Ruby is a precious gemstone celebrated for its vibrant red color, which ranges from deep crimson to bright, fiery red. A variety of the mineral corundum, ruby gets its characteristic color from trace amounts of chromium. Its name comes from the Latin word ruber, meaning red, symbolizing passion, love, and vitality.

Rubies are among the hardest gemstones, with a Mohs hardness of 9, second only to diamonds, making them ideal for all types of jewelry. High-quality rubies often display exceptional brilliance due to their high refractive index, and some may exhibit a mesmerizing star-like effect called asterism when cut into cabochons.

The most prized rubies, known as “pigeon’s blood” rubies, display a vivid, pure red with a hint of blue undertone. Significant ruby sources include Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique.

Rubies have been cherished for centuries, often associated with royalty and believed to bring protection, wealth, and success to their wearers. They remain one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world for their rarity, beauty, and symbolic significance.