Rubies are one of the most precious and sought-after gemstones in the world. Their vibrant red color and exceptional durability make them highly desirable for use in jewelry. However, due to their popularity, there is a market flooded with synthetic and imitation rubies. If you own a ruby or are planning to purchase one, it’s crucial to know how to determine its authenticity. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss various methods to help you determine if your ruby is real.
Understanding the Characteristics of Rubies
Before diving into the authentication methods, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of real rubies. Here are some key features to look for:
Color: Genuine rubies display a rich, deep red color. The most prized rubies are often referred to as “pigeon blood red,” exhibiting a pure red hue with a slight bluish undertone.
Clarity: Rubies can contain natural imperfections known as inclusions. However, high-quality rubies tend to have fewer inclusions and exhibit better clarity. Keep in mind that synthetic rubies are often flawless.
Hardness: Rubies are exceptionally hard gemstones, second only to diamonds on the Mohs scale. Their hardness makes them resistant to scratches and wear.
Refractive Index: Rubies have a high refractive index, which means they refract light intensely, creating a brilliant sparkle.
Now that you are familiar with the characteristics of genuine rubies, let’s explore some methods to help you determine the authenticity of your ruby.
Visual Inspection
The first step in assessing the authenticity of your ruby is to visually inspect it. Here are a few things to look for:
Color Consistency: Examine the color of the ruby under different lighting conditions. Real rubies display a consistent and vivid red color. Synthetic rubies, on the other hand, may exhibit color variations or unnatural undertones.
Fluorescence: Some natural rubies exhibit fluorescence under ultraviolet light. If your ruby displays a strong red fluorescence, it is likely to be genuine. However, keep in mind that not all real rubies fluoresce, so the absence of fluorescence does not automatically indicate a fake.
Inclusions: Genuine rubies often contain natural inclusions. These inclusions may appear as small crystals, fractures, or needle-like structures. Synthetic rubies, on the other hand, are typically inclusion-free. If your ruby appears too perfect and lacks any visible inclusions, it may be a synthetic or imitation gem.
Weight and Size Considerations
Comparing the weight and size of your ruby to its known properties can provide additional clues about its authenticity. Here’s what you need to know:
Density: Real rubies have a higher density compared to most synthetic alternatives. If you have access to a precision scale, measure the weight of your ruby and calculate its density by dividing the weight by the volume. Compare the calculated density with the expected density of a genuine ruby, which is around 4.0 g/cm³.
Size and Carat Weight: Natural rubies of substantial size are relatively rare, and their value increases significantly with size. If you have a large ruby that appears flawless and is priced significantly lower than expected, it is prudent to exercise caution and seek expert opinion to verify its authenticity.
Heat Conductivity Test
The heat conductivity test can help differentiate between natural and synthetic rubies. Follow these steps to conduct the test:
Clean the Ruby: Ensure that your ruby is clean and free from any dirt or residue.
Heat Source: Use a lighter or a small torch to generate heat.
Hold the Ruby: With a pair of tweezers or heat-resistant pliers, hold the ruby and expose it to the heat source for a few seconds.
Observe the Reaction: Genuine rubies have excellent heat conductivity and will quickly disperse the heat. Synthetic rubies, however, have lower heat conductivity and will take longer to cool down.
It’s important to note that this test should be conducted with caution to avoid damaging the gemstone. If you are uncertain or uncomfortable performing this test, consult a professional jeweler.
Refractive Index Measurement
The refractive index (RI) of a gemstone can provide valuable information about its authenticity. To measure the refractive index of your ruby, you can use a refractometer, which is a specialized tool available at gemological laboratories or with professional jewelers. Follow the instructions provided with the refractometer to obtain an accurate measurement. Compare the measured refractive index with the expected range for natural rubies, which is typically between 1.76 and 1.78.
Seek Professional Gemological Testing
When in doubt, it is always advisable to seek the expertise of a professional gemologist or a reputable gemological laboratory. These experts have access to advanced equipment and extensive knowledge to accurately assess the authenticity of your ruby. They can perform a range of tests, including microscopic examinations, spectroscopy, and chemical analysis, to provide a conclusive evaluation.
Conclusion
As the market for rubies continues to grow, so does the prevalence of synthetic and imitation gemstones. To ensure that you are buying or owning a genuine ruby, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the characteristics and conduct the appropriate tests. Visual inspection, weight and size considerations, heat conductivity tests, refractive index measurements, and professional gemological testing can all contribute to determining the authenticity of your ruby. By following these guidelines and seeking expert assistance when needed, you can confidently assess the value and authenticity of your ruby gemstone.
