Ruby and sapphire are certainly two materials that we have combined with rare and expensive jewellery. But how many of you know that they are the same stone?
The scientific name is Corundum (corundum) and it gets its special colour from the metals that are found with it. Thus, the deep red colour of ruby, which we all love, is due to the presence of chromium. When it is found with iron, its colour turns blue and then we call it Sapphire. Corundums, however, are also found in many other colours and then we call them sapphires, using the colour in their name e.g. yellow sapphire, pink sapphire etc.
Ruby: Interesting information
- Description: The word "ruby" comes from the Latin word ruber, which means red. In ancient times, the ruby was known as "sapphire purple" or "sapphire purple".
- Gemstone: Considered one of the most important gemstones, along with diamond, sapphire and emerald.
- Hardness: The corundum is the second hardest material found in nature, after diamond. On the Mohs scale of hardness, it is number 9 (only diamond is number 10).
- Where do we find them: The main source of rubies has for centuries been the Mogok Valley in northern Myanmar, but today very few good quality rubies come from there. Other countries in which rubies are mined are: Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar and others.
- Birthday stone: Ruby is the birthstone of July and is considered a symbol of power with many healing properties.
- Pigeon's blood ruby: The most demanded shade in rubies is Pigeon's blood, a deep red with a rare blue tone.
- Famous jewellery with rubies: One of the most famous, yet valuable, pieces of jewellery in the history of jewellery making is the Cartier-designed ruby and diamond necklace for Elisabeth Taylor.
- The most expensive ruby: In May 2015, Sotheby's sold for £19,600,000 (a world record ruby value) the ''Sunrise Ruby'', a 25.59-carat Burmese red ruby set in a Cartier jewel.