Rubies have been coveted gemstones for centuries due to their striking red color and remarkable hardness. However, with the proliferation of synthetic and imitation gemstones in the market, it has become increasingly important to know how to distinguish a real ruby from its imitations. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various methods and techniques to determine if a ruby is genuine. Whether you are a gem enthusiast, a collector, or someone looking to make a valuable purchase, understanding the authenticity of a ruby is crucial. Throughout this article, we will emphasize the word “real” to emphasize the importance of distinguishing genuine rubies from their counterparts.
Understanding Real Rubies
Before delving into the techniques for identifying real rubies, it’s essential to grasp what makes a ruby “real.” A real ruby is a natural gemstone composed of corundum, which is an aluminum oxide mineral. The rich red color in rubies is primarily attributed to the presence of chromium in their chemical composition. It’s this combination of elements and geological processes that result in the distinctive and sought-after red hue in real rubies. Natural rubies are typically formed deep within the Earth’s crust over millions of years.
Physical Properties of Real Rubies
One of the fundamental ways to determine if a ruby is real is by examining its physical properties. These properties are inherent to genuine rubies and can be measured and observed through various tests:
1. Color:
The color of a ruby is perhaps its most defining characteristic. Real rubies exhibit a rich, vibrant red hue that is often referred to as “pigeon blood red.” This intense color is a result of the chromium content within the gem. Imitations and synthetics may not achieve this precise coloration, often appearing too pink or purplish.
2. Hardness:
Real rubies are incredibly hard, scoring a 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, just one step below diamonds. This means that they are highly resistant to scratches. You can perform a scratch test on a ruby to assess its hardness. If it’s genuinely a ruby, it should not scratch easily, and neither should it be scratched by materials with a lower hardness rating.
3. Transparency:
Transparency is another vital property of real rubies. Genuine rubies are typically transparent, allowing light to pass through and creating a lively sparkle. However, some rubies may have inclusions or slight imperfections that affect their transparency. It’s important to note that these inclusions, known as “silk,” are often indicative of real rubies.
4. Inclusions:
As mentioned earlier, real rubies often contain tiny, needle-like inclusions known as silk. These inclusions are natural and can be seen under magnification. While they may appear as imperfections, they are a sign of a genuine ruby. Synthetic rubies and imitations are less likely to have such inclusions.
5. Fluorescence:
Under ultraviolet (UV) light, real rubies often exhibit a strong red fluorescence. This phenomenon can be observed in both natural and synthetic rubies. However, the absence of fluorescence does not necessarily indicate a fake ruby, as some genuine rubies may not fluoresce strongly.
6. Refractive Index:
The refractive index is a crucial property that can help identify real rubies. Gemologists use a refractometer to measure how much a gemstone bends light. Real rubies typically have a refractive index between 1.760 and 1.770. This measurement can be compared to known values for genuine rubies.
7. Specific Gravity:
Specific gravity is the ratio of an object’s density to the density of water. Real rubies have a specific gravity of approximately 4.00, while most imitations and synthetics have lower values. To determine specific gravity accurately, a gemologist uses a balance scale to compare the weight of the ruby in air and in water.
8. Heat Conductivity:
Real rubies have high heat conductivity, meaning they disperse heat quickly. This property can be assessed by using a thermal conductivity probe or a thermal conductivity meter. When touched with the probe, a genuine ruby will rapidly draw heat away from the source, whereas imitations will not exhibit the same behavior.
9. Magnetism:
Genuine rubies are not magnetic, while some synthetic rubies may exhibit weak magnetic properties due to the presence of iron. By using a strong magnet and observing the gemstone’s reaction, you can gain additional insights into its authenticity.
Certification and Documentation
When in doubt about the authenticity of a ruby, it’s advisable to seek the expertise of a certified gemologist or a reputable gemological laboratory. These professionals can provide a detailed analysis of the gemstone, complete with a certification report. Such reports document the ruby’s physical and chemical properties, providing conclusive evidence of its authenticity.
Conclusion
In the world of gemstones, real rubies hold a special allure due to their rarity, beauty, and historical significance. Distinguishing between real rubies and imitations is not always a straightforward task, but by examining their physical properties, conducting visual inspections, and using advanced testing techniques, you can confidently determine whether a ruby is genuine. Remember that when in doubt, seeking the expertise of a certified gemologist or a reputable gemological laboratory is always a wise choice to ensure the authenticity of your precious gem. Whether you’re an avid gem collector or simply someone with an appreciation for these stunning red gems, knowing how to tell if a ruby is real is a valuable skill that can help you make informed and valuable purchases. In the end, the beauty and rarity of a real ruby make the effort to distinguish it from imitations all the more rewarding.
