Natural Ruby Stone vs. Treated Ruby: What’s the Difference & Which One to Buy?
The timeless allure of aruby gemstonelies in its intense red hue, striking brilliance, and symbolic power. But when it comes to buying aruby stone, one critical decision often arisesnatural rubyor treated? Understanding the differences can help you choose the right stone for your style, budget, and purpose.
What Is a Natural Ruby Stone?
Anatural rubyis a precious corundum mineral that forms deep within the earth under extreme conditions. It is mined, cut, and polished without undergoing enhancements to improve its appearance. These stones may have minor inclusions, but they are valued for their raw purity and unaltered beauty. Everyreal ruby gemstonecarries a distinct personality that synthetic or treated gems cant replicate.
Collectors, jewelers, and astrologers often prefer natural stones for their authenticity, energy, and rarity. Eachnatural rubyis one-of-a-kind and holds long-term value, making it a wise choice for investment or heirloom jewelry.
What Is a Treated Ruby?
Treated rubies are genuine stones that have undergone enhancementsusually heat treatmentsto improve color, clarity, or both. The most common method is heat treatment, where the ruby is exposed to high temperatures to dissolve inclusions and brighten the red tone.
In some cases, fissures in the stone are filled with glass or other materials to stabilize it or enhance clarity. While theseruby gem stoneslook visually appealing, their durability and value are typically lower than natural varieties.
Key Differences: Natural Ruby vs. Treated Ruby
| Feature | Natural Ruby Stone | Treated Ruby Stone |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Untreated, from the earth | Enhanced using heat or fillers |
| Clarity | Natural inclusions visible | Usually clearer due to treatments |
| Color | Deep, rich natural red | Brightened artificially |
| Value | Higher resale and rarity | Lower value and long-term worth |
| Energy (in Vedicuses) | Preferred for astrological use | Often avoided for spiritual use |
| Ruby Stone Price | Expensive but authentic | More affordable, but less valuable |
How to Identify a Real Ruby Gemstone
To ensure youre buying areal ruby gemstone, check for a gem certification from a trusted laboratory like GIA or IGI. Anatural rubywill often have inclusions known as "silk", and its color will show natural variation. Treated stones, especially those with glass filling, may display unnatural sparkle under magnification or discoloration in certain light angles.
It's important to purchase from a reputable dealer when looking forruby gemstone online, especially if the stone is being bought for spiritual or astrological purposes.
What About Ruby Crystals?
Aruby crystalis a raw, uncut form of the stone. These are often used for spiritual or healing practices. A genuineruby crystalthat is untouched and unheated holds higher energetic properties and is sought after in the crystal healing community.
Which One Should You Buy?
- Choose a natural rubyif youre buying for astrological benefits, long-term investment, or heirloom-quality jewelry. While theruby stone pricemight be higher, its rarity and value make it worth every penny.
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Opt for a treated rubyif your focus is appearance and budget. Treatedruby gem stonescan still be beautiful and durable when handled properly, especially in fashion jewelry.
Conclusion
Whether you're drawn to the charm of ared ruby stone, the sparkle of a polishedruby gem, or the raw beauty of aruby crystal, knowing the difference between treated and natural stones is essential. Take your time to compare options, ask for certification, and assess theruby stone pricebased on clarity, origin, and treatment status.
Shopping for aruby gemstone online? Choose only trusted sources that clearly mention whether theruby stone is natural or treated. The right decision will ensure you own a piece that reflects not just luxury, but also authenticity.
