| Facts about Ruby Rubies are red gemstones, a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide) in which the color is caused mainly by chromium. Its name derives from ruber, Latin for red. Natural rubies are exceptionally rare, but synthetic rubies can be manufactured fairly cheaply, these are known as created rubies. Rubies are considered one of the four precious gems together with sapphires, emeralds and diamonds. Rubies are mined in Africa, Asia, Australia, and Greenland. They are mostly found in Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Kenya, Madagascar, and Thailand, but they are also found in the U.S. states of Montana, North Carolina and South Carolina. The Mogok Valley in Myanmar has produced some of the finest rubies. In 2002 rubies were found in the Waseges River area of Kenya. Rubies have a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, and among the natural gems, only diamonds are harder. The ruby is the traditional gift for the 40th wedding anniversary. |