Ruby Gemstone Colors

An illustration of how color affects the value of ruby.

Ruby gemstone colors.

The name ruby is derived from the latin word ruber which means red. Chromium is the trace element that causes ruby s red color. Sapphire the other gem variety of corundum encompasses all colors of corundum. Okay so we know rubies are red but which red is best.

Natural b this category accounts for over 50 of natural gemstones. Beside for its bright color it is a most desirable gem due to its hardness durability luster and rarity transparent rubies of large sizes are even rarer than diamonds. The hue specifies how red the gemstone is are there any hints of yellow blue or brown for example. Ruby history and lore.

For example this 1 04 carat ruby engagement ring has an impressive halo setting that attracts attention to the beautiful center stone all while giving the ring an elegant classic appearance. Trace elements that become part of the mineral s crystal structure cause variations in its color. Like other colored gemstones they also look great in halo settings which emphasize the rich color of the ruby center stone. Ruby is distinguished for its bright red color being the most famed and fabled red gemstone.

We need to break down the color of rubies into three parts the hue the tone and the saturation. This makes ruby one of the most important gems in the colored stone market. The most valuable color of ruby is familiarly called pigeon blood red it is not the most glamorous name but the color is one of the most heart stopping colors found in the gemstone world. In its purest form the mineral corundum is colorless.

The tone is simply how light or dark the. An excellent color can make the difference between an amazing ruby and an average ruby. The redder the better.