What is a Lab Grown Ruby?
Lab Grown Ruby (also called Lab Created Ruby, Lab Ruby or Created Ruby) is precisely what the name suggests, Ruby grown in a lab. Lab Rubies are produced under the same conditions and materials that produce Rubies in nature, in a vastly reduced time-frame.
Both mined Ruby and Lab Ruby form from the same mineral (Corundum) and are 100% chemically and optically identical, the only difference lies in their origin. Many mined Rubies form inclusions during the crystallization process. Because the process of growing gems in a lab can be closely controlled, Lab Grown Rubies can achieve the gem’s sought-after red hue with minimal inclusions.
Why choose Lab Grown Ruby?
Mined Rubies are very rare and very expensive. Finding a large Ruby with the desired hue and next to no inclusions in nature is rarer still. With lab grown gemstones available, the majestic look of Rubies is now accessible to many for the first time - and at a fraction of the cost.
Not only is a Lab Grown Ruby great value, but all lab grown gemstones are by nature, conflict-free. Ruby is an excellent gemstone for jewelry due to its hardness and resplendent color. Lab Ruby grown in a controlled environment, will be even more durable due to the presence of fewer inclusions.
Fun Facts & Famous Rubies:
- Ruby, both mined and lab grown, is the birthstone for the month of July.
- Ruby, both mined and lab grown, is the gemstone associated with 15th and 40th wedding anniversary gifts.
- The stone gets its name from the word “Ruber,” Latin for red. In Sanskrit, Rubies are known by the name “ratnaraj,” meaning the king of gems.
- Ruby both mined and lab grown, are part of the mineral family Corundum. Only red corundum can be classified as a Ruby; every other color is considered to be Sapphire.
- The most expensive piece of Ruby jewelry ever sold at auction is known as “The Sunrise Ruby.” The 25.59 carat Burmese Ruby and Diamond ring was sold in May of 2015 for a little over 30 million dollars.
- The first laser ever created was made using the red fluorescence light emitted by Ruby crystals.
How to Care for Lab Grown Ruby Jewelry
While Ruby is an incredibly hard gemstone, registering 9 on the Mohs scale (out of 10), the presence of Chromium, which causes its red color, may also cause fissures in the surface of mined Rubies. This means using harsh cleaning methods on Ruby jewelry runs the risk of removing color. Lab Grown Ruby, created in a controlled environment will form with fewer inclusions, making it a more durable alternative and easier to care for.
For everyday cleaning, we recommend gently rinsing your Ruby jewelry with mild dish soap and warm water, using a toothbrush to scrub behind the stone where dust can collect. If additional cleaning is required, Lab Grown Rubies are durable enough to be put into an ultrasonic cleaners, with regular jewelry cleaning solutions. Neither Lab Grown Rubies nor mined Rubies should be exposed to any abrasives or harsh chemicals. For more information about how to clean your Lab Grown Ruby jewelry, contact our Jewelry Consultants.