1. Ruby is a red variety of the mineral corundum, and is one of the most prized gemstones in the world.
2. Ruby gets its red color from the presence of chromium within the crystal structure.
3. The finest quality rubies are a vivid, intense red with a slight blue tint.
4. Ruby is the traditional birthstone for the month of July.
5. Ruby is found in many parts of the world, including Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.
6. In ancient times, rubies were believed to have protective powers and were often worn as amulets or talismans.
7. The largest ruby ever found weighed over 400 carats and was discovered in Myanmar in the 1990s.
8. Rubies are often treated to improve their color and clarity, with the most common treatment being heat treatment.
9. Rubies can be cut into a variety of shapes and sizes, including round, oval, and cushion-cut.
10. Some of the most famous ruby pieces include the "Sunrise Ruby," a 25.59-carat ruby that sold at auction for over $30 million, and the "Mogok Ruby," a 15.97-carat ruby that is part of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History's collection.
2. Ruby gets its red color from the presence of chromium within the crystal structure.
3. The finest quality rubies are a vivid, intense red with a slight blue tint.
4. Ruby is the traditional birthstone for the month of July.
5. Ruby is found in many parts of the world, including Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.
6. In ancient times, rubies were believed to have protective powers and were often worn as amulets or talismans.
7. The largest ruby ever found weighed over 400 carats and was discovered in Myanmar in the 1990s.
8. Rubies are often treated to improve their color and clarity, with the most common treatment being heat treatment.
9. Rubies can be cut into a variety of shapes and sizes, including round, oval, and cushion-cut.
10. Some of the most famous ruby pieces include the "Sunrise Ruby," a 25.59-carat ruby that sold at auction for over $30 million, and the "Mogok Ruby," a 15.97-carat ruby that is part of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History's collection.