How to Identify A Lab-created Ruby: A Comprehensive Guide

Nov 21,2024 | Juyoyo

Ruby has been considered a precious gemstone since ancient times, symbolizing passion, love, and power. It is not only favored by royal nobles but also loved by ordinary people. However, with the continuous development of science and technology, people have gradually mastered the technology of cultivating rubies in laboratories. So, how to tell if a ruby is real from lab-created rubies? This article will tell you 6 ways to identify a ruby easily!

how to tell if a ruby is real lab grown

What is Ruby?

A ruby gemstone is a precious gemstone known for its deep red color, often described as "pigeon's blood red." Rubies are one of the four precious gemstones, along with diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds. Therefore, genuine rubies may be one of the most expensive gemstones in the world. It belongs to a variety of the mineral corundum, to which sapphires also belong. Its deep red color is caused by the presence of chromium in the crystal structure.

Where is the Stunning Ruby Found?

Rubies are found in several places, including Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. The most famous source of rubies is Myanmar (formerly Burma), specifically the Mogok Valley. These rubies are known for their deep, rich red color, often referred to as "pigeon's blood red."

Lab-Created Ruby vs Natural Ruby vs Synthetic Ruby vs Genuine Ruby

You may have seen these expressions about ruby: natural ruby, genuine ruby, lab-created ruby, synthetic. So what's the difference between these ruby names? Let's break down the terms to understand the differences:

Lab-Created Ruby

Lab-created rubies are gemstones grown in a laboratory with the same chemical composition and crystal structure as natural rubies. They have the same physical and chemical properties as natural rubies but are more affordable and readily available. Because of the controlled conditions, lab-grown rubies often have fewer inclusions or none at all.

Natural Ruby

A natural ruby is a genuine gemstone that has formed naturally in the earth over millions of years. Natural rubies are prized for their rarity, beauty, and authenticity. They are typically more expensive and valuable than lab-created or synthetic rubies. A natural ruby is not flawless. It can have inclusions (internal flaws) that are unique to each stone.

Synthetic Ruby

Synthetic rubies are also grown in a lab, but they may have slight variations in their chemical composition and/or growth process compared to natural rubies. Synthetic ruby is another term for lab-created rubies. It's essentially the same thing.

Genuine Ruby

This term can be confusing! The term "genuine ruby" simply means that the gemstone is a real ruby, whether it is natural, lab-created, lab-grown, or synthetic. All are considered genuine rubies because they are made of the same material (corundum) and have similar characteristics.

How to Tell If A Ruby Is Real Lab-grown?

With the continuous development of science and technology, lab-grown ruby looks very similar to real ruby. If you want to know how to tell if a ruby is real at home, check out these quick and easy ways!

1. Observing Color

While lab-created rubies can have a color similar to natural rubies, some lab-created rubies may have an overly perfect, intense red color distribution compared to natural rubies. Natural rubies may have variations in color due to trace elements and growth conditions.

2. Examine Inclusions

Natural rubies are likely to have unique inclusions or internal flaws such as rutile needles, mineral crystals, or gas bubbles. Lab-created rubies, on the other hand, are often very clean with few or no inclusions.

ruby inclusions

3. Observe Clarity

Lab-grown rubies tend to have higher clarity and fewer flaws than natural rubies. As we mentioned earlier, natural rubies can have some inclusions inside that will affect the clarity. The clarity of a gemstone is usually graded on a scale, as with diamonds, which are often valued for their clarity. However, rubies and emeralds may be more tolerant of inclusions.

4. Checking Synthetic Patterns

If possible, special equipment can be used to check synthetic patterns. A trained gemologist can identify these features under magnification. Some lab-grown rubies may have specific growth patterns or features that indicate their synthetic origin, such as curved growth lines or metallic flux residue.

lab created ruby synthetic features

5. Using UV Light for Testing

A UV light test can be a helpful tool in determining whether or not a ruby is genuine. Most natural rubies fluoresce strongly under ultraviolet (UV) light, while lab-grown rubies may show little or no fluorescence under UV light. When exposed to long-wave UV light (such as black light), natural rubies typically fluoresce red.

uv light test ruby

6. Seek Professional Testing

A reputable gemological laboratory, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS), can provide a certificate of authenticity that will tell you if a ruby is genuine.

Why is It Important to Tell if A Ruby Is Real?

One important reason for knowing if a ruby is genuine is that genuine rubies, especially high-quality ones, can be extremely valuable and expensive! Knowing if a ruby is genuine can help ensure that you are paying a fair price for the gemstone based on its rarity and quality. Investing in a fake ruby means losing money and possibly being cheated.

Are Lab-created Rubies Real?

There is a misconception - lab-created items are fake. However, lab-created rubies are real rubies! They are considered genuine gemstones. They have the same chemical composition and physical properties as natural rubies. Lab-created rubies are grown in a controlled laboratory environment, mimicking the natural processes that lead to the formation of rubies in the earth.

Are Lab-created Rubies Worth Anything?

Yes, lab-created rubies are definitely worth something.

Lab-created rubies offer a more affordable and sustainable alternative to natural rubies by reducing the costs associated with mining and scarcity.
lab-created gemstones are ethically sourced and free from the environmental and social issues associated with mining.
lab-created rubies still have the same value as genuine gemstones as natural rubies.
lab-created rubies have the same beauty, hardness, and durability as natural rubies.
Lab-created ruby engagement ring is a popular choice for those looking for a more budget-friendly option without compromising on quality or beauty.

Advantages of Lab-created Rubies

Affordability: Lab-created rubies are more affordable than natural rubies, making them a budget-friendly option for those looking for a beautiful ruby engagement ring without a high price tag.
Sustainability: Lab-created rubies are produced in a controlled environment without mining, making them a sustainable and ethical choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
Color and Clarity: Lab-created rubies offer a more consistent appearance than natural rubies because they can be created with consistent color and clarity.
Durability: Suitable for everyday wear, lab-created rubies have the same hardness and durability as natural rubies.

Should I Buy A Natural Ruby Or A Lab-created Ruby?

It is often a matter of personal preference and budget to choose between a natural ruby and a lab-created ruby. Both options offer beauty and longevity. Natural rubies are prized for their rarity and unique characteristics. Lab-created rubies offer a more affordable alternative without sacrificing quality.

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Conclusion

It is easy to identify a lab-created ruby with the naked eye. A lab-created ruby has an overly perfect red color and few inclusions. lab-created rubies are also considered real rubies and are an affordable and sustainable choice compared to rare natural rubies. If you want a lab-created ruby, visit Juyoyo Jewelry for more choices!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does A Ruby Cost?

The average price range for natural rubies is as follows:

Commercial Quality: $100 to $300 per carat
Good Quality: $300 to $1,000 per carat
Fine quality: $1,000 to $5,000 per carat
Exceptional Quality: $5,000 to $10,000+ per carat

Which Are the Most Expensive Rubies?

Estrela de Fura: This 55.22-carat Mozambique ruby sold for a record-breaking $34.8 million at Sotheby's in 2023.
Sunrise Ruby: This 25.59-carat Burmese ruby sold for $30.42 million at Sotheby's in 2015.
Jubilee Ruby: A 15.99-carat Burmese ruby, it sold for $14.2 million at Christie's in 2016.

What is A Lab-created Rby?

A lab-created ruby, also known as a synthetic ruby or created ruby, is a gemstone grown in a laboratory under controlled conditions. Lab-created rubies are often more affordable than natural rubies and can be just as beautiful and durable.

What are Rubies Made of?

Rubies are primarily composed of the mineral corundum, which is a crystalline form of aluminum oxide (Al2O3). The distinctive red color of rubies is due to the presence of chromium in the corundum structure.