Ruby: Red Corundum, Meaning, Hardness & Jewelry

The ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum and is considered one of the most valuable gemstones in the world. With a Mohs hardness of 9, it is the hardest gemstone after the diamond, making it exceptionally suitable for everyday wear. Its deep red color, ideally described as "pigeon blood," has symbolized love, passion, and vitality for thousands of years. At Splendido Jewelry, we combine richly colored gemstones with genuine 585 gold to create pieces that accompany you for a lifetime.

Mineralogically, a ruby is red corundum, that is, aluminum oxide. The same mineral forms sapphires in all other colors—only the red coloration may be called a ruby. The characteristic red is due to a small amount of chromium incorporated into the crystal lattice. Depending on the chromium and iron content, the color spectrum ranges from delicate pink-red to rich, dark purplish red.

Rubies are among the rarest colored gemstones. Large, clear specimens in strong red are extremely valuable—fine rubies fetch higher prices per carat than many diamonds. Historically, the most famous stones come from Myanmar (Burma); today, they also come from Mozambique, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.

The most sought-after color of a ruby is called "pigeon blood." It refers to a pure, vivid red with a fine blue-violet undertone and high brilliance—without brown or too dark tones. This top quality is extremely rare and highly sought after.

When evaluating a ruby, four characteristics help:

• Color: the most important criterion—a rich, vibrant red is the most desirable.
• Clarity: small inclusions are normal in rubies and often even prove authenticity.
• Cut: a good cut optimally enhances color and brilliance.
• Carat weight: large, clear rubies are rare and significantly increase value.

The ruby reaches a value of 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale and is thus the hardest natural gemstone after the diamond (10). This hardness makes it especially resistant to scratches and abrasion—a key reason why ruby is excellent for jewelry worn daily. Rings, necklaces, and earrings with rubies withstand everyday wear much better than jewelry with softer stones like opal or pearl.

Few gemstones are as culturally charged with emotion as the ruby. Its name derives from the Latin ruber meaning "red." In many cultures, the ruby has long been regarded as the stone of love, passion, and vitality. In ancient India, it was revered as the "king of gemstones," and in the Middle Ages, rulers wore rubies as a sign of power and protection.

The ruby is said to grant courage, energy, and self-confidence—ideas that are purely cultural and symbolic. As the red stone of passion, it remains a popular gift for anniversaries and romantic occasions. The ruby is also the birthstone for July and is considered the stone for the ruby wedding anniversary, the 40th wedding anniversary.

Because of its hardness and vibrant color, the ruby is an ideal stone for high-quality jewelry. The deep red is especially beautiful in a warm gold setting: 585 yellow gold emphasizes the warmth of the stone, while white gold presents it clearly and with contrast. At Splendido Jewelry, we craft colored gemstones in genuine 585 gold, which is nickel-free, skin-friendly, and does not tarnish.

If you are looking for colored gemstone jewelry, take a look at our gold rings with gemstones and our gold necklaces with gemstones. Colorful examples include our amethyst solitaire ring in 585 yellow gold or the peridot necklace with brilliant halo. For a wider selection, explore the entire gold jewelry collection at Splendido Jewelry, featuring handpicked pieces made of genuine gold.

Thanks to its hardness, a ruby is easy to care for. To keep the stone radiant for a long time:

1. Clean with lukewarm water and a drop of mild dish soap.
2. Gently brush behind the setting with a soft brush.
3. Rinse with clear water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
4. Remove before sports, housework, and handling chemicals.

Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh agents, especially if it is uncertain whether the stone has been treated. Store ruby jewelry separately to prevent harder stones like diamonds from scratching the gold setting. Find more tips in our guide on cleaning and caring for jewelry.

At Splendido Jewelry, you enjoy free shipping and free returns with every piece, plus a 30-day return policy—so you can take your time to admire your ruby jewelry at home.

Frequently Asked Questions