The color red may hold different meanings depending on where you are in the world, but gemstones remain valuable everywhere. Continue reading to learn more about the assortment of precious red gemstones that exist.
Ruby
Ah, the king of gemstones—ruby. It’s the stone that instantly comes to mind when thinking of red gems. Ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum, the same species that gives us sapphires. What sets rubies apart from other corundum gemstones is the presence of chromium, which gives them their signature red hue. This color can range from pinkish-red to the coveted “pigeon’s blood” red—the most prized and valuable shade of all. With a ranking of 9 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, rubies are an excellent choice for all types of jewelry. Rubies are often set alongside diamonds, like in this exquisite three-stone ring from J.B. Star, to create stunning contrasts that further enhance their vivid color.
Rhodolite Garnet
Garnet is a group of silicate minerals found in a range of colors, including deep red, green, orange and even rare colorless varieties. However, the most well-known and sought-after garnets are the deep red ones. Red garnet varies in color from deep crimson to a lighter, orangey red. The gemstone’s name comes from the Latin word “granatum”, meaning “pomegranate,” due to the resemblance between the shape and color of garnet crystals and pomegranate seeds.
Red Spinel
Spinel is often mistaken for ruby due to its similar red shades, but this beautiful gemstone has unique qualities of its own. Composed of aluminum oxide, spinel occurs in a stunning variety of colors, including red, pink and even purple. Red spinels can range from deep crimson to bright cherry red. Although red spinel is sometimes overshadowed by ruby, it’s actually rarer than ruby in certain sizes and qualities. Historically, many famous “rubies” in royal collections were later identified as red spinels, earning it the nickname “the impostor ruby.” In terms of value, red spinel is generally more affordable than ruby, making it an attractive option for those seeking the look of a ruby without the steep cost.
Red Agate
Red agate is a moody gemstone characterized by tones of deep brick red, orange and brown. It belongs to the chalcedony family, a variety of quartz. Its smooth texture and the way light interacts with its surface contribute to its appeal. While typically solid in color, red agate may occasionally feature natural banding, striations or swirling patterns, making each piece unique.
Red Sapphire
Sapphire is most famous for its blue varieties, but it also occurs in forms of red. Learn more about the pink variant of sapphire in this post here. Known as “padparadscha” when it displays a pinkish-orange hue, red sapphires are equally mesmerizing. Red sapphire is a captivating and rare gemstone, often considered one of the most precious varieties of sapphire. The most acclaimed red sapphires typically have an intense, velvety red color with good clarity and minimal inclusions.
Rubellite Tourmaline
Rubellite tourmaline is a lustrous gemstone featuring a deep pink to rich red color, ranging from soft rose to dramatic crimson, often accentuated by flashes of violet or purple. Highly valued for its color and brilliance, it is considered one of the finest members of the tourmaline family. Rubellite tourmaline also tends to exhibit excellent clarity, with fewer inclusions than other gemstones. Its red color is typically attributed to the presence of lithium and manganese, though the exact chemical composition may vary between crystals. Due to the rarity and bold color saturation of high-quality rubellite tourmaline, it is a more expensive gemstone compared to other varieties of tourmaline.
Capture hearts with the attention-grabbing color of red. Shop red gemstone jewelry online at Borsheims.com or in store today.
