Ruby

Ruby Stone Meaning and History

In ancient India, ruby was revered as the “king of precious stones” due to its rarity, hardness (second only to diamond), beauty, and seemingly mystical powers. Long associated with the life force blood, ruby was a symbol of power and youthful energy in Indian jewelry. In past centuries, some believed this stone could predict misfortune or danger, while others claimed it could cure inflammatory diseases and soothe anger. Burmese warriors believed it made them invincible in battle, while medieval Europeans maintained that rubies bestowed health, wisdom, wealth, and success in love.

Ruby is traditionally given for the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.

Where is Ruby found?

The search for rubies begins in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), one of the oldest recorded sources of fine rubies. For over five centuries, the Mogok area in Myanmar has produced some of the most sought-after rubies – vibrant red beauties softened by light-scattering inclusions and a glowing red fluorescence. The region is characterized by weathered marble and ancient Buddhist temples.

Since the late 20th century, Vietnam has emerged as another important source for this stone. The Luc Yen region in northern Vietnam, with its rainforest-clad mountains rising over broad paddy fields, produces rubies ranging from red to purplish-red in color. Farther south, the Quy Chau district has also yielded many fine rubies. Today, artisanal miners work the soil in hopes of finding a gem that will change their fortunes.

Mozambique has become an important new source for this stone. This African nation is home to the prolific mines at Montepuez, where rubies found there have been compared to the famed gems of Mogok.

For many years in the late 1900s, the ruby deposits along the border between Thailand and Cambodia were the major source of rubies in the marketplace. Other important producers of this stone include Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, and Madagascar.

Ruby Stone Care and Cleaning

Rubies are often subjected to heat treatment to remove purplish coloration, resulting in a purer red hue. This process can also eliminate "silk" (minute needle-like inclusions) that may cause a gem to appear lighter in tone and more opaque. Heat treatment is widely accepted in the trade as it is stable under normal conditions of wear and care. However, rubies may also undergo lattice diffusion treatment and dyeing. In lower-quality material, surface-reaching fractures and cavities may be filled with glass to reduce their visibility, making the gem appear more transparent. Some of these treatments may render the ruby more susceptible to damage during normal wear and care.

Before making a purchase, it is advisable to inquire about any treatments the ruby may have undergone and the method used. The Federal Trade Commission mandates disclosure of treatments that affect a gemstone’s perceived value.

In most cases, rubies can be safely cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally safe for untreated, heat-treated, and lattice diffusion–treated stones. However, glass-filled or dyed stones should only be cleaned with a damp cloth.