Gemstones have been treasured for their beauty and rarity for thousands of years, captivating human fascination with their alluring colors and sparkling brilliance. Among the plethora of gemstones available, red gemstones hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. However, one common question that often arises is whether a red diamond is the same as a ruby. In this article, we delve into the intriguing world of red gemstones to understand the fundamental differences between red diamonds and rubies, shedding light on their unique characteristics and how to distinguish between them.
The Rarity of Red Diamonds
Red diamonds are undoubtedly some of the rarest and most sought-after gemstones on the planet. Their captivating crimson hue is a result of an extremely rare atomic structure that causes the diamond to absorb green light and reflect the red spectrum, creating a breathtaking visual effect. Only a handful of red diamonds have been discovered throughout history, and the scarcity of these gemstones has made them highly coveted among collectors and investors alike.
The Genesis of Rubies
Rubies, on the other hand, are corundum gemstones known for their rich red coloration. Corundum is a mineral composed of aluminum oxide and gets its distinct red color from the presence of chromium in its crystal structure. Rubies have been revered for centuries for their deep red hues and exceptional hardness, making them one of the most cherished gemstones in the world of jewelry.
Are rubies red diamond?
No, rubies are not red diamonds. Rubies and diamonds are two entirely different gemstones with distinct chemical compositions and structures.
Rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum, composed of aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and owe their striking red color to trace amounts of chromium present within their crystal lattice. These beautiful red gemstones have been cherished for their deep red hues and exceptional hardness for centuries.
Diamonds are composed of pure carbon, with a unique crystal structure that gives them their renowned brilliance and hardness. While red diamonds do exist, they are a rare and exceptional type of diamond that gets their red color from atomic-level defects, such as plastic deformation, during their formation deep within the Earth.
In summary, rubies and red diamonds are both red gemstones, but they have different mineral compositions and origins, making them distinct and separate gemstone varieties.
The Red Diamond and Ruby Connection
The connection between red diamonds and rubies lies in their mesmerizing crimson coloration, captivating the admiration of gemstone enthusiasts. However, beyond their shared red hue, these gemstones are distinct in their origins and chemical compositions.
While both red diamonds and rubies evoke emotions of luxury and desire, their individual characteristics set them apart as remarkable wonders of the natural world, each with its allure and allure and charm.
What is the difference between red diamonds and rubies?
Red diamonds and rubies are both red gemstones, but they are entirely different in terms of their origin, chemical composition, structure, rarity, and value. Here are the key differences between red diamonds and rubies:
1. Origin:
Red Diamonds: Red diamonds are a variety of natural diamonds formed under immense pressure and heat deep within the Earth’s crust. Their red color is a result of rare atomic-level defects, such as plastic deformation during their formation.
Rubies: Rubies, on the other hand, are corundum gemstones composed of aluminum oxide. Their red color is caused by the presence of chromium within the crystal lattice during their formation process.
2. Chemical Composition:
Red Diamonds: Red diamonds are pure carbon crystals, just like other diamonds. Their chemical formula is simply C (carbon).
Rubies: Rubies are aluminum oxide crystals with the chemical formula Al2O3. The chromium impurities in their structure give them their characteristic red color.
3. Color Intensity and Hue:
Red Diamonds: Red diamonds tend to have a secondary red hue, often with shades of brown or purple. Their red color is typically less intense than that of rubies.
Rubies: Rubies are renowned for their vivid, pure red color. The finest rubies display a striking “pigeon blood” red hue, which is highly valued in the gemstone market.
4. Brilliance and Dispersion:
Red Diamonds: Red diamonds, like other diamonds, have excellent brilliance due to their high refractive index. However, their dispersion (ability to separate light into spectral colors) is lower than that of rubies.
Rubies: Rubies have good to high dispersion, contributing to their fiery appearance and play of colors when light interacts with the gemstone.
5. Rarity and Value:
Red Diamonds: Red diamonds are exceptionally rare, with only a few known specimens in the world. Their scarcity makes them one of the most valuable and expensive gemstones, often surpassing the price of colorless diamonds.
Rubies: While rubies are valuable gemstones, they are more common compared to red diamonds. The finest quality rubies with vivid red color, high clarity, and large size can still command significant prices in the market.
In summary, red diamonds and rubies may share a red color, but they are distinct gemstones with different origins, chemical compositions, and optical properties. Red diamonds are incredibly rare and prized for their unique color, while rubies have a long-standing historical significance and are cherished for their brilliance and vibrant red hues. Each gemstone possesses its own allure and charm, appealing to different collectors and jewelry enthusiasts around the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both red diamonds and rubies possess a captivating red color, they are distinct gemstones with unique characteristics. Red diamonds are an extraordinary rarity, formed by a different atomic structure and crystal lattice from rubies. Their subtle secondary red hue and lower dispersion set them apart from the vibrant pigeon blood red hue and higher dispersion exhibited by rubies.
Whether it’s the allure of a rare red diamond or the timeless elegance of a pigeon blood ruby, these red gemstones continue to captivate the hearts of gem enthusiasts worldwide. Understanding the differences between red diamonds and rubies not only enhances appreciation for their individual beauty but also enables collectors and consumers to make informed choices when selecting these exquisite gemstones for their jewelry collections.
FAQs
1. Does red diamond exist?
Even though a colourless diamond is considered extremely rare, natural fancy colour diamonds are in a category of its own. A red diamond is considered extremely rare and valuable. In fact, a red diamond is so rare, only 20 to 30 gem-quality red diamonds exist in the world.
2. What is the rarest gem?
Painite : Not just the rarest gemstone, but also the rarest mineral on earth, Painite holds the Guinness World Record for it. After its discovery in the year 1951, there existed only 2 specimens of Painite for the next many decades. By the year 2004, there were less than 2 dozens known gemstones.
3. Why are some rubies so cheap?
Rubies come from many parts of the world, but rubies from particular countries will be valued much higher than those from others. It is also common to find highly enhanced and lab-created rubies in the market. These are much cheaper than natural rubies.
4. Who owns the largest red diamond?
It is currently owned by Moussaieff Jewellers Ltd. The Moussaieff Red was displayed in 2003 as part of the Smithsonian Institution’s “The Splendor of Diamonds” exhibit, alongside The De Beers Millennium Star and The Heart of Eternity.
