Meaning of Ruby Gemstone ( माणिक, माणिक्य )
Ruby, a precious gemstone belonging to the Corundum family, is often referred to as the Red Gemstone. In Hindi, it goes by the name "Manik," while in Sanskrit, it is known as "RatnaRaj," meaning the King of Gemstones. Ruby exhibits a spectrum of colors, ranging from the coveted Pure Red hue, often referred to as Pigeon's Blood color, to various tones of Red, as well as hues of Pink and Purple.
Renowned for its unparalleled Pure Red shade, Ruby stands out among other gemstones. It holds the distinction of being the Birthstone for the month of July and is closely associated with the Sun in Indian Vedic Astrology. The vibrant and captivating nature of Ruby makes it a truly special gemstone with deep cultural and astrological significance.
The uniqueness of Ruby lies in its vibrant red color, a characteristic that sets it apart as a rare gemstone. The presence of chromium as a trace element is responsible for the exquisite red hues found in Rubies. While the Imperial Pigeon Blood Red shade is highly sought after, there is also a demand for other pleasing tones of red.
Sri Lankan Rubies, in particular, often exhibit a more pronounced pinkish shade in comparison to a purely red hue. Ruby gemstones with pinkish and brownish tones are generally more affordable than those with a pure red color. The transparency of a high-quality Ruby varies from transparent to translucent, with opaque Rubies considered lower in quality. Opaque stones are typically found at the lower end of the Gem Pyramid, often deemed unsuitable for astrological purposes (Jyotish) and are commonly available in non-standardized commercial establishments.
1. Hardness of Ruby on Moh’s Scale: 9
2. Optic Character of Ruby: Anisotropic (Doubly Refractive)
3. Refractive Index (RI) of Ruby: 1.76 – 1.78
4. Specific Gravity (SG) of Ruby: 3.99 – 4.01
5. Fluorescence: Strong Red under long-wave UV
6. Pleochroism: Strong Dichroism
7. Ruby exhibits strong Red Fluorescence under long-wave UV light. A fine Ruby showcases an intense Red glow in sunlight, attributed to its Red fluorescence, which enhances and deepens its overall Red color.
Color: Ruby is celebrated for its regal red hue, with the possibility of showcasing secondary colors such as orange, purple, violet, and pink. The pinnacle of Ruby's desirability is often likened to the esteemed Pigeon's Blood Red Color.
Clarity: Distinguishing itself from Sapphires, Rubies are known for their numerous inclusions. Consequently, the majority of commercially traded Rubies fall within the translucent to opaque range, holding little to no value for Astrology or Jyotish, as per the Garuda Purana and the Agni Purana. Transparent Rubies, while exceptionally rare, command a premium price. It's worth noting that transparency may impact the perception of color, making it appear lighter and more pinkish.
Carat: Carat, representing weight, plays a crucial role in Ruby valuation. Larger gemstones are inherently rarer, leading to a higher price per carat compared to smaller weights of similar quality.
Cut: Given its widespread use in jewelry, Rubies come in a variety of shapes. The most common cuts include Oval mixed and Octagonal-Step cuts, with the Oval shape being particularly popular and widely available.
Cost: In India, Ruby prices can vary widely, ranging from ₹1000 to 2 Lacs per carat and beyond. Unheated Burmese Rubies of exceptional quality command a high price due to their limited availability. Premium Unheated Rubies from Mozambique also come at a significant cost. For real-time market trends, it's advisable to refer to the discussed market economics of Ruby.
Treatment: Common treatments for enhancing the appearance of Rubies include heat treatment and lead glass filling. Heat treatment intensifies the color, removes inclusions, and enhances clarity. Glass-filling techniques are employed to fill surface-reaching cracks with high-density lead glass. It's noteworthy that approximately 90% of Rubies in the market undergo such treatments. For astrological purposes, it's recommended to avoid treated Rubies. Dye treatments are also used to enhance color.
Astrological Significance: Ruby, also known as Manikya or Maanik, is associated with the Sun, symbolizing power, authority, and respect. Wearing Ruby is beneficial for individuals in government positions, senior roles, or business. It is particularly helpful for those lacking confidence and leadership qualities. Additionally, Ruby is considered a stone for fame and relationships, fostering cordial connections with partners, family, and society. In Western astrology, it serves as the birthstone for July.
