Real Ruby? Easy Ways To Tell If A Ruby Is Real
Hey guys! Ever wondered if that stunning ruby you've got your eye on is the real deal? It's a valid question! With so many imitations floating around, knowing how to distinguish a genuine ruby from a fake is super important. Lucky for you, I've got some expert advice straight from a graduate gemologist and former president of the International Gemological Institute to help you become a ruby-detecting pro!
What Makes a Ruby a Ruby?
First, let's talk about what exactly defines a ruby. At its core, a ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum, composed of aluminum oxide. What sets it apart and gives it that fiery red hue is the presence of chromium. The amount of chromium determines the intensity of the red, ranging from a deep, rich red to a lighter, more pinkish-red. Now, here's where it gets interesting: rubies are incredibly rare, especially those with vivid color and clarity. This rarity is a major factor in their value, which is why imitations are so prevalent. Understanding this basic science helps you appreciate the real thing and makes you more equipped to spot fakes. We will guide you with simple tests and observations to ensure you're not fooled by imitations. By learning about the properties and characteristics of natural rubies, you can confidently assess the authenticity of your stones. Always remember that the color and clarity should be viewed under different lighting conditions to fully appreciate the stone's appearance. Keep in mind that natural rubies often have minor inclusions and imperfections, which is a hallmark of their natural origin. These characteristics add character to the ruby and can serve as confirmation of its authenticity. Understanding the nuances of ruby characteristics will make you a more informed and discerning buyer.
Visual Inspection: The First Line of Defense
When figuring out how to spot a real ruby, your eyes are your best tool! Start by closely examining the color. A genuine ruby boasts a vibrant, intense red. However, be cautious of stones that look too perfect or unnaturally colored. These could be synthetic rubies created in a lab. Natural rubies often have slight variations in color, which is part of their charm. Next, inspect the clarity of the ruby. While high-quality rubies can have excellent clarity, most natural rubies will have at least some inclusions, which are tiny imperfections within the stone. These inclusions can be needles, bubbles, or other mineral deposits. If a ruby appears completely flawless under magnification, it's likely synthetic. Use a jeweler's loupe to get a closer look at these details. Also, pay attention to the cut and polish of the ruby. A well-cut ruby will display brilliance and fire, reflecting light beautifully. However, a poorly cut ruby may appear dull or lifeless. By observing these visual cues, you can get a sense of whether the ruby is genuine or fake. The presence of inclusions is a strong indicator of a natural stone, while a flawless appearance may raise suspicions. Remember that the color should be rich and saturated, but not unnaturally bright or uniform. These visual checks are a crucial initial step in assessing the authenticity of a ruby.
The Magnification Test: Unveiling the Details
Using magnification is a crucial step in ruby identification. Grab a jeweler's loupe (at least 10x magnification) and take a close look at the ruby's interior. What you're looking for are inclusions – tiny imperfections that are almost always present in natural rubies. These can look like small bubbles, needles, or even tiny crystals. The presence of these inclusions is a good sign that you're dealing with a natural stone. However, pay attention to the type of inclusions you see. Natural rubies often have inclusions that are angular or have a distinct shape, while synthetic rubies might have rounded or gas bubble-like inclusions. Also, look for any signs of dye or treatment. Sometimes, rubies are dyed to enhance their color, and this can be detected under magnification. You might see concentrations of dye in cracks or along the surface of the stone. Another thing to look for is the presence of growth lines. Natural rubies often have growth lines that are parallel to the crystal faces. These lines can be subtle but are a good indication of a natural stone. By carefully examining the ruby under magnification, you can gather valuable clues about its authenticity. This test is particularly useful for distinguishing between natural and synthetic rubies. Remember to look for inclusions, signs of dye or treatment, and growth lines to make an informed assessment.
The Scratch Test: Proceed with Caution
Okay, so the scratch test for rubies is a bit controversial, and I'd recommend doing this only as a last resort, and preferably by a professional. Here's why: rubies are incredibly hard (9 on the Mohs scale), second only to diamonds. This means they should be able to scratch almost any other material except a diamond or another ruby. The idea is that if you gently try to scratch the ruby against a known material that's softer (like glass, which is around 5.5 on the Mohs scale), a real ruby should leave a scratch. However, if the ruby gets scratched, it's likely a fake. BUT, and this is a big but, you could damage a real ruby if you're not careful. Also, some fake rubies are made of materials that are almost as hard, so the test isn't foolproof. If you do decide to try this, choose an inconspicuous area of the stone and apply very gentle pressure. Again, I can't stress enough how risky this test is, so proceed with extreme caution or seek professional help.
The Light Test: Shine Some Light
The light test for rubies is another simple yet effective way to assess a ruby's authenticity. Grab a flashlight or use natural sunlight and shine the light through the ruby. Observe how the light interacts with the stone. A genuine ruby will exhibit a vibrant red glow, and the color should be evenly distributed throughout the stone. If the light passes through the ruby without any noticeable color change or if the color appears uneven, it could be an indication of a fake. Also, pay attention to the stone's transparency. A natural ruby will be transparent, allowing light to pass through easily. However, if the ruby appears opaque or cloudy, it may be a sign of an imitation. Another aspect to consider is the presence of asterism, also known as the star effect. Some rubies exhibit a star-like pattern when light is shone on them. This effect is caused by tiny needle-like inclusions within the stone. If you observe asterism in the ruby, it's a strong indication that it is a natural stone. The light test is a valuable tool for evaluating the color, transparency, and presence of asterism in a ruby. By shining light through the stone, you can gain insights into its authenticity. Remember to observe the ruby under different lighting conditions to fully appreciate its appearance.
When in Doubt, Get a Professional Opinion
Alright, guys, if you're still unsure after trying these tests, the best thing you can do is take the ruby to a qualified gemologist or appraiser. They have the expertise and equipment to accurately identify the stone and provide you with an unbiased assessment. They can perform advanced tests, such as refractive index and specific gravity measurements, to determine the ruby's authenticity. Plus, they can give you an idea of its value, which is always good to know! Investing in a professional appraisal can save you a lot of money and heartache in the long run, especially if you're dealing with a valuable or sentimental piece.
So, there you have it! With these tips, you'll be well on your way to telling a real ruby from a fake. Happy gem hunting!