RUBY SPECIMENS

Ruby is a variety of corundum easily distinguished by its bright red color, Twhich can vary between pinkish-red to a deeper blood-red. It's one of the most popular gemstones for both its alluring color and hardness (9 on the Mohs hardness scale), making it suitable for nearly all types of jewelry. The other gem variety of corundum, sapphire, has the same chemical makeup but encompasses the remaining colors (mainly blue). For this reason ruby can also be classified as red sapphire, but typically is left as its own gemstone variety due to its historical significance and appealing coloration.