Ruby Stone
Ruby is one of the most durable gemstones, second in hardness only to diamond. The word ruby brings to mind powerful emotions of passion, romance and power. The ruby is a crystalline form of aluminum oxide infused with trace elements of chromium, which gives the gemstone its red color. The stone gets its name from the Latin word ruber, meaning red. Fine rubies are much rarer than top-quality diamonds and are also far more expensive.
Rubies are the red members of the corundum family of minerals. Corundum of any other color - blue, pink, yellow and others are called sapphire. Natural ruby shades vary from light to dark red and even a purplish cast. Ancient cultures believed that the ruby could cure ailments of the digestive system, energize the blood, and treat the heart. It was worn by warriors on account of its protective qualities.
- The Crown of Charles IV of Luxembourg from the 1300s held a ruby that was whopping 250 carats
- The Smithsonian is a home to a 137 carat cabochon star ruby
- The most expensive ruby ever sold at auction was 15.97 carat, sold for $3.63 million in 1988