Rubies have long held a special place in human history, culture, and gemstone lore. Revered for their vibrant red hue, raw rubies have captivated the imagination for centuries. These precious gemstones, known for their rarity and exceptional beauty, are treasured by collectors, jewelers, and enthusiasts alike. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the enchanting world of raw rubies, exploring their origins, characteristics, and the fascinating question: What do raw rubies look like?
The Birth of Raw Rubies: Origins and Formation
Raw rubies, like many gemstones, have an intriguing geological backstory. These precious stones are primarily composed of a mineral called corundum, which is a crystalline form of aluminum oxide. What sets rubies apart from other corundum varieties, like sapphires, is the presence of chromium. This trace element imbues rubies with their brilliant red color.
Raw rubies are formed deep within the Earth’s crust under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions. They are typically found in metamorphic rocks, such as marble, schist, and gneiss. The heat and pressure cause the minerals to crystallize and form gem-quality rubies over millions of years.
The Quest for Raw Rubies: Mining and Locations
Mining raw rubies is an intricate process that requires skill, knowledge, and often a dash of luck. These precious gemstones are discovered in a variety of locations around the world. Some of the most famous ruby deposits include:
Mogok, Myanmar: Often referred to as the “Land of Rubies,” Mogok is renowned for its exceptional rubies. The region’s rubies are known for their intense red color and high clarity. Mogok has a rich history of ruby mining dating back centuries.
Pailin, Cambodia: The Pailin region in Cambodia is another significant source of raw rubies. Cambodian rubies are known for their vivid red hue and have gained popularity in recent years.
Thailand: Thailand has been a hub for ruby trading for centuries. The country is known for producing both raw rubies and treated rubies of various qualities.
Mozambique: In recent years, Mozambique has emerged as a major source of fine-quality raw rubies. These rubies are prized for their deep red color and exceptional clarity.
Madagascar: Madagascar is also a notable producer of raw rubies, known for their beautiful color and size.
Vietnam: Vietnamese rubies are appreciated for their vibrant red hues and are often found in alluvial deposits.
The Visual Delight of Raw Rubies: Physical Characteristics
Raw rubies possess a distinct set of physical characteristics that make them instantly recognizable to gemstone connoisseurs. Let’s explore these key features that answer the question, “What do raw rubies look like?”
Color: The most striking feature of raw rubies is their deep red color. This color is often described as “pigeon blood” red, a term used to denote the most prized and intense hue. However, raw rubies can range in color from light pinkish-red to dark, almost purplish-red. The presence of chromium in the crystal lattice is responsible for this mesmerizing red hue.
Transparency: Raw rubies can vary in transparency. While some rubies are highly transparent and allow light to pass through with brilliance, others may exhibit varying degrees of opacity. Rubies with better transparency are generally more valuable.
Inclusions: Inclusions are naturally occurring imperfections within a gemstone. In raw rubies, these inclusions are often referred to as “silk.” Silk consists of fine needle-like rutile crystals that intersect within the ruby. When examined under a microscope, these inclusions can resemble a silky sheen, lending a unique character to the gem.
Cut and Shape: Raw rubies are typically cut into various shapes to maximize their beauty and brilliance. Common cuts for rubies include oval, cushion, round, and emerald cuts. The choice of cut depends on the raw ruby’s shape and the jeweler’s artistic vision.
Carat Weight: Like other gemstones, raw rubies are weighed in carats. Larger rubies are rarer and more valuable. However, the quality of color, transparency, and clarity also greatly influences a ruby’s value.
Raw Rubies in Their Natural State: Crystal Forms and Habits
The crystalline structure of raw rubies contributes to their overall appearance. Rubies typically form as prismatic crystals, and their crystal system is trigonal. This means that they have three equal axes at 120-degree angles to each other.
The most common habit for raw rubies is the hexagonal prism. These prismatic crystals often exhibit well-defined faces and edges. When you look at a raw ruby crystal, you can expect to see the classic hexagonal shape, which is a telltale sign of its corundum composition.
However, raw rubies can also take on other crystal forms, such as tabular or twinned crystals. Tabular rubies have flat, plate-like shapes, while twinned rubies are formed when two separate crystals grow together, creating fascinating geometric patterns within the stone.
The Fascination of Raw Rubies: Inclusions and Phenomena
One of the most intriguing aspects of raw rubies is the presence of inclusions and phenomena that can enhance their beauty and desirability. Here are some noteworthy inclusions and phenomena often found in raw rubies:
Silk: As mentioned earlier, silk refers to the fine rutile needles that intersect within the ruby. While silk can reduce transparency, it can also create a visual effect known as asterism.
Asterism: Asterism is a captivating phenomenon where the inclusions within the ruby create a star-like pattern on the surface of the gemstone. When light hits the surface, it reflects off the silk inclusions, forming a star with six rays. Star rubies are highly prized for their rarity and beauty.
Color Zoning: Some raw rubies exhibit color zoning, where different areas of the gemstone have varying shades of red. This can create a captivating play of colors within the stone, adding to its uniqueness.
Rutile Needles: In addition to silk, raw rubies may contain rutile needles that create a stunning visual effect known as chatoyancy or the cat’s-eye effect. When properly cut, these rubies can display a luminous line that moves across the surface, resembling the eye of a cat.
Hexagonal Growth Patterns: Hexagonal growth patterns, sometimes visible on the surface of a raw ruby, are a result of its crystal structure. These patterns can enhance the gem’s allure and are often appreciated by collectors.
Assessing the Quality of Raw Rubies: The Four Cs
Just like any other gemstone, raw rubies are evaluated based on the four Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. These criteria help determine the quality and value of a raw ruby.
Color: The color of a raw ruby is the most crucial factor in assessing its quality. The finest rubies display a deep, pure red color with no noticeable secondary hues. As mentioned earlier, the term “pigeon blood” red is often used to describe the most desirable ruby color. Rubies with strong red fluorescence under ultraviolet light are highly sought after.
Clarity: Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions or blemishes within the ruby. Inclusions are common in raw rubies, and their impact on clarity can vary. Generally, rubies with fewer and less noticeable inclusions are considered more valuable.
Cut: The cut of a raw ruby plays a significant role in maximizing its beauty. A well-cut ruby will exhibit excellent brilliance and color. The choice of cut depends on the raw ruby’s shape and the desired design for the final piece of jewelry.
Carat Weight: Carat weight measures the size of the raw ruby. Larger rubies are rarer and, all else being equal, more valuable. However, it’s important to note that a smaller ruby with exceptional color and clarity can be more valuable than a larger one with inferior qualities.
Raw Rubies in the Jewelry World: Popular Settings and Designs
Raw rubies have been cherished in the world of jewelry for centuries. Their vivid red color makes them a symbol of passion, love, and power, making them a popular choice for both traditional and contemporary designs. Here are some popular settings and designs featuring raw rubies:
Solitaire Rings: Raw ruby solitaire rings are a timeless and elegant choice. A single raw ruby set in a simple band allows the gemstone’s natural beauty to take center stage.
Cluster Rings: Cluster rings feature multiple small raw rubies set closely together, creating a stunning display of color and brilliance.
Halo Settings: In a halo setting, a raw ruby is surrounded by a circle of smaller diamonds or gemstones, accentuating its brilliance and color.
Vintage and Art Deco Designs: Raw rubies are often incorporated into vintage and Art Deco-inspired jewelry, known for their intricate details and geometric patterns.
Earrings and Pendants: Raw ruby earrings and pendants are popular choices for adding a pop of color to everyday or special occasion jewelry.
Bracelets and Necklaces: Raw rubies are also used in bracelets and necklaces, where they can be combined with other gemstones or metals to create unique and eye-catching pieces.
Conclusion: The Allure of Raw Rubies
Raw rubies are undeniably among the most captivating gemstones in the world. Their rich red color, fascinating inclusions, and intricate geological history make them objects of desire for collectors, jewelry enthusiasts, and investors. Understanding the physical characteristics, quality factors, and ethical considerations associated with raw rubies empowers individuals to appreciate these gemstones for their natural beauty and cultural significance.
As you explore the world of raw rubies, remember that each gemstone is a unique creation of nature, bearing the imprint of millions of years of geological processes. Whether adorning a piece of jewelry, gracing a collection, or serving as an investment, raw rubies continue to enchant and inspire with their timeless allure.
