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Ruby is a light pink to blood
red gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminium
oxide). The common red color is caused mainly by
the element chromium. Its name comes from ruber,
Latin for red. Other varieties of gem-quality
corundum are called sapphires. It is considered
one of the four precious stones, together with the
sapphire, the emerald and the diamond.
Improvements used include color alteration,
improving transparency by dissolving rutile
inclusions, healing of fractures (cracks) or even
completely filling them.
Prices of rubies are primarily determined by color
(the brightest and best "red" called Pigeon Blood
Red, command a huge premium |
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