What Stone is Mistaken for a Ruby?
When it comes to red gemstones, few are as iconic and coveted as the ruby. Its rich, fiery hue has made it a favorite for centuries, adorning everything from royal crowns to modern engagement rings. However, several other gemstones share a similar appearance to rubies, often leading to confusion. Whether you're shopping for a ruby pendant or a ring, it's essential to know how to distinguish a genuine ruby from its look-alikes.
In this guide, we'll explore the gemstones most commonly mistaken for rubies, their unique characteristics, and how to tell them apart. From red garnets to red spinels, understanding these differences will help you make an informed choice when selecting your next piece of fine jewelry.
Red Garnet: The Deep Wine-Red Alternative
One of the most common stones mistaken for a ruby is the garnet, particularly the deep red varieties like pyrope and almandine. Garnets can exhibit a rich, wine-red color that closely resembles the hue of Burmese rubies. However, garnets often have darker tones and may display orange or green undertones under certain lighting conditions.
While rubies are prized for their vivid red color, garnets are more affordable and widely available, making them a popular choice for bracelets and earrings. However, garnets score lower on the Mohs hardness scale (6.5-7.5 compared to ruby's 9), making them less durable for everyday wear in rings.
Rubellite (Red Tourmaline): The Pinkish-Red Cousin
Another stunning ruby impersonator is rubellite, a variety of red tourmaline. Rubellites boast a beautiful pinkish-red color that can closely resemble the hue of Indian or Madagascan rubies. What sets rubellite apart is its exceptional clarity - it's often more transparent than ruby, which typically contains visible inclusions.
Rubellite makes an excellent choice for those who love the ruby's color but prefer a cleaner stone. It's particularly stunning in pendants and earrings, where its clarity can truly shine. However, with a hardness of 7-7.5, it's not as durable as ruby for everyday ring wear.
Red Spinel: The Royal Imposter
Perhaps the most historically significant ruby look-alike is red spinel. For centuries, many famous "rubies" in royal collections were actually spinels. This gem can display a bright, vivid red that's nearly indistinguishable from fine rubies to the untrained eye.
Spinel is actually rarer than ruby in fine qualities, yet typically less expensive. It's an excellent option for engagement rings and tennis bracelets, offering similar beauty at a more accessible price point. With a hardness of 8, spinel is quite durable, though still not quite as hard as ruby.
Rhodochrosite: The Soft Pink-Red Stone
While not as commonly confused with ruby as the previous stones, rhodochrosite can sometimes resemble lower-quality, opaque rubies. This stone typically shows bands of pink and white, but high-quality specimens can display a solid pinkish-red color.
With a Mohs hardness of just 3.5-4, rhodochrosite is too soft for everyday jewelry wear. It's best suited for occasional-wear pieces like pendants or earrings that won't suffer much abrasion.
How to Tell a Ruby from Its Look-Alikes
Now that we've explored ruby's doppelgängers, let's examine the key differences that can help you identify a genuine ruby:
Color: Rubies display a pure, vibrant red, often described as "pigeon blood" red in the finest qualities. Garnets tend to be darker with possible orange or purple undertones, while spinels often show a slightly pinkish or orangey red.
Clarity: Rubies almost always contain inclusions - tiny imperfections that prove their natural origin. Many spinels and garnets can be eye-clean, meaning no inclusions are visible to the naked eye.
UV Reaction: Rubies typically fluoresce a strong pinkish-red under ultraviolet light, while garnets do not react. Spinel may show weak fluorescence, but nothing as intense as ruby.
Hardness: Ruby's hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale makes it exceptionally durable. Spinel (8), garnet (6.5-7.5), and rubellite (7-7.5) are all softer, while rhodochrosite (3.5-4) is significantly less durable.
Price: Fine rubies command premium prices, especially in larger sizes. If a "ruby" seems too affordable for its size and quality, it might actually be one of these alternatives.
Choosing Between Ruby and Its Look-Alikes
While ruby remains the king of red gemstones, its alternatives each have their own appeal. For those who prioritize durability and traditional value, ruby is the clear choice, especially for engagement rings and anniversary bands.
If budget is a concern, garnet offers beautiful color at a fraction of ruby's price. For collectors or those seeking something unique, spinel provides rarity and beauty. Rubellite appeals to those who prefer a cleaner stone with excellent transparency.
At Robinson's Jewelers, we carry a stunning selection of fine jewelry featuring both rubies and their beautiful alternatives. Whether you're drawn to the timeless elegance of ruby or the unique charm of its look-alikes, our expert staff can help you find the perfect piece to celebrate life's special moments.