Rough Ruby Gemstone Value Guide

The rough ruby is a natural form of corundum prized for over 2,500 years as the 'king of gemstones' in ancient Indian culture. These unpolished specimens are highly collectible for their raw, hexagonal crystal structures and their legendary association with protection and health.

What affects the value of Rough Ruby Gemstone?

• Color saturation and tone, with the most valuable rough stones leaning toward a vibrant 'pigeon blood' red.
• The size and carat weight of the specimen, as larger intact crystals are rarer in the $25-$50 price bracket.
• Clarity and potential for faceting; stones with fewer internal fractures command higher prices from lapidaries.
• Geographic origin, with stones sourced from historically significant regions like Myanmar often carrying a premium.

How to Identify Rough Ruby Gemstone?

• Look for a distinct pinkish-red hue characteristic of natural chromium content in aluminum oxide.
• Examine the specimen for a hexagonal crystal system, which is the natural growth habit of corundum.
• Check for a high Mohs hardness of 9; the stone should be able to scratch almost any other mineral except diamond.
• Identify natural inclusions or 'silk' under magnification, which are common in authentic rough stones from Myanmar or Sri Lanka.

History of Rough Ruby Gemstone

Rubies have been prized for millennia, with their history tracing back over 2,500 years to ancient India, where they were revered as the 'king of gemstones'. Ancient cultures believed rubies possessed mystical powers, including protection from evil and promotion of good health. The name 'ruby' comes from 'ruber', Latin for red, the color of passion and love. Significant ruby deposits have been found in Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and parts of Africa.