Ratnaraj, the Sanskrit word ancient Hindu called rubies, translates to “King of precious stones”. That title is truly deserved by the most famous of the red gemstones. Literally meaning red, the word ruby is derived from the Latin word ruber. Rubies are comprised of corundum, the same as sapphires. In fact, pure corundum is colorless, rubies and sapphires get their colors by the presence of trace elements in the corundum. The only difference between rubies and the various colored sapphires is its red color caused by trace elements of chromium in corundum.

It’s not only the red color that differentiates rubies from other stones. Light scattering inclusions and the chromium that gives rubies their color also gives them a glowing fluorescence, making them appear to contain a fire within. Greek legends claimed that a ruby’s fire could melt wax and the Hindus believed that it burned so hot it could boil water. A legend dating back to the 16th century claims a merchant was frantically searching his shop for a missing ruby until it grew dark when he noticed an unusual glow coming from under a tablecloth where he had been working earlier. It was his lost jewel!