Natural Ruby

Ruby is a member of the Corundum family along with yellow and blue sapphire.

Ruby, with chemical composition, AlO2, is the second hardest gemstone after diamond,

being 9 out of 10 on the Moh's scale, with a refractive index of 1.76 to 1.77.

Ruby grows as a hexagonal crystal, and ranges in colour from pink to deep red, the colour

being due to the trace element chromium. 

Sources of quality ruby include Burma, Madagascar, Tanzania and Sri Lanka.

Ruby treatment is common today to enhance colour and clarity. Heat treated rubies retain

high value, but not as high as untreated stones, which depending on quality can be more

costly than diamonds. Glass filling of rubies however, drops the price to a fraction of a heat

only or untreated ruby gem. 

In Vedic astrology, ruby(manikya) is the gemstone of the Sun, the most powerful of all the

planetary influences. Aries, Leo, Scorpio, and Sagittarius ascendants in Vedic astrology,

report the best and most auspicious results from wearing an Astrological Ruby.

Ruby strengthens the heart and improves the circulation. Hot in energy, ruby increases pItta,

and reduces kapha and vata. Ruby strengthens the will, gives insight and enhances power, bringing brilliance, confidence, success, and brightness, fame and enhanced vitality. Ruby is

a good gemstone for leaders.