Ruby

History of Ruby

Ruby is a classic gem stone is mostly known for its deep red color that symbolizes love and passion, though rubies are available in orange and pale red. Rubies have been mined for centuries and are among the most highly prized gems of the ancient Hindus.

Mythology and Folklore

Rubies were considered to have magical powers and were worn by royalty to protect them from evil. It was believed to grow darker in color to denote the presence of danger provided it was in the hands of its rightful owner. Rubies also symbolize power and ancient tribes believed that a pot of water would boil instantly if a ruby was thrown into it.

Famous Rubies

The Delong Star Ruby

This famous ruby resides in the Natural History Museum in New York City. It is a dazzling red stone and weighs 100.32 carats. In 1964 the Delong Star along with the famous Star of India were stolen by jewel thief Jack Murphy (known as Murph the Surf). The two gems were ransomed for $25,000 and both were eventually recovered.

The Timur Ruby

Despite its name, this gemstone is not a ruby but a spinel, although it was believed to be the largest known ruby until 1851. It weighs 352.50 carats. It is not faceted but is in the original baroque shape.

The Mandalay Ruby

This is a cushion-shaped ruby that weighs 48.019 carats. It was offered for auction at Sotheby’s in 1988 but received no bids.

The Midnight Star Ruby

The midnight star ruby resides in the New York Museum of Natural History. It is a deep purple-red ruby and weighs 116.75 carats.

The Rosser Reeves Ruby

One of the world’s finest gemstones, this ruby weighs 138.7 carats and is famous for its vibrant red color and clear star pattern. The gem was donated to the Smithsonian in 1965 by advertising mogul Rosser Reeves who for a number of years had been carrying it around in his pocket as a lucky stone.

The Magok Ruby

The Magok ruby, also often referred to as the Alan Caplan Ruby weighs 15.97 carats. It is an untreated Burmeses stone and was auctioned at Sotheby’s in 1988 for $3,630,000. It was bought by Graff of London who sold it to the Sultan of Brunei to be set in an engagement ring for one of his wives.

Features

• Hardness: 9
• Specific Gravity: 4
• Refractive Index: 1.762-1.770
• Birthday: July
• Anniversary: 40th year