Real Ruby? Simple Tests To Spot A Fake

Is it Real? How to Spot a Genuine Ruby

How to tell if a ruby is real?

Introduction: The Allure of Rubies

Hey guys! Let's dive into the fascinating world of rubies. These stunning gemstones have captivated humanity for centuries, symbolizing passion, love, and power. Their vibrant red hue, reminiscent of a flickering flame, makes them highly sought after in the jewelry market. But, with their popularity comes the risk of encountering imitations. So, how can you, as an informed buyer, distinguish a genuine ruby from a fake? Don't worry; this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques you need to confidently identify a real ruby. We'll explore various aspects, from understanding the characteristics of natural rubies to employing simple tests you can perform yourself. Whether you're a seasoned gem enthusiast or just starting your gemstone journey, this article will be your go-to resource for all things ruby authentication. Remember, knowledge is your best tool in ensuring you're investing in the real deal. Let's get started and unravel the secrets of these magnificent gems!

Understanding Rubies: What Makes Them Special?

Before we jump into the identification process, it's crucial to understand what makes a ruby a ruby. Rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum, which is aluminum oxide in its purest form. The red color, the very essence of a ruby, comes from trace amounts of chromium present in the mineral's crystal structure. The intensity of the red can vary from a pale pinkish-red to a deep, vivid red, with the most prized rubies exhibiting a rich, intense red hue often referred to as "pigeon's blood". This color is not just about aesthetics; it significantly impacts the ruby's value.

But color is not the only factor. Clarity, or the presence of inclusions (internal flaws), also plays a vital role. Unlike diamonds, where flawless stones command the highest prices, some inclusions are expected in rubies and can even serve as a sort of fingerprint, proving the gem's natural origin. These inclusions can be needles of rutile (a titanium oxide mineral), crystals of other minerals, or even healed fractures. However, excessive inclusions can affect the ruby's brilliance and durability.

Cut is another crucial aspect. A well-cut ruby will maximize its brilliance and fire, the flashes of spectral colors that emanate from within the stone. The cut should also minimize the appearance of any inclusions.

Finally, carat weight is the standard unit of measurement for gemstones. Larger rubies are rarer and generally more valuable, but the price per carat can also vary depending on the color, clarity, and cut. Understanding these fundamental characteristics – color, clarity, cut, and carat weight – is the first step in becoming a savvy ruby identifier.

Common Ruby Imitations: Know Your Fakes!

Okay, guys, let's talk about the imposters! Knowing the common ruby imitations is half the battle in identifying a genuine ruby. The market is flooded with materials that mimic the appearance of rubies, some more convincing than others. One of the most prevalent imitations is red glass. Glass imitations can be easily manufactured and colored to resemble a ruby, often lacking the brilliance and fire of the real gemstone. These glass fakes will often look too perfect, without the slight imperfections and inclusions that are natural to rubies.

Another common substitute is red spinel. Spinel is a gemstone in its own right, but its red variety can closely resemble a ruby. While red spinel can be beautiful, it doesn't command the same value as a ruby. Distinguishing between the two requires careful observation and, sometimes, specialized testing. The most significant difference lies in the single refraction of light in spinel, compared to the double refraction in ruby. This is a subtle difference that can be detected using a jeweler's loupe and observing the facet junctions.

Synthetic rubies also present a challenge. These are man-made rubies created in a laboratory, possessing the same chemical and physical properties as natural rubies. While synthetic rubies are "real" rubies in that sense, they are significantly less valuable than their natural counterparts. There are several methods for synthesizing rubies, including the flame-fusion (Verneuil) process and the Czochralski pulling method. Synthetic rubies often display curved growth lines, a feature absent in natural rubies, which exhibit angular growth patterns. However, identifying these growth lines requires magnification and a trained eye.

Finally, doublets and triplets are composite stones consisting of layers of different materials glued together. A ruby doublet, for instance, might have a thin slice of natural ruby cemented to a backing of glass or a synthetic ruby. Triplets might have a layer of red glass sandwiched between two layers of colorless material. These composite stones are designed to give the appearance of a larger, higher-quality ruby, but they are significantly less valuable and durable. Examining the girdle (the widest part) of the stone can often reveal the seams between the layers.

Being aware of these common imitations and their characteristics is crucial in protecting yourself from fraud and ensuring you're getting what you pay for. Now, let's move on to the practical tests you can use to identify a real ruby.

Simple Tests You Can Do At Home: Spotting the Real Deal

Alright, let's get practical! There are several simple tests you can perform at home to get a preliminary idea of whether your ruby is genuine. Remember, these tests are not foolproof, and for a definitive identification, it's always best to consult a qualified gemologist. However, these methods can help you weed out the obvious fakes and give you a better sense of what you're dealing with.

1. The Visual Inspection:

Start with a careful visual inspection. Examine the stone under good lighting, preferably natural daylight. Look for the characteristic vibrant red color of a ruby. Is the color evenly distributed, or are there zones of different shades? Natural rubies often exhibit slight color variations. Also, inspect the stone for inclusions. As we discussed earlier, some inclusions are expected in natural rubies and can even be a good sign. However, excessive or very obvious inclusions might indicate a lower-quality ruby or an imitation. Look for air bubbles, which are common in glass imitations. Use a jeweler’s loupe if you have one, as this will magnify the stone and allow you to see more detail. This is super important, guys!

2. The Hardness Test:

Rubies are incredibly durable gemstones, ranking 9 on the Mohs hardness scale. This means they are second only to diamonds in hardness. You can perform a simple scratch test, but do this with extreme caution as you could potentially damage the stone. If you have a known piece of corundum (like a sapphire, which is also corundum), you can try scratching the suspected ruby with it. If the stone scratches easily, it's likely not a ruby. Alternatively, a ruby should be able to scratch glass. However, I really can't stress enough how carefully you need to do this or better yet, skip this test altogether if you are unsure.

3. The Fluorescence Test:

Many natural rubies exhibit fluorescence under ultraviolet (UV) light, meaning they glow. This is due to the presence of chromium. A strong red fluorescence is a good indicator of a natural ruby. You can use a UV flashlight (often called a blacklight) to perform this test. However, some synthetic rubies also fluoresce, so this test alone is not conclusive. It's like a clue, but not the whole picture!

4. The Magnification Test:

Using a jeweler's loupe or a magnifying glass, examine the stone for growth lines. Natural rubies exhibit angular growth lines, while synthetic rubies often show curved growth lines. Also, look for any signs of layering, which could indicate a doublet or triplet.

These simple tests can be valuable tools in your ruby identification arsenal. But remember, for a definitive assessment, professional gemological testing is essential.

Professional Gemological Testing: When to Call in the Experts

So, you've done your homework, performed the home tests, and you still have some doubts? That's perfectly okay! In fact, it's prudent. When it comes to valuable gemstones like rubies, professional gemological testing is the gold standard for identification and grading. Gemologists are trained experts equipped with specialized tools and knowledge to accurately assess a gemstone's authenticity, quality, and value. Guys, these guys are the pros!

Gemological laboratories, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Trade Association Gemological Laboratory (AGTA GTL), offer comprehensive testing services. These labs use sophisticated techniques to analyze a ruby's properties, including its refractive index, specific gravity, and chemical composition. They can definitively determine whether a ruby is natural or synthetic, identify any treatments that may have been applied, and provide a detailed grading report.

One of the key tests performed in a gem lab is refractive index (RI) measurement. This measures how light bends as it passes through the gemstone. Rubies have a characteristic RI range that distinguishes them from other red gemstones. Another important test is specific gravity (SG) determination, which measures the density of the stone. Each gemstone has a unique SG, which can be used for identification.

Gem labs also employ advanced techniques like spectroscopy to analyze the light absorbed by the ruby. This can reveal the presence of trace elements, such as chromium, which give rubies their red color. Spectroscopy can also help differentiate between natural and synthetic rubies and detect certain treatments, such as heat treatment, which is commonly used to enhance the color and clarity of rubies.

Microscopic examination is another crucial aspect of gemological testing. Gemologists use powerful microscopes to examine the internal features of the ruby, such as inclusions and growth patterns. As we discussed earlier, the type and arrangement of inclusions can provide valuable clues about the ruby's origin and whether it is natural or synthetic. Natural rubies will have natural imperfections while the lab created ones, are in most of the cases, perfect.

When should you consider professional gemological testing? If you're investing in a significant ruby, particularly one that is large or of high quality, it's always a wise decision. A gemological report from a reputable lab provides assurance of the ruby's authenticity and grade, which is essential for insurance purposes and resale value. Also, if you're unsure about the results of your home tests or suspect that a ruby may be treated or synthetic, professional testing is the way to go. Think of it as an investment in your peace of mind. Don't risk it, guys!

Caring for Your Ruby: Keeping the Spark Alive

So, you've got your gorgeous, genuine ruby! Congratulations! Now, let's talk about keeping that spark alive. Proper care and maintenance will ensure your ruby retains its brilliance and beauty for generations to come. Rubies are durable gemstones, but they're not indestructible. Here’s how to keep your precious stone in tip-top shape.

Cleaning Your Ruby:

Regular cleaning is essential to remove dirt, oils, and other build-up that can dull your ruby's luster. The best way to clean your ruby is with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Use a mild dish soap and gently scrub the stone, paying particular attention to the setting where dirt can accumulate. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the ruby or its setting. An ultrasonic cleaner can also be used for rubies, but only if the stone has not been treated with fracture filling or dyeing, as these treatments can be damaged by ultrasonic vibrations. Always check with a gemologist if you are unsure.

Storing Your Ruby:

Proper storage is just as important as cleaning. Store your ruby jewelry separately from other jewelry, especially diamonds. Diamonds are harder than rubies and can scratch them. The best way to store your ruby is in a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box. This will protect it from scratches and other damage. Avoid storing your ruby in direct sunlight or in extreme temperatures, as this can affect its color and brilliance.

Wearing Your Ruby:

While rubies are durable, it's still a good idea to remove your ruby jewelry before engaging in activities that could damage it, such as exercising, gardening, or doing household chores. Avoid exposing your ruby to harsh chemicals, such as chlorine bleach or hairspray. These chemicals can damage the finish of the setting and potentially affect the ruby's color. Consider having your ruby jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected every year or two. A jeweler can check for loose prongs, worn settings, and other potential problems and make any necessary repairs.

By following these simple care tips, you can ensure that your ruby continues to shine brightly for many years to come. It’s like taking care of a precious friend, guys! A little TLC goes a long way.

Conclusion: Your Journey to Ruby Expertise

Wow, guys, we've covered a lot! From understanding the allure of rubies to mastering the art of identification and care, you're now well-equipped to navigate the world of these magnificent gemstones. You've learned about the characteristics that make rubies special, the common imitations to watch out for, the simple tests you can perform at home, and the importance of professional gemological testing. Remember, identifying a real ruby is a multi-faceted process that combines knowledge, observation, and sometimes, expert assistance.

Whether you're a seasoned gem enthusiast, a first-time buyer, or simply curious about rubies, I hope this guide has been informative and empowering. The world of gemstones is vast and fascinating, and the more you learn, the more you'll appreciate the beauty and complexity of these natural wonders.

So, go forth and explore the world of rubies with confidence! Use the knowledge you've gained to make informed decisions, protect yourself from fraud, and cherish the beauty of these fiery gemstones. And remember, when in doubt, consult a qualified gemologist. They are your trusted partners in the world of gems. Happy ruby hunting, everyone! It's been a blast sharing this journey with you!