The deep red Ruby Stone or Manik gemstone will rarely go unnoticed. This gemstone is one of the hardest and also most resistant to acids. A derivation of Aluminum Oxide, the chemical composition of this Gem is AL2O3. Its exact magnitude is 3.99 to 4.00 and the refractive index is 1.760-1.768 to 1.770-1.779. Ruby/Manik stone’s hardness on the Mohs scale is 9. The stones that are bigger than five carats are one of the finest kinds and are extremely rare too.
A good quality Ruby/Manik gemstone picks up shades from red, and pinkish to bright deep red too. The ‘pigeon blood’ red Gem is considered to be the rarest and the most expensive of the lot. These variations of color palates are based on the chromium and iron content that the stone contains.
The gemstone of the Sun, the vibrant red Ruby/Manik Gem holds a pivotal position amongst the Navratnas. The natural Manik/Ruby gemstone is opaque or translucent. In fact, the more transparency higher is the cost of the Ruby/Manik. Almost all types of Ruby/Manik gemstones sold in India are either heated or glass filled.
It is highly advisable that you pick up the Ruby/Manik gemstone from a certified Gem dealer. This will ensure that you get the best quality of the gemstone, one that will bless you with enormous benefits.
Here are some pointers that you should keep in mind when you go Ruby shopping:
1. Color
: Good quality Manik stones turn bright red under light and the ‘purplish’ ones look redder. If you notice that the color of the Ruby/Manik is very pale then be wary, it may not be an authentic Manik/Ruby gemstone. To be absolutely sure, try to pick up a piece from Burma for it is sure to be most authentic.
2. Clarity
: Since gemstones are formed under varied conditions, each individual Gem generally has a different combination of trace minerals. It is this tracing of minerals that create unique marks or inclusions on the surface of the Gem. A Ruby/Manik’s clarity can range from transparency to opaque.
3. Ratti
: This is the unit weight by which the gemstone is measured. The price of a gemstone rises exponentially to its size. Manik/Ruby gemstones are available from 2 to 100 Ratti.
4. Cut
: The Manik/Ruby gemstone is available in all types of available cuts.
5. Price
: The price of this beautiful gemstone is determined by its color and hue. The more pleasing the hue, the higher the value and the cost. The color should be reddish, pinkish, or violet-red but definitely not muddy.
6. Luster
: A good quality Ruby stone/Manik Gem will have a shiny and fiery liquid inside. If you happen to come across such a type of Ruby/Manik gemstone consider it the best quality.