Ruby

A ruby is a pink to blood-red colored gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminium oxide). The red color is caused mainly by the presence of the element chromium. Its name comes from ruber, Latin for red. Other varieties of gem-quality corundum are called sapphires. The ruby is considered one of the four precious stones, together with the sapphire, the emerald, and the diamond.

Prices of rubies are primarily determined by color. The brightest and most valuable "red" called pigeon blood-red, commands a large premium over other rubies of similar quality. After color follows clarity: similar to diamonds, a clear stone will command a premium, but a ruby without any needle-like rutile inclusions may indicate that the stone has been treated. Cut and carat (weight) are also an important factor in determining the price.

Read more about Ruby:  Physical Properties, Natural Occurrence, Factors Affecting Value, Treatments and Enhancements, Synthetic and Imitation Rubies, Records and Famous Rubies, Historical and Cultural References

Famous quotes containing the word ruby:

    A man in the house is worth two in the street.
    Mae West, U.S. actor, screenwriter, and Leo McCarey. Ruby Carter (Mae West)

    Lay down, lay down the bigly bier,
    Lat me the dead look on;
    Wi’ cherry cheeks and ruby lips
    She lay an’ smil’d on him.

    O ae sheave o’ your bread, true-love,
    An’ ae glass o’ your wine,
    For I hae fasted for your sake
    These fully day [is] nine.
    Anna Gordon Brown (1747–1810)

    Thy great leaves enfold
    The ancient beards, the helms of ruby and gold
    Of the crowned Magi; and the king whose eyes
    Saw the Pierced Hands and Rood of elder rise
    In Druid vapour and make the torches dim....
    William Butler Yeats (1865–1939)