The July birthstone is the ruby, a precious gemstone known for its brilliant red color and rarity. Rubies have long been treasured throughout history, but just how rare are rubies compared to other gemstones? Here we’ll examine whether July’s birthstone truly deserves its reputation for scarcity.
What is the July birthstone?
The July birthstone is the ruby, a gem-quality variety of the mineral corundum. Rubies get their signature red color from trace amounts of chromium. The word “ruby” comes from the Latin “ruber”, meaning red. Along with sapphires, rubies are considered one of the “big four” precious gemstones, along with diamonds and emeralds.
Natural rubies form over millions of years. They start deep underground, crystallizing from hot fluids or melts during the formation of certain rock types. Rubies are found in a type of rock called marble. They are mined around the world, with major sources including Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Cambodia, and Afghanistan.
What factors determine rarity?
Several factors contribute to a gemstone’s rarity and value:
- Source – Some gemstones are only found in a few locations worldwide.
- Difficulty of mining – Gemstones from hard-to-reach deposits are more rare.
- Size and quality – Large, flawless stones are intrinsically more scarce.
- Demand – Stones in high demand are considered more precious.
Taking these factors into account, along with its reputation and cultural significance, the ruby is considered one of the rarest and most valuable gemstones in the world.
How rare are rubies compared to other gemstones?
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), rubies are more rare than most other gemstones, though not as scarce as diamonds. Here’s how the rarity of rubies compares:
| Gemstone | Rarity |
|---|---|
| Diamond | Extremely rare |
| Ruby | Very rare |
| Sapphire | Rare |
| Emerald | Rare to very rare |
| Amethyst | Common |
As this table shows, rubies are considered only slightly less rare than diamonds, and significantly more scarce than other precious gems like sapphires and emeralds. The ruby’s rarity contributes to its very high value.
What makes rubies so rare?
There are a few key reasons why natural rubies are so rare compared to other gemstones:
- Limited geological formation – Rubies form under specific and uncommon conditions deep underground.
- Few viable sources – Economically mineable ruby deposits are geographically concentrated in just a handful of locations.
- Difficult mining – Ruby mining is challenging due to the locations of viable deposits. Successful mining requires great skill and perseverance.
- Extensive heat treatment – Most rubies are heat treated to enhance color and clarity. Untreated rubies are exceptionally rare.
- Small gem-quality yields – For every ruby mined, there are thousands of tons of rock that hold no gems. Only a tiny fraction of mined material yields gem-quality stones.
These factors combine to make high-quality, untreated natural rubies extremely scarce. A perfect storm of rarity makes the ruby one of the world’s most precious gems.
What determines a ruby’s value and price?
A ruby’s value is dependent on several criteria that determine its quality and rarity:
- Color – The most important factor is the hue and saturation of the red color. Purplish or brownish reds are less valued.
- Clarity – How transparent and free of imperfections. Inclusions can affect value.
- Cut – Well-cut rubies have greater brilliance and appeal.
- Carat weight – Larger rubies are exponentially more rare and valuable.
- Source – Rubies from certain regions, like Myanmar, fetch higher prices.
- Treatments – Untreated rubies command premium prices.
With all factors being equal, larger rubies will always be priced exponentially higher than smaller stones. But color is paramount – a tiny, perfect “pigeon blood” ruby can be more valuable than a flawed 10-carat stone.
What are the most expensive rubies ever sold?
Here are some of the highest prices paid for rare and exceptional rubies at auction:
| Ruby | Carat Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sunrise Ruby | 25.59 | $30 million |
| The Graff Ruby | 8.62 | $8.6 million |
| The De Long Star Ruby | 100 | $3.63 million |
| Cartier Ruby | 1.64 | $2.56 million |
As the table shows, large rubies over 5 carats and those with incredible color and clarity have sold for multi-million dollar sums. The Sunrise Ruby, at 25 carats, holds the world record for the highest price paid for a ruby. Even tiny rubies under 2 carats can command seven-figure prices when exceptional.
Are rubies becoming more rare?
The worldwide supply of natural rubies is likely decreasing over time. Some factors contributing to the ruby’s increasing rarity include:
- Depletion of known deposits – Many economically viable ruby mines are becoming exhausted.
- Political instability – War and conflict can restrict access to certain ruby sources.
- New regulations – Stricter laws protect remaining ruby deposits in some countries.
- Increased demand – More consumers are seeking rubies, especially in China and India.
- Lack of new discoveries – No major new ruby deposits have been found in decades.
Reports suggest the ruby market is facing a supply crunch. As existing stocks run low and demand rises globally, natural untreated rubies of fine quality are becoming increasingly scarce.
Are there any alternatives to natural rubies?
There are a few alternatives that offer a similar appearance to natural rubies, but without the rarity and price tag:
- Synthetic rubies – Chemically identical to natural rubies, but manufactured in labs.
- Ruby simulants – Look-alike gems like red spinel, garnet, or glass.
- Ruby hybrids – Partially synthetic gems with some natural ruby material.
- Treated rubies – Natural rubies enhanced with heat, irradiation, or other processes.
However, none of these alternatives can truly match the prestige, value, and investment potential of rare natural rubies. For those born in July, only the real thing will do!
Conclusion
The July birthstone ruby remains one of the most precious and coveted gems on Earth. Its striking color, legendary history, and extreme rarity combine to make it a stone like no other. With supplies limited and demand rising, untreated natural rubies of quality will likely become harder to source and even more valuable. For the fortunate few who own them, July’s brilliant red birthstone is a highly-prized possession for life.
