In the uncanny and colossal world of gemstones, rubies and diamonds are undoubtedly touted as the two biggest gemstones of all time with values daunting to measure and comprehend. Choosing between two gemstones of such massive stature has always been a mind-bending task. While diamonds are the hardest substance in existence with a fanatic implication in the expensive jewelry vertical, a ruby stone, on the other hand, holds a paramount astrological significance and is considered one of the finest investment options for gemstone collectors and enthusiasts.
There is always a constant and highly tense debate going on between gemstone enthusiasts regarding the supremacy between ruby gemstones and diamonds. Both gemstones are outrageously valuable, possess indescribable beauty, and are extensively used in varied industry verticals. There is only one efficacious way to find out who is the most revered gemstone between Ruby vs Diamond – A meticulous comparison. The key purpose of this blog post is to state the most comprehensive ruby vs diamond comparison on the web to make it seamless for the masses to pick their favorite gemstone with rational decisions. Let’s get started!
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Ruby vs Diamond Comparison
To make the comparison between an original manik stone and a diamond utterly comprehensive and logical, we have inculcated numerous vital pointers like origin, color, price, properties, and value that will lucidly differentiate between two goliath gemstones and help to choose the right one.
Ruby vs Diamond: Origin
Rubies
Rubies are an integral variety of the mineral corundum which is an aluminum oxide with a chemical composition Al2O3:Cr.
They are formed deep underground by numerous geological processes involving high temperatures and immense pressures. The natural geological conditions must allow for the incorporation of chromium into the corundum structure to give rubies their red color.
Rubies form in the presence of chrome-bearing rocks like amphibolite schists or marble. They are often found in metamorphic terranes.
Famous sources of quality rubies include Myanmar, Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
Diamonds
Diamonds are made of pure carbon and form deep underground through immense heat and pressure over billions of years.
Diamonds originate somewhere 150-200 km below the Earth’s surface in the upper mantle where temperatures can reach over 2500°F.
The carbon atoms arrange in a cubic crystal structure under these extreme conditions and form diamonds.
Diamonds are brought close to the surface by deep volcanic eruptions and found in volcanic rock called kimberlite or lamproite.
Major sources of diamonds are in African countries like Botswana, South Africa, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In summary, rubies form from the mineral corundum whereas diamonds originate from pure carbon. Both are formed in the Earth’s mantle under high pressure and temperature but have differing chemical compositions and crystal structures.
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Ruby vs Diamond: Color
Ruby:
Primary Color: Rubies are valued and revered the most when they exhibit a rich, intense red color. This red hue is often described as “pigeon blood red” and is caused by the presence of the chromium element in the ruby gemstone.
Secondary Colors: Some rubies may also exhibit secondary colors such as pink or purple but they are considered less prominent than the primary red hue.
Tone and Saturation: The ideal ruby has a medium to medium-dark tone with high saturation, giving it a vibrant and vivid appearance.
Ruby can vary profoundly in color from lighter pinkish-red to deep, almost purplish-red. The most valuable rubies are those with a pure red color and minimal secondary tones with perfect cut and no color zoning.
Diamond:
Color Grading: Ideally, Diamonds are graded on a color scale that ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The less color a diamond exhibits, the higher its value in the international market.
Colorless to Near Colorless: The most desirable diamonds are those in the colorless (D-F) and near-colorless (G-J) range. These diamonds allow the most amount og light to pass through, creating a brilliant and sparkly appearance.
Fancy-Colored Diamonds: While most diamonds are valued for their lack of color, there are also fancy-colored diamonds which can come in a wide range of colors such as blue, green, pink, and yellow. These diamonds are valued for their unique colors and
Ruby vs Diamond: Hardness
If we talk about hardness, Ruby has a Mohs hardness of 9, while Diamond has a Mohs hardness of 10. The Mohs scale measures a mineral’s resistance to scratching.
The above numbers clearly state that a diamond is harder than a ruby. Diamond is the hardest known natural material. Almost nothing except another diamond can scratch a diamond.
Ruby is still a very hard gemstone with a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale. It is much harder than most other gemstones and minerals (second hardest in existence). Only a few substances like diamond and moissanite harder than ruby.
The high hardness of ruby makes it durable for use in jewelry. But the diamond is still slightly harder and more scratch-resistant.
The significant hardness difference arises because a diamond is composed entirely of carbon atoms in a crystalline structure that makes it incredibly robust and stringent. Ruby’s crystalline structure contains aluminum, oxygen, and chromium atoms which are not as hard.
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Ruby vs Diamond: Physical Properties
Ruby and diamond are two distinct gemstones with different physical properties. Here’s a comparison of their physical characteristics:
Ruby:
Composition: Ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide) and gets its red color from trace amounts of chromium.
Hardness: Ruby is one of the hardest gemstones, second only to diamond on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. It has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it exceptionally durable and suitable for everyday wear in jewelry.
Density: The density of ruby typically ranges from 3.97 to 4.05 g/cm³.
Refractive Index: The refractive index of ruby ranges from approximately 1.762 to 1.778, depending on the specific type and source of the ruby.
Luster: Ruby has a vitreous (glassy) to adamantine (diamond-like) luster, depending on the quality of the cut and polish.
Diamond:
Composition: A diamond is composed of pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure.
Hardness: Diamond is the hardest known natural material, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale. Its exceptional hardness contributes to its durability and ability to withstand scratches.
Density: Diamond has a density of approximately 3.51 g/cm³.
Refractive Index: The refractive index of diamond is around 2.42, making it exhibit exceptional brilliance and dispersion of light, resulting in its signature sparkle.
Luster: Diamond has an adamantine luster, which is characterized by its exceptional brilliance and ability to reflect and refract light with incredible fire and sparkle.
In summary, while both ruby and diamond are prized gemstones, they have different compositions, hardness levels, densities, refractive indices, and luster characteristics. Ruby is valued for its deep red color and excellent hardness, while diamond is renowned for its unparalleled hardness, brilliance, and sparkle, making it one of the most coveted gemstones in the world.
Ruby vs Diamond: Astrological Significance
Ruby and diamonds are both precious gemstones with symbolic meaning in astrology. Here’s a comparison of their astrological significance:
A natural Ruby stone is strongly associated with passion, vitality, and intensity. In Vedic astrology, ruby is linked to the sun and helps enhance leadership abilities, vitality, and success. It’s considered beneficial for Leos and Sagittarians.
Diamond is associated with purity, eternity, and strength. In Vedic astrology, diamond is linked to Venus and helps amplify prosperity, luxury, relationships, and the arts. It’s considered favorable for Libras and Taureans.
Rubies energize and bring optimism while diamonds stabilize and bring clarity. Rubies can stimulate while diamonds calm.
Rubies are considered hot gems while diamonds are cold gems in astrology. Rubies increase warmth and activity while diamonds cool fiery energy.
For astrological remedies or rituals, rubies could be suggested for sun-related issues and diamonds for Venus-related matters. But they shouldn’t be worn together as their energies are dissimilar.
So in summary, rubies amplify fiery solar energy while diamonds amplify gentle Venusian energy. Though different, both are prized gems in astrology and complement different zodiac signs. Their contrasting qualities make them suited to different purposes in Vedic rituals and remedies.
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Ruby vs Diamond: Price Comparison
Ruby and diamond prices can vary significantly based on several factors, including the quality, size, color, and overall rarity of the gemstones. Here’s a general comparison of ruby and diamond prices:
Rubies:
Quality: The most crucial factor in determining the price of a ruby is its quality, primarily its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.
Color: The most valuable rubies are those with a deep, vibrant red color often described as “pigeon’s blood red.” Rubies with less intense red or with secondary tones like pink or purple are generally less expensive.
Clarity: Like diamonds, rubies can have inclusions or imperfections. Stones with fewer inclusions and better clarity command higher prices.
Cut: A well-cut ruby with good proportions and symmetry will be more valuable than one with a poor cut.
Carat Weight: Larger rubies are rarer and more valuable per carat than smaller ones.
Diamonds:
Quality: Diamond prices are determined by the “Four Cs” – carat weight, color, clarity, and cut.
Carat Weight: The larger the diamond, the more expensive it will be per carat, assuming all other factors are equal.
Color: Colorless or near-colorless diamonds (grades D to J on the GIA scale) are more expensive than diamonds with noticeable color.
Clarity: Diamonds with fewer inclusions or blemishes are more valuable. Flawless or internally flawless diamonds are exceptionally rare and costly.
Cut: The cut quality affects a diamond’s sparkle and beauty. Well-cut diamonds command higher prices.
Ruby vs Diamond: Value
Rubies and diamonds are both precious gemstones that are valued for their beauty, durability and rarity.Diamonds are more common and have been more widely marketed and commercialized than rubies. This gives diamonds an advantage in public perception and makes them more universally valued.
On average, diamonds tend to be worth more per carat than rubies. For example, a 1-carat ruby of average quality may be worth around $1,000 while a 1-carat diamond may be worth around $5,000.
Large flawless rubies over 5 carats are extremely rare and can be worth over $1 million per carat, much more than similar-sized diamonds. But most rubies on the market are under 3 carats.
Diamonds have a more stable and standardized pricing structure. Ruby prices can vary more widely depending on the individual stone’s characteristics. From an investment perspective, high-quality diamonds and rubies have both appreciated over time. Fine rubies may offer more upside but diamonds are seen as a safer option.
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