Treatments for Ruby Gemstones

Ruby is not only the birthstone for those born in July, they are the alternate astrological birthstone for those born under the sign of Capricorn. So why am I discussing ruby now? Some of the “treatments” for ruby enhancement have been in the news over the last few months.

Ruby Gemstone Treatment
Ruby is a type II clarity gemstone, meaning that the presence of inclusions is more noticeable. Natural rubies have tiny parallel rutile needles called “silk” and many have a strong blue / purplish color. Most rubies are heat treated (yes there are un-heated rubies that are exceptional) to remove the blue / purplish color and to also remove the silk to create a rich, clear red ruby. This heat treatment is considered a continuation of what Mother Nature started and is accepted by gemstone dealers everywhere.

Over the last few years, the market has seen an influx of “flux” treated rubies. These rubies are given additional heat treatments and during that treatment, fissures, cracks or cavities will be “repaired” with solvents that will fill any voids with “flux glass” (basically synthetic corundum) and which will permanently fuse the crack. This filling does make the ruby more durable and it will also reduce the internal reflections, thereby making the ruby appear more transparent. The bottom line here is that flux treatment makes previously un-saleable gems more attractive and very inexpensive to own. This treatment should be disclosed to you when you purchase jewelry containing rubies.

100% Natural Gemstone Ruby
AfricaGems.com does not carry flux treated rubies. Yes, that’s makes our vivid rubies a little more expensive, but we care about making sure we carry the best natural gemstones we can find. Our clients deserve the best. We have heated and unheated natural rubies at wholesale prices for your consideration. Our loose free size rubies come with a certificate from a reputable gemological institution. Our calibrated rubies are purchased from the top ruby “houses” in the world and they are carefully graded and selected.

Click here to check out our loose free size rubies. Click here to check out our calibrated rubies. Click here to check out our ruby rings and click here to check out our guarantee.