Ruby is a red color variety of the corundum mineral. It is considered the most valued gemstone.

It's very durable due to it's high harness and no true cleavage.

Ruby lends it's name from the latin "ruber" which means red, describing the color palette of this cardinal gem. Aside from red, orangish-red and pinkish red can also be found in these gems.

It's usual for these stones to be heated, about 90% of all rubies undergo this enhancement. This allows for the colors of the stone to be more saturated and to lighten too dark colors. The untreated samples that show the same qualities are generally 3 times as expensive when the other characteristics are the same.

The highest quality ruby can be found in Myanmar (Burma), they're also found in Mozambique, Thailand, Madagascar and Tanzania.