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Corundum (var. ruby)
Greg Polley
Specimen | Catalog Number | Locality | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Corundum (var. ruby) | NMNH G8481 | Thailand | 3.89 ct |
Corundum (var. ruby) | NMNH G8479 | Thailand | 5.65 ct |
Corundum (var. ruby) | NMNH G9215 | Thailand | 3.32 ct |
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Slattery in 1980.
Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum and one of the most popular and valuable gemstones. A major source of rubies in the 1970s and 80s was Thailand, near the Cambodian border. The stones are typically brownish-red to purplish-red, almost garnet-like in color. They are darker than those from Burma and are commonly heat-treated to produce a purer red color. This 3.89-carat cushion cut ruby, set in an 18k white gold ring, is from Thailand. It is accented with four emerald cut and eight round brilliant cut diamonds.