PRECIOUS RUBY

Just the word seems to let you know this is something special. The name for red corundum or a red sapphire is RUBY.

“Known for their strong fluorescence, Burmese rubies - the most expensive gems per carat in the world - are cherished the world over for their clarity, quality and above all their lush red 'Pigeon's Blood' hue. Rubies like these exist nowhere else on Earth. “

The rubies from Myanmar (Burma) are the most prized stones of their kind. The Mogok Valley in Upper Myanmar (Burma) was for centuries the world's main source for rubies. That region has produced some of the finest rubies ever mined. In central Myanmar, the area of Mong Hsu began producing rubies during the 1990s and rapidly became the world's main ruby mining area. The most recently found ruby deposit in Myanmar is in Namya (Namyazeik) located in the northern state of Kachin.

Rubies have historically been mined in Thailand, the Pailin and Samlout district of Cambodia, Afghanistan and in Pakistan. Rubies have rarely been found in Sri Lanka, where pink sapphires are more common. After the Second world war ruby deposits were found in Tanzania, Madagascar, Vietnam, Nepal, Tajikistan, and Pakistan. A few rubies have been found in the U.S. states of Montana, North Carolina, and South Carolina. More recently, large ruby deposits have been found under the receding ice shelf of Greenland. In 2002 rubies were found in the Waseges River area of Kenya. There are reports of a large deposit of rubies found in 2009 in Mozambique.

Today I’ve seen uncut rubies from Burma weighing from 500cts to as large as 5000cts. Though not in the market they sometimes reach the annual gem auctions held in Burma, sponsored by the government. Since products from Burma have been banned in the U.S. the sales of Burma ruby have suffered considerably but the prices have accelerated due to scarcity of material. So the opposite reaction has happened, demand for Burma rubies is up and supply is down. Making them even more desirable and expensive.

This lure of wealth is not the sole attraction many folks attribute mystical properties to many gems and if you study them you can understand why. From 16^th century Rajasthani maharanis to Alexander the Great rubies played a special role in their lives. Alexander reputedly ordered his male courtesans to wear them in their belly buttons believing them to have mystical powers, ancient Christians believed they represented the blood of Christ and records show Papal Tiaras have held some of the worlds finest rubies. Throughout time up to the present this royal gem has had a special place in the hearts of those who could afford them.

There are some rubies out there that are good imitations of the best rubies but are synthetics or manmade ruby. Then there is the treated class of “natural” ruby. Also very convincing and beautiful. The most common treatment for corundum is heat. Heat can clear up a cloudy stone and deepen the color of an off color stone. The newest treatments are much more sophisticated and difficult to detect so most larger and pricey rubies are required to have a GIA certificate or one of equal weight like Gueblin in Switzerland. These certificates will identify any treatments used to enhance the color or clarity of the stone. Those with no treatments are prized the most for the complete natural color and clarity, and will bring the highest prices.

PETER LUMETTA, G.G.

Graduate Gemologist in Residence GIA