Synthetic rubies have been around since the 1800s. They were first created in an attempt to find a cheaper and more accessible alternative to the real thing.
Today, synthetic rubies are used for all sorts of applications — from jewelry to lasers. But what exactly are synthetic rubies? How are they made? What is the cost difference between synthetic and natural rubies? Are synthetic rubies a good alternative to July’s birthstone? In this post, we will explore all things synthetic ruby!
What are synthetic rubies?
Synthetic rubies are, quite simply, rubies that have been created in a lab.
A synthetic ruby is made of the same material as a natural ruby — corundum. The only difference is that synthetic rubies are created through human intervention, rather than formed naturally by the earth.
Synthetic rubies were first created in 1837 by French chemist Joseph Duchesne. Since then, the process for creating synthetic rubies has been refined and improved upon significantly.
Today, there are two primary methods for creating synthetic rubies: Verneuil flame fusion and Czochralski pull method.
Both of these methods result in a high-quality product that is very similar to natural rubies in terms of physical and optical properties.
Benefits of synthetic rubies
One of the main benefits of synthetic rubies is that they are much more affordable than natural rubies.
Synthetic rubies can cost anywhere from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars per carat, whereas natural rubies can cost thousands of dollars per carat.
Synthetic rubies are also much more widely available than natural rubies — they can be found in all sorts of colors, sizes, and shapes. And because they are created in a lab, synthetic rubies do not have any inclusions or blemishes — they are completely flawless!
Synthetic rubies as birthstone gifts
Rubies are the birthstone for July, and if you’ve ever tried to get a birthstone gift for a July baby, you already know that it can be a cost-prohibitive endeavor!
If you’re considering giving a ruby gemstone as a gift, synthetic rubies are definitely a great option. They are beautiful and unique, but won’t break the bank.
Just make sure to do your research and buy from a reputable source — synthetic rubies are often sold under false pretenses as natural rubies, so it’s important to be informed!
Why are real rubies so expensive?
Real rubies are among the precious “cardinal gems,” and they are found in a number of places all over the world, but they are most commonly mined in Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique. Rubies can also be found in Afghanistan, Australia, Colombia, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Tanzania.
Rubies are typically found in metamorphic rocks that have been formed under high pressure and temperature conditions.
Rubies are so expensive because they are incredibly rare. In fact, rubies are considered one of the rarest gemstones in the world. Additionally, rubies have a very unique color that cannot be replicated by any other gemstone. The combination of rarity and uniqueness makes rubies some of the most valuable gemstones in the world.