Rubies, with their vibrant red color and timeless allure, have captivated human hearts for centuries. These gemstones are admired not only for their beauty but also for their rarity and value. Among the vast array of rubies, there exist a few exceptional gems that stand out due to their extraordinary size and magnificence. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the world of exceptional rubies, unveiling the biggest ruby ever discovered and delving into its fascinating history. Join us on this journey to discover the awe-inspiring beauty of the largest ruby in the world.
1.What Is Ruby?
Ruby is a precious gemstone known for its captivating red color and remarkable beauty. It belongs to the corundum mineral family, which also includes sapphires. The vibrant red hue of a ruby is caused by the presence of the element chromium within its crystal structure. The intensity and shade of red can vary, ranging from a deep crimson known as “pigeon’s blood” to lighter pinkish or purplish tones.
Rubies have a long and rich history, often associated with royalty, power, and passion. In many cultures, they are considered symbols of love, vitality, and courage. Throughout the ages, rubies have been highly prized and sought after, adorning jewelry and ornamental pieces.
In addition to their mesmerizing color, rubies are valued for their durability. They rank 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, second only to diamonds. This hardness makes rubies highly suitable for use in jewelry and ensures their longevity.
The most desirable rubies possess excellent transparency, allowing light to pass through the gemstone and enhance its brilliance. However, natural inclusions and impurities are common in rubies and can provide unique characteristics and evidence of their natural origin.
Rubies are predominantly mined in several locations around the world, including Myanmar (formerly Burma), Thailand, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Each source may yield rubies with distinct characteristics and nuances in color and clarity.
Today, rubies continue to be cherished and admired, sought after by gemstone enthusiasts and collectors alike. Their timeless beauty, combined with their rich cultural significance, ensures that rubies will remain highly valued and cherished gemstones for generations to come.
2. Physical Properties of Ruby
2.1 Hardness:
Ruby is one of the hardest gemstones, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. It is second only to diamond, making it extremely durable and suitable for everyday wear.
2.2 Color:
Ruby is renowned for its vibrant red color, which ranges from deep crimson to purplish or bluish red. The presence of chromium impurities gives it this characteristic hue.
2.3 Transparency:
Ruby is typically transparent to translucent, allowing light to pass through and giving it a brilliant appearance. Some rubies may exhibit asterism, a phenomenon known as a “star ruby” where a star-shaped pattern appears when illuminated by a single light source.
2.4 Refractive Index:
The refractive index of ruby ranges from approximately 1.76 to 1.78. This property affects how light is bent as it enters and exits the gem, contributing to its overall brilliance and sparkle.
2.5 Density:
The density of ruby varies slightly depending on the specific composition, but it generally falls within the range of 3.97 to 4.05 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). This density is higher than that of many other gemstones.
2.6 Heat Resistance:
Ruby has excellent heat resistance, allowing it to withstand high temperatures without undergoing significant damage or color changes. This property makes it suitable for various jewelry-making techniques, including heat treatments to enhance color or clarity.
These physical properties contribute to the beauty, durability, and desirability of ruby as a gemstone, making it highly valued in the jewelry industry.
3. What Is the biggest ruby in the world ?
The title of the largest ruby in the world is claimed by the remarkable gem known as the “Sunrise Ruby.” Weighing a stunning 25.59 carats, this exceptional gemstone captivates with its intense pigeon’s blood red color—a highly coveted and sought-after hue in rubies. The Sunrise Ruby’s remarkable size, combined with its exceptional color and clarity, solidifies its position as a truly extraordinary gem.
The Sunrise Ruby originated from the Mogok Valley in Myanmar, a region renowned for producing some of the world’s finest rubies. Its exact discovery story remains veiled in mystery, adding to the allure and intrigue surrounding this exceptional gem. However, its journey to international recognition is well-documented.
The Sunrise Ruby’s exceptional size, breathtaking color, and outstanding clarity led to its recognition as one of the world’s most remarkable rubies. In 2015, it achieved global acclaim when it set a new auction record, selling for a staggering price of over $30 million. This remarkable sale further solidified the Sunrise Ruby’s status as a legendary gemstone.
The gem’s vibrant pigeon’s blood red color, often described as a deep and pure red with a hint of blue, is considered the pinnacle of ruby coloration. Its extraordinary hue, combined with excellent clarity, allows light to penetrate and illuminate the gem’s inner depths, enhancing its beauty and allure.
While the Sunrise Ruby holds the record for the largest known ruby, other notable large rubies have also garnered attention. These include the De Long Star Ruby, weighing around 100.32 carats, and the Rosser Reeves Star Ruby, weighing approximately 138.7 carats. These exceptional gems continue to fascinate gem enthusiasts with their size, color, and unique characteristics.
The Sunrise Ruby, along with other extraordinary large rubies, serves as a testament to the Earth’s ability to produce magnificent and rare gemstones. Their size, beauty, and historical significance contribute to their status as treasured gems, captivating the imagination and hearts of gemstone enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
4. Other Notable Large Rubies:
4.1 The De Long Star Ruby:
The De Long Star Ruby, weighing approximately 100.32 carats, is another extraordinary example of a large and rare ruby. This star ruby exhibits a six-pointed asterism—a star-shaped optical phenomenon—adding to its allure and uniqueness. Its remarkable size and captivating star effect have made the De Long Star Ruby a treasured gem in the world of exceptional rubies.
4.2 The Rosser Reeves Star Ruby:
Weighing around 138.7 carats, the Rosser Reeves Star Ruby is an exquisite gem known for its exceptional size and mesmerizing asterism. This star ruby showcases a distinct six-pointed star that appears to float above its captivating red surface, enhancing its beauty and desirability. The Rosser Reeves Star Ruby continues to captivate gem enthusiasts with its enchanting presence.
5. The Process of Evaluating Large Rubies:
5.1 Color Assessment:
When evaluating large rubies, color assessment is of paramount importance. The presence of an intense and vibrant red hue, often referred to as “pigeon’s blood” red, significantly enhances the gem’s desirability and value.
5.2 Clarity Evaluation:
The clarity of a large ruby is assessed by examining the presence of inclusions or internal flaws. While minor inclusions are common in natural rubies, a higher clarity grade contributes to the gem’s overall appeal and value.
5.3 Weight and Size Considerations:
The weight and size of a large ruby play a crucial role in determining its rarity and value. Large rubies, particularly those above a certain carat weight, are highly sought-after and command premium prices in the market.
5.4 Cut and Shape:
The cut and shape of a large ruby should be taken into account when evaluating its beauty. Expert gem cutters carefully shape these exceptional gems to maximize their color, brilliance, and overall aesthetic appeal.
6. Conclusion:
The world of exceptional rubies is a realm filled with awe-inspiring beauty and captivating stories. The biggest rubies ever discovered, such as the Sunrise Ruby, the De Long Star Ruby, and the Rosser Reeves Star Ruby, continue to mesmerize us with their extraordinary size, magnificent color, and unique characteristics. These exceptional gems are not only precious possessions but also reminders of the Earth’s incredible ability to create natural wonders. As we uncover the secrets and stories behind these exceptional rubies, we gain a deeper appreciation for the rarity, value, and timeless allure of these remarkable gemstones.
