Ruby

Ruby may be any color of red depending on the chromium and iron content of the stone. Ruby has a hardness rating of 9. Generally, ruby is quite durable.

Still, rubies are subject to chipping and fracture if handled roughly. Ruby is found worldwide. The finest stones are from Myanmar.

Bright red stones are mined in: Afganistan, Pakistan, Vietnam. Brownish-red rubies are from Thailand.

Darker stones are generally produced from the mines in Australia, India, Russia and USA (Georgia, North Carolina and Wyoming).