Rubies and sapphires are gemstones that are both a form of corundum mineral. While these gemstones are almost one and the same, ruby and sapphire stones are distinguished by their colors, availability, and price. If you’re ready to learn more about identifying rubies and sapphires, in addition to their fascinating chemical similarities and differences, keep reading for a brief overview on these beautiful gemstones.

Color of Rubies and Sapphires

The properties of rubies and sapphires are indistinguishable: they both rate a 9.0 on the Mohs hardness scale, they both have a refractive index of 1.757 – 1.779, and they both have a specific gravity of 3.99 – 4.0.

The main difference between ruby and sapphire gemstones is color. Rubies are red and all other corundum color varieties are known as sapphires. Corundum sapphires come in a range of colors including blue, orange, pink, and yellow, while rubies are always only red. Additionally, some white sapphires are so pale in appearance that they can easily be confused with diamonds at a glance.

The red color of rubies occurs when a corundum mineral is colored by chromium impurities. Sapphire colors are the result of iron, titanium, and chromium impurities in corundum minerals.

The distinction between rubies and sapphire may blur between pink sapphires and light red rubies. There are no specific rules on what shade of red constitutes a ruby and what shade of pink constitutes a sapphire. Some unsavory jewelry markets seize on these blurry distinctions and sell pink corundum gemstones as ‘light rubies’ when they would be regarded as (less expensive) sapphires in most gemstone circles.

Availability and Price Differences between Rubies and Sapphires

Real rubies are somewhat rare, especially the highly desirable dark blood red rubies. Sapphires are more common than rubies and they are frequently found in carat sizes that exceed the size of most ruby gemstones. The differences in the availability between natural rubies and sapphires have a direct impact on the price differences between these two gemstones. As a rule, rubies are valued much higher than sapphire gemstones.

Differences between the Meaning of Rubies and Sapphires

While rubies and sapphires are practically the same, they have completely different meanings:

Rubies are associated with intense passion, good luck, protection from misfortune, and personal inspiration. The ruby is the classic birthstone of December and the modern birthstone of July.

Sapphires are associated with blessings, divine knowledge, sincerity, and faithfulness. The sapphire is the classic birthstone of April and the modern birthstone of September.

Metaphysical Properties of Rubies and Sapphires

In addition to the special meanings associated with gemstones, there are many who believe that the special energetic signatures of these stones provide metaphysical properties to rubies and sapphires. For instance, the “follow your bliss” type of energy rubies possess is valued for its ability to detoxify the blood and stimulate the circulatory system. Blue sapphires, on the other hand, are thought to calm overactivity in the body and remove stress.

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