A ruby is a
pinkish red to blood-red colored gemstone, a variety of the mineral
corundum (aluminium oxide). Ruby is one of the most popular
traditional jewelry gems and is very durable. Other varieties of
gem-quality corundum are called sapphires.
Ruby is distinguished for
its bright
red color, being the most famed and fabled red gemstone.
Beside for its bright color, it is a most desirable gem due to its
hardness, durability, luster, and rarity. Transparent rubies of
large sizes are even rarer than Diamonds. Ruby is the red variety
of the mineral Corundum.
