Rubies are one of the most popular and beautiful gemstones in the world. With their deep red color and incredible sparkle, they have been loved for thousands of years. But not all rubies are genuine! Some rubies are synthetic (man-made) or even fakes made from other materials. So, how do you know if a ruby is real or not? This guide will help you learn some simple ways to identify a genuine ruby, especially if you're new to the world of gemstones.

Let's get started with some easy steps to help you figure out if a ruby is real!

What Is a Genuine Ruby?

A genuine ruby is a natural gemstone made from a mineral called corundum. Rubies get their bright red color from a small amount of a metal called chromium. Real rubies are very strong, second only to diamonds in hardness, which makes them perfect for jewelry.

But not all rubies are real! There are synthetic rubies, which are made in labs, and fake rubies, which are made from other red materials like glass or less valuable stones. Learning to tell the difference is important if you want to make sure you're getting a real ruby.

How to Identify a Genuine Ruby: Key Steps

Here are some easy ways to check if a ruby is genuine:

1. Check the Ruby's Color

• Genuine Rubies: A real ruby will have a rich, deep red color. The most valuable rubies are known as "pigeon's blood rubies" because they have a deep red color with a hint of blue. Real rubies can also have slight variations in color, with some being a little lighter or darker than others.

• Fake Rubies: Fake rubies, like those made from glass or other materials, might be too bright or look too perfect. They may lack the depth of color that real rubies have. If the red color looks too uniform or neon-like, it might be a fake stone.

2. Look for Inclusions (Tiny Marks Inside the Ruby)

Inclusions are small imperfections inside a gemstone, like tiny lines, spots, or bubbles. These are natural marks that form as the ruby grows in the Earth. Most genuine rubies have inclusions, and they can actually help you tell if a ruby is real!

• Genuine Rubies: A real ruby will usually have some tiny inclusions, but they won’t affect its beauty or sparkle. You might need a magnifying glass or loupe to see them clearly.

• Fake Rubies: Many fake rubies, especially ones made from glass, will look too perfect. They won’t have any inclusions at all, which can be a sign that the ruby is not real.

3. Test the Ruby's Hardness

Rubies are one of the hardest gemstones on Earth, second only to diamonds. This means that they are very difficult to scratch.

• Genuine Rubies: A real ruby should not get scratched easily. You can test this by gently trying to scratch the ruby with something softer, like a coin or a piece of glass. If the ruby doesn’t scratch, it might be real.

• Fake Rubies: A fake ruby, especially one made from glass or plastic, will scratch much more easily. If you see a scratch after testing, it’s probably not a real ruby.

4. Check the Ruby's Weight

Rubies are denser than many other materials. This means that a real ruby will feel heavier than a fake ruby of the same size.

• Genuine Rubies: A real ruby will feel solid and heavy when you hold it in your hand.

• Fake Rubies: A fake ruby, especially one made from glass or plastic, will feel lighter.

5. The Light Test: Does the Ruby Glow?

One fun way to test a ruby is to hold it under a bright light and see how it reacts.

• Genuine Rubies: When you shine a bright light on a real ruby, it will often glow with a bright red color. Some rubies will even show a "star" pattern, which is known as asterism.

• Fake Rubies: Fake rubies may not have the same glowing effect under light. Instead, they might just look flat and dull.

6. Ask for Certification

If you're still unsure, the best way to make sure a ruby is genuine is to ask for lab certified gemstones. Many real rubies come with a certificate from a gem lab, like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), that proves the ruby is real.

• Genuine Rubies: Certified rubies have been tested by professionals and are guaranteed to be real. If you're buying a valuable ruby, it's always a good idea to ask for certification.

• Fake Rubies: Fake rubies will not come with a certification from a trusted gem lab. Be cautious if the seller cannot provide proof of the ruby’s authenticity.

Examples of Real and Fake Rubies

To help understand the difference between real and fake rubies, let’s look at some examples:

Example 1: Genuine Ruby

Imagine you find a beautiful ruby ring at a jewelry store. You use a magnifying glass to look at the ruby and see tiny inclusions, like little lines inside the stone. The color is a deep, rich red, but it’s not too bright. You try to scratch it with a coin, but the ruby stays perfect. These are all good signs that the ruby is real!

Example 2: Fake Ruby

Now, you find another ruby ring online for a very low price. The ruby looks super bright, almost like a red light. You test it by scratching it with a coin, and it leaves a mark. When you look closely, you can’t see any inclusions, and the stone feels very light. These signs suggest that the ruby is fake, probably made from glass.

Synthetic Rubies vs. Fake Rubies: What’s the Difference?

It’s important to understand that synthetic rubies are not the same as fake rubies. Synthetic rubies are made in a lab, but they have the same chemical structure as real rubies. They are still considered real rubies, but they were made by scientists instead of formed naturally in the Earth.

On the other hand, fake rubies are stones made from different materials, like glass or plastic, and are designed to look like rubies but are not real gemstones.

Synthetic Rubies

• Real gemstone made in a lab.
• Same chemical composition as natural rubies.
• Cheaper than natural rubies.

Fake Rubies

• Not a real gemstone.
• Made from other materials like glass or plastic.
• May look similar but is much less valuable.

Why Is It Important to Know if a Ruby Is Real?

Knowing how to tell if a ruby is real is important because it helps you make sure you're getting what you pay for. Natural rubies are rare and valuable, while synthetic rubies are less expensive but still real. Fake rubies, however, are worth very little and shouldn’t cost much at all.

By learning these easy ways to check if a ruby is genuine, you can make sure you’re not being tricked into buying a fake gem. Plus, it’s fun to learn about how these beautiful gemstones are formed and how to identify them!

Conclusion: Identifying a Genuine Ruby

In conclusion, identifying a genuine ruby doesn’t have to be hard! By checking the ruby's color, looking for inclusions, testing its hardness, and feeling its weight, you can figure out if a ruby is real or not. You can also shine a light on the ruby to see if it glows, and if you’re still not sure, ask for certification from a gem lab.

Remember, real rubies are rare and valuable, but they are also beautiful pieces of nature that have been treasured for thousands of years. By learning these simple tips, you can make sure you're buying a real ruby that you’ll love for years to come!