Ruby vs. Diamond: Difference You Should Know
Oct 25,2024 | Juyoyo
Ruby and diamond, as the two bright stars in the jewelry world, have always been loved by people. The warmth of rubies and the brilliance of diamonds, which can move your heart more? Do you know the difference between a ruby and a diamond? Juyoyo will give you an insight into the similarities and differences between the two to help you make smarter choices when shopping for jewelry. Let’s get started!
What is Ruby?
Ruby is a precious stone known for its intense red color and high hardness. It is one of the "Big Four" gemstones, along with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds. Ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum, and the presence of chromium in the crystal structure causes its bright red color. Ruby is typically bright red, but can also range from pinkish red to purplish red. The most valuable and sought-after color for rubies is a deep, vibrant red known as "pigeon's blood" red.
What is a Diamond?
A diamond is a precious stone known for its exceptional hardness, brilliance, and rarity. It is one of the "Big Four" precious gemstones, along with rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Diamond is composed of carbon arranged in a crystal lattice structure. It is one of the hardest natural materials known to man, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it highly durable and resistant to scratching.
Ruby vs. Diamond: Formation & Composition
Key difference: Ruby is composed of corundum (Al2O3) with trace amounts of chromium. Diamond is pure carbon (C).
- Ruby: Rubies are formed from the mineral corundum, which consists primarily of aluminum oxide (Al2O3). It was formed under intense heat and pressure deep within the earth's crust, such as marble or slate. The red color of rubies comes from trace amounts of chromium.
- Diamond: Diamonds are also formed under extreme conditions deep within the Earth's mantle, but at even higher pressures and temperatures. They are composed entirely of carbon atoms (C) arranged in a specific crystal lattice structure. Diamonds are brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions or other geological processes.
Ruby vs. Diamond: Origin
Key difference: Rubies are typically found in metamorphic rocks, while diamonds are formed under extreme conditions and brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions.
- Ruby: Rubies are typically found in metamorphic rocks, such as marble and schist, where high pressures and temperatures prevail. Rubies are mined primarily in Myanmar (formerly Burma), Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, India, and Kenya. Each area can produce rubies with different characteristics.
- Diamond: Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth's mantle under extremely high pressure and temperature conditions. They are brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions or other geological processes. Diamonds are mined primarily in South Africa, Russia, Botswana, Canada, and Australia. Each diamond source can yield diamonds with unique characteristics.
Ruby vs. Diamond: The 4Cs
The 4Cs - Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat - are the four recognized key factors that determine the quality and value of gemstones.
1. Ruby vs. Diamond - Color
Key difference: Ruby has a vivid, pure red hue, while the colorless diamond is the most valuable. Diamonds also come in different colors, including red diamond, pink diamond, yellow diamond...
- Ruby: The most desirable ruby color is a vivid, pure red known as "dove's blood". The more intense and saturated the red color, the more valuable the ruby.
- Diamond: The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamond color on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Colorless diamonds are generally considered the most valuable, but colored diamonds (such as red, yellow, pink, or blue) can also be highly valued.
2. Ruby vs. Diamond: Clarity
Key difference: Both are considered more valuable with fewer inclusions.
- Ruby: Rubies are typically graded for clarity based on inclusions (internal defects). A ruby with fewer inclusions is generally considered more valuable.
- Diamond: The GIA clarity scale ranges from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes) to Included (visible inclusions). Clarity is a key factor in determining the value of a diamond. A flawless diamond is the most valuable.
3. Ruby vs. Diamond: Cut
Key difference: A well-cut gemstone enhances its brilliance, fire, and overall appearance.
- Ruby: A well-cut ruby, such as a pear or marquise cut, will maximize its color and clarity and minimize any undesirable characteristics such as inclusions or color zoning.
- Diamond: A well-cut diamond, such as an oval or emerald cut, will reflect light effectively, maximizing its sparkle and beauty.
4. Ruby vs. Diamond: Carat Weight
Carat weight is a measure of a gemstone's size, with larger sizes typically being more valuable. However, the value of a diamond or ruby is also influenced by its cut, color, and clarity.
Ruby vs. Diamond: Hardness
Key difference: Ruby has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, while diamond has a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale.
- Ruby: Rubies are also extremely hard, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale. Because of their hardness, rubies are suitable for everyday wear in jewelry such as rings, necklaces, and bracelets.
- Diamond: Diamonds are the hardest known natural material, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. As such, diamonds are highly resistant to scratching and abrasion, making them ideal for everyday wear in various types of jewelry.
Ruby vs. Diamond: Luster
Key difference: Rubies typically have a glassy luster, while diamonds have a brilliant luster.
- Ruby: The refractive index is about 1.76 to 1.77. Rubies have a vitreous or glassy luster, reflecting light in a smooth, even manner similar to glass.
- Diamond: The refractive index is about 2.42. Diamonds have a brilliant luster known as adamantine. It can create a dazzling display of color.
Ruby vs. Diamond: Price & Value
Since rubies and diamonds are both highly valued gemstones, which is more expensive? Diamonds are often considered more valuable than rubies, especially colorless diamonds. However, exceptional rubies with the coveted "pigeon blood red" color can also command high prices. Whether the most valuable or need to consider some determining factors. Their prices and values can vary based on several factors, including color, clarity, cut, carat weight, rarity, and market demand. In other words, rubies with a vibrant red color and minimal inclusions can be highly valuable, while diamonds with exceptional color, clarity, cut, and carat weight command premium prices in the gemstone market.
Ruby vs. Diamond: Rarity
Key difference: ruby is not as rare as diamond. Natural fancy-colored diamonds, such as pink, blue, and red diamonds, are particularly rare and command premium prices.
Both rubies and diamonds are highly prized gemstones. Rubies with the coveted "pigeon blood red" color are particularly rare and highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs. Diamonds of exceptional color, clarity, and carat weight are rare and highly prized. Colored diamonds, such as pink, blue, or yellow, are even rarer.
Ruby vs. Diamond: Symbolism
Rubies are often associated with love, passion, and romance. In many cultures, rubies are believed to symbolize vitality, energy, and strength. Throughout history, rubies have been regarded as a protective stone that wards off negative energies and brings good luck.
Diamonds generally symbolize eternal love and commitment. Diamonds are also associated with purity, innocence, and clarity. Its overall beauty and durability make it a popular choice for engagement rings, bridal sets, and more.
Conclusion
Ruby and diamond both are precious stones, but differ in many aspects, such as composition, hardness, cost, and symbolism... If you want to buy a ruby engagement ring or diamond engagement ring, shop at Juyoyo Jewelry to explore more fine-quality and affordable pieces!
Ruby vs. Diamond FAQs
What is the Most Valuable Ruby?
The most valuable ruby in the world is the Sunrise Ruby, a 25.39-carat gem of a vivid red color. It was sold at a Christie's auction in Geneva in 2015 for a record-breaking price of $34.3 million.
Are Rubies More Expensive than Diamonds?
That depends. A high-quality, large ruby with a perfect "pigeon blood red" color can be more valuable than a smaller, lower-quality diamond.
Red Diamond vs. Ruby: What's the Difference?
They may look similar, but both are red gemstones. But rubies often have a more intense, "pigeon blood" red, while red diamonds can vary from pinkish to purplish red.