Ruby is one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. Known for its vibrant red color, it has a rich history of being used in jewelry, and its value is often tied to its rarity. When it comes to rubies, there are different types, and some are rarer than others. Understanding the different forms of ruby can help collectors, jewelers, and enthusiasts appreciate the various qualities that make rubies so desirable.
In this article, we will explore the rarest forms of rubies, including their origins, characteristics, and why they are so prized in the world of fine jewelry.
What Makes a Ruby Rarest?
Before we dive into the rarest forms of ruby, it’s essential to understand what makes a ruby rare in the first place. Rubies are a type of corundum, a mineral that also includes sapphires. The red color in rubies comes from the element chromium, which gives rubies their signature hue. However, not all rubies are created equal.
A ruby’s value is determined by several factors, such as:
Color: The more vivid and intense the red, the more valuable the ruby.
Clarity: Rubies that are free of inclusions (flaws) are rarer and more expensive.
Size: Larger rubies are generally rarer, especially those that maintain excellent color and clarity.
Origin: Certain sources of rubies are known for producing some of the most beautiful and rare rubies in the world.
With this knowledge in mind, let’s explore the rarest forms of ruby in more detail.
Burmese Rubies: The King of Rubies
Burmese rubies are often considered the finest and rarest rubies in the world. The rubies from Myanmar (formerly Burma) have long been prized for their rich, red color, which is often described as “pigeon blood red.” The term “pigeon blood red” refers to the pure, intense red that is considered the most desirable color in rubies.
Why Burmese Rubies Are So Rare
Burmese rubies are rare for several reasons:
Unique Color: The natural environment in Myanmar produces rubies with a vivid red hue that other sources cannot match.
Limited Supply: Myanmar has historically been the leading source of high-quality rubies, and mining in the region has significantly decreased over time. As a result, Burmese rubies are becoming increasingly scarce.
Political Factors: Myanmar’s political situation has led to limited access to its ruby mines, further decreasing the availability of Burmese rubies on the global market.
Due to their rarity and unparalleled beauty, Burmese rubies are considered the pinnacle of ruby collecting and often fetch record-breaking prices at auctions.
Thai Rubies: Beautiful but Less Rare
While Thai rubies are not as rare as Burmese rubies, they still hold a special place in the market. Thailand has been a major producer of rubies for decades, and its rubies are known for their slightly darker, more purplish-red color.
Why Thai Rubies Are Not As Rare
Abundant Supply: Thailand produces a significant number of rubies every year, which means they are more accessible to the average buyer than Burmese rubies.
Color Variations: Thai rubies often have a more subdued color compared to the vibrant reds of Burmese rubies. While still beautiful, their less intense color makes them less rare in comparison.
Despite being more common, Thai rubies can still be valuable, especially if they have a high level of clarity and a rich, desirable color.
Kashmir Rubies: The Rarest and Most Expensive
Kashmir rubies are one of the rarest forms of ruby ever discovered. They come from the Kashmir region of India, which is also famous for its Kashmir sapphires. The rubies from Kashmir are known for their exceptional color and transparency, making them incredibly valuable.
Why Kashmir Rubies Are So Rare
Scarcity: The ruby mines in Kashmir were discovered in the early 19th century but were mostly exhausted by the mid-1900s. As a result, Kashmir rubies are incredibly rare, with only a few being available on the market each year.
Exceptional Color: Kashmir rubies are renowned for their rich, velvety red color, which is often considered the most beautiful shade of red in the world of rubies.
High Demand: The rarity and exceptional quality of Kashmir rubies make them highly sought after, driving up their price even further.
Kashmir rubies are often considered a collector’s dream, and their value continues to rise due to their scarcity and beauty.
Mozambique Rubies: New but Highly Prized
Mozambique is a relatively new source of rubies, but it has quickly gained a reputation for producing some of the most beautiful rubies in the world. These rubies are often deep red or have a rich purplish hue, making them highly desirable to collectors and jewelers.
Why Mozambique Rubies Are Rare
New Discovery: Mozambique’s ruby mines were only discovered in the early 2000s, making these rubies relatively new to the market. However, the high quality of the rubies found there has quickly made them a sought-after commodity.
High-Quality Rubies: The rubies from Mozambique often have excellent color and clarity, rivaling even the most prized Burmese and Kashmir rubies.
While they are more accessible than Burmese and Kashmir rubies, Mozambique rubies are still considered rare due to the limited supply and high demand.
Synthetic Rubies: Man-Made but Still Valuable
While natural rubies are rare, synthetic rubies are also available in the market. These rubies are created in laboratories using processes that mimic the conditions under which natural rubies are formed.
Why Synthetic Rubies Are Rare
Advanced Technology: The process of creating synthetic rubies is complex and requires specialized equipment. As a result, high-quality synthetic rubies are still relatively rare and can be valuable in their own right.
Collectibility: Some collectors appreciate synthetic rubies because they are often flawless, whereas natural rubies tend to have inclusions. Additionally, synthetic rubies can be a more affordable alternative for those who want the look of a ruby without the high price tag.
While not as rare as natural rubies, synthetic rubies can still be considered rare due to the difficulty and expense of their creation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rarest forms of ruby are those that come from regions with limited supply and unique characteristics. Burmese rubies, with their intense red color, are often considered the most desirable. Kashmir rubies are among the rarest and most expensive due to their scarcity and exceptional color. Mozambique rubies are a newer addition to the market but have already established themselves as a highly sought-after form of ruby.
Whether natural or synthetic, rubies continue to be one of the most prized gemstones in the world. Their rarity, beauty, and historical significance make them a timeless addition to any jewelry collection.
Related topic:
- Natural Ruby vs Artificial Ruby: What Is the Difference?
- Why Are Natural Rubies So Expensive?
- Are Lab Created Rubies Worth Anything?
