How Can You Tell If a Ruby Is Real? A Complete Guide to Identifying Authentic Rubies

Ruby is one of the most coveted gemstones, and its beauty is first reflected in its unique red color. Although there are many kinds of red gemstones in nature, such as red tourmaline, red spinel...but they are more or less purple, pink, orange, only the pure red of ruby ​​can bring the most shocking visual impact. However, because the market is flooded with synthetic, treated and imitation rubies, it is difficult to determine whether the ruby ​​you are considering is natural. This blog will guide you through various methods to help you identify whether a ruby ​​is natural, covering professional techniques and home tests.

Table of Contents

1. Why It’s Important to Identify a Real Ruby
2. Types of Rubies: Natural, Synthetic, and Imitation
3. How to Tell If a Ruby Is Real
   1. Visual Inspection
   2. Hardness Test
   3. Light Reflection
   4. Clarity and Inclusions
   5. Heat Test
   6. Use a Magnifying Glass or Loupe
4. Professional Ruby Authentication Methods
5. How to Care for Your Ruby
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why It’s Important to Identify a Real Ruby

High-quality rubies are extremely rare and difficult to obtain. In Myanmar, only about 1 carat of ruby is screened out of every 400 tons of ruby ore. After the ruby ore is further refined, only one ruby of gem quality in color, clarity, weight, etc. can be selected for every 1,000 rubies. Synthetic and imitation rubies, while still beautiful, are less valuable and have different investment potential. Because of the small crystal size and harsh growth conditions, large carat rubies are rare, and rubies of 5 carats and above are very rare. Knowing how to distinguish these types of rubies can help you avoid overpaying for a gem that doesn't live up to the hype.

Types of Rubies: Natural, Synthetic, and Imitation

Before diving into identification methods, it’s essential to understand the different types of rubies available on the market:

Natural Rubies: These are rubies that have been formed over millions of years beneath the Earth's surface. They are mined from countries like Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Natural rubies are the most valuable, especially if they are untreated.

Synthetic Rubies: These are lab-created rubies that have the same chemical composition and physical properties as natural rubies. While they are real in the sense that they are made from corundum, they are created in a controlled environment, which makes them more affordable than natural rubies.

Imitation Rubies: These are not real rubies but are often made from glass, red spinel, or other less expensive materials that mimic the appearance of a ruby. They do not have the same properties as real rubies and are significantly less valuable.

How to Tell If a Ruby Is Real

Here are some methods you can use to determine whether a ruby is real, starting with simple at-home tests and progressing to more advanced identification techniques.

1. Visual Inspection

Start by examining the ruby’s color and luster. Real rubies typically have a deep, rich red color, often described as "pigeon blood" red. They also exhibit a noticeable brightness and brilliance. If the ruby looks too perfect—without any inclusions or with a flat, dull appearance—it might be a synthetic or imitation stone. Natural rubies often have minor flaws or inclusions that give them character.

2. Hardness Test

Rubies are part of the corundum family, making them extremely hard. On the Mohs Hardness Scale, rubies rank at 9, second only to diamonds. You can test a ruby’s hardness by scratching it with a material that is lower on the hardness scale, such as quartz or a steel knife. If the stone scratches easily, it is not a real ruby. However, be cautious with this test, as you don’t want to damage the stone.

3. Light Reflection

Another way to tell if a ruby is real is by examining how it reflects light. When you move a real ruby under light, it should reflect bright, vivid red hues. Real rubies tend to have slight variations in color due to their natural inclusions, which can cause the light to scatter in different directions. A synthetic ruby may have a more uniform appearance, while an imitation may not reflect light as vividly.

4. Clarity and Inclusions

Natural rubies almost always contain some level of inclusions, which are internal imperfections such as tiny mineral deposits, needles, or clouds. These inclusions are formed naturally over time and can be seen under magnification. Synthetic rubies, on the other hand, are typically flawless or contain uniform patterns of gas bubbles, which indicate they were lab-created. Imitation rubies may have visible imperfections, but they lack the natural inclusions that are characteristic of genuine rubies.

Look for natural inclusions under a magnifying glass or loupe to help determine if the ruby is real.

5. Heat Test

Another method to determine if a ruby is real is the heat test. Hold the ruby under a flame for 30 to 40 seconds, then drop it into cold water. A real ruby will remain unharmed because of its durability and heat resistance. An imitation stone, such as one made from glass or a composite material, may crack or shatter under the heat.

However, use caution with this test, as it could damage weaker gemstones or treated rubies. For expensive pieces, it's best to consult a professional gemologist.

6. Use a Magnifying Glass or Loupe

Using a 10x magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe, you can get a closer look at the ruby’s structure. Real rubies often have natural imperfections like needles (also called rutile silk), which appear as thin lines or streaks inside the stone. Synthetic rubies may also have inclusions, but they tend to be more regular or structured, like gas bubbles or curved lines, which are a telltale sign of a lab-grown ruby.

Professional Ruby Authentication Methods

If you are still unsure after conducting at-home tests, it’s always best to seek the help of a professional gemologist. Here are some of the methods they may use to authenticate your ruby:

Spectroscopy: This test examines how light passes through the ruby to detect its unique spectrum, which can reveal whether it’s natural or synthetic.

Refractometer Test: This measures the ruby’s refractive index to confirm whether it is made from corundum, the mineral that forms both rubies and sapphires.

UV Light Test: When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, some rubies will fluoresce, meaning they emit visible light. Natural rubies from certain origins, such as Burma, often exhibit strong fluorescence, while synthetic rubies may not.

X-Ray Test: This is one of the most definitive tests, as it examines the internal structure of the stone to determine if it was formed naturally or in a lab.

How to Care for Your Ruby

Once you’ve confirmed that your ruby is real, it’s essential to take care of it properly to maintain its beauty and value. Here are some care tips:

Avoid harsh chemicals: Rubies are tough but can still be damaged by exposure to chemicals like chlorine or household cleaners. Always remove ruby jewelry before cleaning or swimming in a pool.

Store separately: Because rubies are so hard, they can scratch other gemstones. Store ruby jewelry in a separate compartment in your jewelry box, preferably in a soft pouch.

Regular cleaning: Clean your ruby jewelry using warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners unless the ruby is untreated, as heat and vibrations can damage treated stones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How can you tell if a ruby is real at home?
   At home, you can visually inspect the ruby for natural inclusions, perform a hardness test, and check how the ruby reflects light. If you have a magnifying glass, look for internal imperfections, which are common in natural rubies.
2. Are synthetic rubies considered real rubies?
   Yes, synthetic rubies are made from the same mineral (corundum) as natural rubies. They are created in a lab under controlled conditions, but they have the same chemical and physical properties as natural rubies. However, they are less valuable due to their man-made origin.
3. Do real rubies glow under UV light?
   Some real rubies, especially those from Burma, will fluoresce (glow) under UV light. However, not all rubies will exhibit this property, and the absence of fluorescence does not necessarily mean a ruby is fake.
4. Can a jeweler tell if a ruby is real?
   Yes, a professional jeweler or gemologist can use advanced techniques, such as spectroscopy or refractometry, to confirm whether a ruby is natural, synthetic, or an imitation.
5. How much does it cost to authenticate a ruby?
   The cost of professional ruby authentication can vary, but a basic evaluation by a jeweler might cost between $50 and $150. More in-depth gemological testing from labs like GIA or AGL can be more expensive, but they provide certificates of authenticity.

In conclusion, identifying whether a ruby is real requires a combination of visual inspection, hardness tests, and understanding the characteristics of natural, synthetic, and imitation rubies. For valuable pieces, it’s always worth consulting a professional gemologist to confirm the authenticity of the gemstone. With this guide, you’ll be better equipped to assess your ruby and ensure it is the real deal.