What Is The Color Of A Ruby

Ah, the ruby. Just the name conjures images of royalty, passion, and fiery intensity. But what color is a ruby, really? It's a question that delves into the nuances of color perception, mineralogy, and even a bit of history and folklore. Let's embark on a journey to truly understand the color of this magnificent gemstone, exploring all the factors that contribute to its captivating allure.

A Deep Dive into Ruby's Red Hue

At its core, a ruby is red. But this simple statement drastically undersells the complexity and range of colors that rubies can exhibit. The red color of a ruby comes from trace amounts of the element chromium within the aluminum oxide (corundum) crystal structure. Without chromium, corundum would be colorless sapphire.

Now, let’s break down what makes a ruby’s red so special:

• Hue: The dominant color. In the case of rubies, the ideal hue is a pure, vibrant red.
• Saturation: The intensity or purity of the color. The higher the saturation, the more vivid and desirable the ruby.
• Tone: The lightness or darkness of the color. Rubies can range from light red to deep, almost blackish-red.

The specific combination of hue, saturation, and tone determines the perceived color of a ruby. This combination is influenced by several factors, including the amount of chromium present, the presence of other trace elements, and the lighting conditions under which the ruby is viewed.

The Spectrum of Ruby Colors: More Than Just Red

While red is the defining characteristic, rubies aren't all the same shade. In fact, a stunning variety of red hues are possible, each with its own unique appeal and impact on value. Here are some of the shades rubies might exhibit:

• Pure Red: This is the most sought-after color. It describes a red that is neither too pink nor too orange or purple.
• Slightly Purplish-Red: Many rubies have a secondary purplish tone, which can enhance their beauty, giving them a depth and complexity that pure red rubies sometimes lack. A slight purplish tint is usually acceptable in the trade.
• Slightly Orangey-Red: Some rubies lean towards an orange undertone. While still considered rubies, these tend to be less valuable than pure red or purplish-red stones.
• Pinkish-Red: While pink sapphires exist and are beautiful, a ruby that is too pink may be classified as a pink sapphire rather than a ruby, which can significantly affect its value. The distinction between a very pink ruby and a pink sapphire can sometimes be blurry and depends on the specific gem and the opinion of gemological experts.
• Brownish-Red: A brownish tint is generally undesirable in rubies. It makes the color appear dull and lifeless, reducing its value.

The Famous "Pigeon's Blood" Ruby

The most famous and highly prized color description for rubies is "pigeon's blood." This term traditionally refers to a vivid, intense red color with a slight purplish hue. It's a color that is said to resemble the color of blood from a freshly killed pigeon – a rather gruesome origin, but one that evokes the stone's intense color!

However, the exact definition of "pigeon's blood" is subjective and can vary depending on the source. Traditionally, it was associated with rubies from the Mogok region of Myanmar (Burma), known for producing some of the finest rubies in the world. While most experts agree that a true pigeon's blood ruby should have a strong, fluorescent red color, the presence and degree of purplish undertones are still debated.

Today, the term is used more loosely to describe any ruby with exceptional color saturation and brilliance. Regardless of the exact definition, "pigeon's blood" rubies remain highly coveted by collectors and gem enthusiasts.

Factors Affecting Ruby Color

Several factors beyond the presence of chromium contribute to the specific color of a ruby. Understanding these factors can help to appreciate the nuances of ruby color and its impact on value.

• Chromium Concentration: The amount of chromium present in the corundum crystal structure is the primary determinant of the ruby's red color. Higher concentrations of chromium generally result in a more intense red hue. However, there is a limit to how much chromium can be incorporated into the crystal structure. Too much chromium can actually lead to a darker, less desirable color.
• Iron Content: Iron is another trace element that can be found in rubies. Unlike chromium, iron tends to dull the red color, giving it a brownish or muddy appearance. Rubies with high iron content are generally less valuable than those with low iron content.
• Titanium Content: The presence of titanium can contribute to asterism, also known as the "star effect," in rubies. These star rubies display a six-rayed star on their surface when viewed under a direct light source. While asterism doesn't directly affect the body color of the ruby, it can enhance its overall appeal and value.
• Heat Treatment: Heat treatment is a common practice used to improve the color and clarity of rubies. Heating can dissolve inclusions, remove unwanted color tints (like brown), and enhance the overall red color. While heat treatment is generally accepted in the gem trade, it's important to disclose whether a ruby has been treated. Heavily treated rubies are typically less valuable than untreated rubies with comparable color and clarity.
• Lighting Conditions: The color of a ruby can appear differently under different lighting conditions. For example, a ruby may appear more red under incandescent light and more purplish under fluorescent light. This phenomenon is known as metamerism. Gemologists use standardized lighting conditions to accurately assess the color of rubies.
• Geographic Origin: Certain geographic locations are known for producing rubies with specific color characteristics. For example, Burmese rubies are famous for their intense red color and strong fluorescence. Rubies from Thailand tend to be darker in color, while rubies from Mozambique often have a slightly orange tint. While origin isn't the only factor determining a ruby's value, it can certainly influence its desirability and price.

Grading Ruby Color

Grading the color of a ruby is a complex process that requires expertise and careful evaluation. Gemologists use a variety of tools and techniques to assess the hue, saturation, and tone of a ruby and assign a grade based on industry standards.

Several grading systems are used in the gem trade, each with its own specific criteria and terminology. Some of the most common grading systems include:

• GIA (Gemological Institute of America): The GIA is one of the leading authorities in gemology and its grading system is widely respected. The GIA uses a descriptive color grading system that includes terms such as "vivid red," "strong red," and "medium red."
• AGL (American Gemological Laboratories): AGL is another well-known gemological laboratory that offers color grading services for rubies. AGL uses a numerical grading system that ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 representing the finest color.
• Gübelin Gem Lab: This Swiss lab is renowned for its expertise in colored gemstones and provides detailed reports that often include origin determination and treatment analysis. Their color descriptions are highly regarded in the industry.

While these grading systems provide a standardized framework for assessing ruby color, it's important to remember that color grading is still subjective to some extent. The perceived color of a ruby can vary depending on the observer and the lighting conditions.

The Psychology and Symbolism of Ruby Color

Beyond its scientific and gemological aspects, the color of a ruby also holds deep psychological and symbolic significance. Throughout history, red has been associated with a wide range of emotions and concepts, including:

• Passion and Love: Red is the color of the heart and is often associated with love, romance, and desire. Rubies have long been considered symbols of passion and are often given as gifts to express deep affection.
• Energy and Vitality: Red is a stimulating color that is associated with energy, excitement, and vitality. Rubies are believed to possess energizing properties and are often worn to promote physical and mental well-being.
• Courage and Strength: Red is a bold and powerful color that is associated with courage, strength, and determination. Rubies have been used as talismans to protect warriors in battle and are believed to instill confidence and bravery.
• Royalty and Power: Red is the color of royalty and is often associated with power, wealth, and status. Rubies have been prized by kings and queens throughout history and are often used in royal regalia.

The intense red color of a ruby evokes a sense of drama and excitement, making it a captivating gemstone that has fascinated people for centuries.

Appreciating the Beauty of Ruby Color

Ultimately, the most important aspect of ruby color is its beauty. Whether it's a deep, fiery red or a more delicate pinkish-red, the color of a ruby should be visually appealing and captivating.

When evaluating a ruby's color, consider the following:

• Vividness: Does the color appear bright and lively, or dull and lifeless?
• Evenness: Is the color evenly distributed throughout the stone, or are there any noticeable variations or zoning?
• Pleasingness: Do you find the color attractive and desirable?

Remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The "best" ruby color is ultimately a matter of personal preference.

Conclusion

So, what is the color of a ruby? It's red, but it's so much more than that. It's a spectrum of reds, influenced by trace elements, geological origins, and even cultural perceptions. It's a color that evokes passion, power, and enduring beauty. Understanding the nuances of ruby color allows us to appreciate these gemstones on a deeper level, recognizing the complex interplay of factors that contribute to their captivating allure.

What shade of red do you find most captivating in a ruby? Is it the fiery intensity of a pigeon's blood, or the subtle elegance of a pinkish-red?