Ruby, its Hindi name is Manak is the gemstone of love. This beautiful gemstone is famous for is hardness. It is very elegant and its color range from pink to red. Ruby gemstone brings Self-confidence, fortune, and happiness in the life of the wearer. It also imparts healing powers to the wearer. It helps in curing serious blood-related diseases, brain hemorrhage, and mental disease.
Ruby imparts extraordinary status and bountiful wealth to the wearer. It abstains confusions and brings the focus in the life of an individual. It is beneficial for Professional and students. This stone also creates stability in financial matters and gives recognition in society. In medical astrology, wearing a ruby restores vitality and also helps in issues which are related to eyesight and blood circulation. Even communication power will improve by wearing ruby gemstone.
Star Ruby: Origin and Sources
About Star Ruby – History and Introduction
Star ruby is an exceptional variety of ruby which exhibits six-rayed star that sparkles over the surface of the stone when it is moved. The reason behind star effect is its alignment to needle-like rutile inclusions. This rutile is responsible for its silky shine. Ruby comes in the red form of gem-quality corundum. It extremely hard and is endowed with rich color and silky shine.
The color of Ruby ranges from pinkish red to orangey, purplish and brownish-red Star ruby is one of the most valuable types of gemstones.
Burma is the well-known locality for Rubies. They have beautiful color and its famous as the name of “pigeons blood”. These rubies have the highest prices. They are the rarest and expensive gemstones.
There are many good qualities of rubies available in the world but Burma ruby is famous for its quality and outstanding features. These gemstones have the deep dark red color which is unavailable in any other origins. So people love to buy them. The fact is also that Burmese ruby mining is insufficient and so the prices of this ruby are high. The price of the Rubies is due to its beauty, rarity, and durability.
The Astrological Implication of Ruby
Astrologically, Sun is the ruler of the ruby gemstone. Sun is a source of light and it is a symbol of light and hope. It also radiates the warmth of success. It signifies power, prestige, and pride.
If Sun is unfavorably in one’s horoscope, then it has a negative effect on life and health-related issues. Here Ruby gemstone has the power to nullify the negative effects of the Sun and thereby imparts good health and strength.
Star Ruby: Origin and Sources
Times immemorial, the most important deposits of Rubies have been in Upper Burma near Mogok. Few rubies are of pigeon’s blood color and consider as most valuable rubies of all. In the early 1990s, huge new deposits were discovered at Mong Hsu.
- Thailand: Rubies found in Thailand have either brown or violet touch. But to our dismay, Thai ruby production is going down.
- Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan deposits are located in a southwest island in Ratnapura District. Rubies comes from these deposits are generally light-red color to raspberry red.
- Tanzania: There are gemstone quality ruby deposits which range from violet to brown red on the upper Umba river in Northwest Tanzania
- Other Star Ruby deposits found in Afghanistan, Kenya, Cambodia, Madagascar Vietnam, Brazil, India, etc.
Color and Clarity
Color
The primary factor that determines the value of a Star Ruby is its color. Star Rubies are typically red, but the exact hue can vary from pinkish-red to purplish-red or brownish-red. The finest specimens display a vivid, rich red color. The presence of the star effect can sometimes reduce the saturation of the ruby’s color, so a balance between a strong star and vibrant color is ideal.
Clarity
Most Star Rubies have inclusions, and in this case, they are an essential feature as they create the star effect. However, stones with too many inclusions or those that cloud the stone’s appearance can be considered less desirable. The key is to have a balance where the rutile inclusions create a distinct star without significantly diminishing the stone’s transparency.
Asterism (The Star Effect)
The defining feature of a Star Ruby is its asterism. The star is formed due to the alignment of needle-like inclusions of rutile within the stone. The best Star Rubies have a sharp, well-defined star that is centered on the dome of the cabochon (a type of gemstone cut with a rounded, polished surface).
Types of Stars
- Six-rayed stars: This is the most common and desired type of star found in Star Rubies.
- Twelve-rayed stars: Some rare Star Rubies may show a twelve-rayed star, though these are less common and often highly prized.
Cuts and Shapes of Star Ruby
Cabochon Cut
Star Rubies are almost always cut en cabochon, meaning they are shaped with a smooth, rounded dome and no facets. The cabochon cut is essential to display the star effect, as the rounded surface allows light to reflect properly off the internal rutile inclusions.
Ideal Proportions
For the best star effect, Star Rubies are cut with a high dome. If the dome is too shallow, the star may appear weak or diffused. If it’s too high, the star may be off-center or not well-positioned on the stone’s surface.
Symmetry
Symmetry is crucial for Star Rubies, as an asymmetrical stone may result in a poorly centered or uneven star. A well-cut stone should have a balanced and proportional shape to ensure the best display of the asterism.
The Value of Star Ruby
Factors Influencing Value
- Color: The more vibrant and pure the red, the more valuable the Star Ruby. “Pigeon blood” red rubies from Burma are considered the pinnacle of color quality.
- Star Sharpness: The sharper and more defined the star, the higher the value.
- Clarity: While inclusions are necessary for the star effect, too many inclusions that cloud the stone reduce its value.
- Size: Larger Star Rubies are rarer and therefore more valuable, but only if the color, clarity, and star quality are also high.
Caring for Star Ruby
Cleaning
To keep your Star Ruby looking its best, clean it gently with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can damage the stone’s surface or affect the inclusions that create the star effect.
Storage
Store your Star Ruby separately from other gemstones and jewelry to avoid scratches. Ideally, keep it in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box.
Rubies are used as gemstones for centuries for making beautiful jewelry. Since Ruby is a very durable material and can be worn daily in gemstone rings, earrings, bracelets pendants, necklaces, pins, and brooches. Opaque ruby is generally use for carvings.
Star ruby is best for jewelry which is exposed to direct light, such as a cabochon ring. It is hardly available in large sizes, so most jewelry features small stones. Star gemstones are also very popular for men’s jewelry. Gold settings provide an outstanding contrast to the color of red ruby.