Ruby Gemstone Guide: Colour, Clarity, and Care

What Is a Ruby?

Ruby belongs to the corundum mineral family, the same crystal structure that produces sapphire. Pure corundum is colourless; it is the presence of chromium within the crystal lattice that produces ruby's characteristic red. Small variations in chromium concentration, along with trace elements like iron, account for the range of red tones seen in ruby across different origins. Any corundum that is red is classified as ruby, while every other colour of corundum, including pink, blue, yellow and green, falls under the sapphire category.

This shared mineral identity is why ruby and sapphire are often discussed together in gemmology. They have the same hardness, the same crystal habit, and are frequently found in similar geological settings, yet the presence of chromium sets ruby apart both visually and in terms of market desirability.

What Drives Ruby Colour and Value

Colour is the single most important factor in assessing a ruby. Gemmologists generally describe the most prized ruby colour as a pure, vivid red to slightly purplish-red, sometimes referred to in the trade as "pigeon's blood" when it reaches a particularly saturated and even tone. Rubies that lean too far towards orange-brown or that appear too dark or too pale are typically considered less desirable.

Three elements are usually assessed together when evaluating ruby colour:

• Hue — where the colour sits on the spectrum, ideally a red with only a slight secondary tone of purple rather than orange or brown.
• Saturation — how vivid or intense the red appears, with stronger saturation generally valued more highly.
• Tone — how light or dark the stone is, with medium to medium-dark tones typically preferred over very pale or very dark, blackish material.

Clarity also plays a role, though ruby is well known for containing natural inclusions, and completely flawless rubies are exceptionally rare. Fine silk-like rutile inclusions can even soften light within the stone in a way that is considered attractive, so clarity in ruby is judged differently to a stone like diamond, where flawlessness is the benchmark. It's worth noting that value assessments and pricing in the ruby trade are complex and vary by dealer and market; general educational descriptions like this should not be read as a valuation or investment guide for any specific stone.

Heat Treatment and Disclosure Norms

The great majority of rubies on the market today have been heat treated, a long-established practice that improves colour and clarity by dissolving or altering certain inclusions and can shift secondary tones towards a purer red. Heat treatment is widely accepted throughout the gemstone trade and does not change the fundamental identity of the stone as a natural or lab-grown ruby.

Reputable sellers disclose treatment status as a matter of standard practice, and it is reasonable for any buyer to ask whether a ruby has been heated, and whether any other treatments, such as fracture filling or dye, have been applied. Disclosure norms exist precisely because treatment affects durability considerations and, in some markets, price expectations, so clear communication from the seller is part of buying with confidence.

Ruby's Hardness and Durability

Ruby rates 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it one of the hardest natural materials after diamond. This hardness means ruby resists everyday scratching from dust, sand, and most household surfaces, which is one of the reasons ruby has long been considered suitable for rings and other pieces worn regularly.

Hardness, however, only measures resistance to scratching. It does not describe toughness, which is a stone's resistance to chipping or fracturing from a knock or sudden impact. Rubies can still chip if struck at the wrong angle, particularly along any existing inclusion or fracture plane, so hardness should be understood as one part of the durability picture rather than a guarantee against all forms of damage.

Ruby Symbolism and Birthstone Significance

Ruby is the recognised birthstone for July. Historically, red gemstones including ruby have been associated with passion, vitality, and protection across a number of cultures, with some traditions holding that rubies were worn by warriors or royalty as symbols of courage and strength. These associations are part of ruby's long cultural history rather than scientifically verifiable properties, and they add to the stone's appeal as a meaningful gift or personal keepsake rather than serving as a claim about any physical or protective effect.

Caring for Ruby Jewellery

Despite its impressive hardness, ruby still benefits from thoughtful care to keep it looking its best over the long term. A few practical habits help:

• Avoid harsh chemicals. Chlorine, strong household cleaners, and prolonged exposure to perfumes or hairspray can dull the surface of the setting and, in some cases, affect fracture-filled stones if present. Removing rings before cleaning or swimming is a simple precaution.
• Clean gently. Warm water with a mild soap and a soft brush is generally sufficient for regular cleaning. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
• Store separately. Because ruby is so hard, it can scratch softer gemstones and metals if pieces are stored together in the same box or pouch. Keeping pieces separated protects both the ruby and anything stored alongside it.
• Mind the setting, not just the stone. Prongs and settings can wear over time even if the ruby itself is undamaged, so periodic checks help catch a loose stone before it becomes a bigger issue.

Ruby's combination of hardness and long-standing popularity makes it a practical choice for jewellery intended for daily wear, including rings, provided basic care habits are followed.

Shipping, Returns, and Warranty

Divara ships free of charge within Australia, with delivery in 3–7 business days, signature required on arrival, and items sent in plain, unbranded packaging. International shipping is not currently available.

Change-of-mind returns are accepted within 30 days, with the customer covering return shipping. If an item arrives faulty or incorrect, Divara provides a full refund or replacement and covers the return shipping cost. Custom or made-to-order pieces are not eligible for change-of-mind returns, except in cases of a genuine defect. All Divara jewellery is covered by a 12-month workmanship warranty, which covers manufacturing faults but does not extend to general wear and tear, accidental damage, or loss.

Explore Divara's jewellery collection to see coloured gemstone pieces.