There are a variety of red stones and crystals found in nature. Some of the most common red gemstones include ruby, garnet, red beryl, red spinel, and red tourmaline. Red crystals can range in color from pinkish red to deep crimson. The red color in gems is caused by trace elements like chromium or iron. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular red gemstones and crystals and discuss their properties and symbolic meanings.
Ruby
Ruby is one of the most precious red gems. True rubies get their color from chromium impurities. The best rubies have a deep, rich red color. Rubies with less chromium can appear pinkish. Fine rubies have a vibrant red fluorescence under UV light. Rubies are quite hard at 9 on the Mohs scale, making them durable for jewelry. The largest rubies can fetch extremely high prices at auction. For example, the Sunrise Ruby sold for a record $30 million in 2015.
In ancient times, rubies were thought to contain a glowing coal. They were associated with passion, protection, and prosperity. Rubies remain the birthstone for the month of July. The deep red color is linked to vitality, confidence, and courage. Ruby jewelry makes a traditional 40th wedding anniversary gift as well.
Garnet
Garnets are actually a set of minerals with similar crystal structures and properties. There are six main types of garnet, all with slightly different chemical makeups. The most widely known is the pyrope garnet which exhibits a signature deep red color. Garnets form when high heat and pressure metamorphose rocks containing the right mineral mixes. Famous sources for quality garnets include Africa and India.
Garnets rank between 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making them relatively hard and durable. The deep red color of garnets is caused by iron and chromium compounds. Garnets often appear in antique jewelry. They are also January’s birthstone. Red garnets symbolize passion, strength, and courage. Garnet necklaces and rings remain popular Valentine’s Day gifts for couples.
Red Beryl
Red beryl, also known as “red emerald,” is a very rare, brilliant red gem. Its color results from traces of manganese. Red beryls rate 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them suitable for jewelry. The gems were first discovered in Utah in the early 1900s. Red beryl mining continues in the Wah Wah Mountains of Utah. These gems can reach several carats but usually appear under 3 carats.
Fine red beryls are highly sought after by collectors. They can reach up to $10,000 per carat or more. Their rarity also makes them novel choices for unique engagement rings or anniversary gifts. Red beryl is not traditionally linked to any particular symbolic meanings. But its fiery red color generally represents passion, energy, and love.
Red Spinel
Spinel is an underrated gemstone often confused with ruby in ancient times. Red spinels get their color from chromium impurities. Burmese spinels tend to display the most highly saturated red colors. Spinel rates 8 on the Mohs scale, making it exceptionally hard and durable.
Red spinels were worn in Russian Imperial crowns. The Black Prince’s Ruby within the British Imperial State Crown is actually a large red spinel. Red spinel symbolizes revitalization, energy, and passion. It makes a strong, lustrous stone for jewelry. Spinel remains an affordable alternative to ruby for engagement rings and other red gemstone jewelry.
Red Tourmaline
Tourmaline refers to a group of layered crystal boron silicate minerals. The red variety, known as rubellite, is colored by manganese impurities. Rubellites form long, prismatic crystals. Deposits have been found in Brazil, Namibia, Nigeria, and Malawi. Medium to dark pinkish-red shades are most desirable.
Red tourmaline ranks 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, so it needs some care in jewelry. Rubellite is associated with vitality, sensuality, and heart energy. It makes unique jewelry with bold red tones. Tourmaline is also considered an alternate October birthstone. Red tourmaline pendants, rings, and earrings make special gifts for love and passion.
Other Red Gems
A few other natural gems can exhibit red hues:
Red diamond – Extremely rare, these diamonds get red color from crystal defects. The largest are only a few carats. Red diamonds are among the most expensive gems at over $1 million per carat.
Red jasper – An opaque, red variety of chalcedony quartz. Used for carvings and ornamental objects.
Carnelian – A translucent red form of chalcedony quartz. Used since ancient times for signet rings and engraved gemstones.
Fire opal – Opalescent gem with orange-red body color. Mined primarily in Mexico.
Red agate – Banded form of chalcedony quartz with red color bands.
Red coral – Organic gem material from sea coral skeletons.
How Red Color Forms in Gems
The primary cause of red color in gemstones is the presence of trace impurities within the mineral structure. Certain elements cansubstitute for others within the gem’s crystal matrix. The resulting color depends on the absorptive effects of the gem’s atomic structure.
Some of the most common color-causing impurities in red gems include:
– Chromium – Causes deep reds in ruby and spinel. Chromium strongly absorbs green and blue light, leaving a pure red emission.
– Iron – Causes orangish-red hues in many gems like garnet. Iron absorption bands create broad spectra of red wavelengths.
– Manganese – Produces pink-red colors in gems like red beryl and tourmaline. Manganese absorption varies with oxidation state.
– Color Centers – Defects in a gem’s crystal structure can also create color centers that absorb specific colors. This causes phenomena like red diamonds.
Trace elements can combine in different ways to yield a spectrum of red hues, saturations, and tones. The availability of particular impurities limits which gems can display true red colors.
Evaluating Red Gemstone Quality
Several factors determine the value and quality of red gemstones:
– Color – The depth of red color and its saturation are top considerations. Secondary hues like purple or orange may appear.
– Clarity – In transparent gems, fewer visible inclusions increases value. Opacity limits clarity in translucent stones.
– Cut – Well-cut facets enhance color and brilliance. Proportions and symmetry influence light refraction.
– Carat Weight – Larger transparent red gems are exponentially more rare and valuable.
– Provenance – Locality and history of origin adds prestige for top quality stones.
– Treatments – Enhancements like heating or dyeing should be disclosed as they lower value.
Judging cut, polish, and phenomonena like schiller effect also impacts quality assessment. Overall, the most prized red gems display excellent hue, purity, cut proportions, and carat size.
Notable Red Gemstones
Some celebrated red gemstones include:
| Name | Stone | Carats | Features |
| Rosser Reeves Star Ruby | Ruby | 138.7 | Rare star ruby from Sri Lanka |
| The Mogok Ruby | Ruby | 7.5 | Unheated Burmese pigeon blood ruby |
| The Carmen Lúcia Ruby | Ruby | 23.1 | Historic Burmese ruby owned by royalty |
| The Chhatrapati Manik Ruby | Spinel | 170 | Famed Mughal red spinel |
| The Timmins Red Beryl | Red beryl | 2.83 | Largest known faceted red beryl gem |
These and other named gems set records at auction or are displayed in museums and private collections. Many carry legends about their unique properties and histories of noble ownership.
Symbolic Meaning of Red Gems
The color red carries extensive symbolic meaning that transfers to red-hued gems and crystals:
– Passion, love, and desire
– Courage, confidence, and vitality
– Action, energy, and determination
– Protection, strength, and willpower
In Eastern traditions, red also represents good fortune and prosperity. Used in moderation, red gems can enhance focus and achievement.
The specific symbolic properties of some red gems include:
– Ruby – Passion, prosperity
– Garnet – Devotion, energy
– Red beryl – Rarity, devotion
– Red spinel – Revitalization, nobility
– Red tourmaline – Sensuality, emotional healing
Red gems make ideal gifts or jewelry for occasions related to love, courage, or prosperity. Their rich color carries personal meaning for many wearers.
Conclusion
Red gemstones have captivated people across cultures for millennia. The most precious red gems like ruby and red beryl are among the rarest in the world. Other red stones like garnet and spinel have served as indelible symbols of passion, vitality, and power. The signature color stems from careful impurities that allow just the right light to shine through. With proper cutting and care, red gems make enduring jewelry perfect for expressing strong emotions and facing bold challenges. Their fiery reds speak to the burning embers within our hearts.
