have all they need to be in top - excellent hardness, perfect color, fascinating brilliance. Along with these features ruby is extremely rare stone, especially when we are talking of fine qualities.
There are not so many gemstones as ruby that have as much myth, romance and lore in them, that could be the protection from misfortune and bad health too. Talking about the science part - as gemology has developed it became known that many historically important ruby gemstones like Black Prince's Ruby of the British Crown Jewels.
The most important characteristic of ruby gemstones is their color. The origin of this word came from Latin "rubens" the word for "red". Two magical elements were always associated with the rubies - blood and fire. And therefore the ruby like no other gem is a perfect symbol of powerful feelings full of warmth and love.
If the color is the main feature, the transparency is second most important one. That is why inclusions have no effect on the value of ruby gemstones unless they do not decrease transparency. I want to say more - the inclusions unlike in other gems show rubies' individuality and genuineness. Keep in mind that only the perfect cut may underline the complete excellence and value of these gemstones.
Ruby gemstones may be found in different shades of red. That depends of their origin. There are a lot of ranges of the ruby red. Some even compare this range with hotel categories - they may vary from luxury accommodation to simple and plain. Most ruby gemstones are purplish and orange red. Of course there is a slight presence or absence of trace minerals that dampens either of these colors. The overall color can give a clue to a gem's geographical origin. For example Burmese stones tend to purplish red colors, but those from Thai appear to have more brownish red.
Talking about the mineralogy - ruby gemstones are the most valuable members of the corundum family. Some of them may be more valuable than diamonds (that are usually large, rare and quality stones). Stones of Burmese origin are considered the most precious between rubies. These gemstones are usually cut in the regions where they have been mined. This is so called "native cut". So uncut rubies are hard to find somewhere at custom cutters. But there are occasions when these native gems have been recut to custom proportions with a loss of weight and diameter. Such stones are much better and cost more.
Unfortunately the ruby is like love - it is rare and precious. So if you had a chance to found one - consider yourself lucky. And what is more - if you have found your Ruby - do not hesitate, just go for it and keep it.