Where is Ruby found?
Corundum (Al 2O 3)
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Open the appRuby occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Ruby
Mogok Valley, Myanmar (Burma)
Renowned for producing some of the world's finest 'pigeon's blood' rubies, primarily from marble-hosted deposits and associated alluvial placers.
Mong Hsu, Myanmar
Another significant ruby-producing region in Myanmar, known for heat-treated rubies.
Sri Lanka (Ceylon)
Historically important source of rubies, often found in alluvial gravels. Sri Lankan rubies tend to be lighter red to pinkish-red.
Thailand (Chanthaburi and Trat provinces)
Known for darker, brownish-red rubies, often found in basalt-related deposits.
Vietnam (Luc Yen and Quy Chau districts)
Produces high-quality rubies from marble-hosted deposits, similar to Myanmar.
Mozambique
A relatively new but highly significant source, particularly the Montepuez deposit, producing large quantities of fine-quality rubies.
Tanzania (Winza, Longido)
Known for rubies with distinctive color and clarity, often found in amphibolite and marble.
Afghanistan (Jegdalek)
Produces fine rubies from marble deposits.
Collecting tips
- Look in Alluvial Deposits. Many rubies are found in secondary placer deposits (riverbeds, gravels) because of their hardness and resistance to weathering. Look for areas where heavy minerals accumulate.
- Identify Associated Minerals. In primary metamorphic deposits, rubies are often found with minerals like spinel, phlogopite mica, graphite, calcite, and various feldspars. In basaltic environments, they may be associated with garnets and other high-temperature minerals.
- Check for Hexagonal Crystal Forms. While often found as fragments, intact ruby crystals will exhibit a characteristic hexagonal (trigonal) crystal system, often as prisms or tabular forms.
- Test Hardness. Ruby is very hard (9 on Mohs scale). It will scratch quartz (7) and topaz (8). This is a key diagnostic test, but should be done carefully on a non-gem quality piece.
- Observe Color and Luster. Look for the characteristic red color and vitreous to adamantine luster. Be aware that other red minerals exist, so combine this with other tests.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Red (pinkish-red to deep blood-red)
- Luster:
- Vitreous to adamantine
- Streak:
- White
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