Difference Between Glass-Filled Ruby vs Natural Ruby
Published on
Mar 27, 2023

Ruby is one of the most popular red-colored gemstones. For decades, they have been prized and coveted. The rich color, durability, hardness, significance, and symbolism make them ideal gemstones for everyday wear. Ruby is one of the most valuable and sought-after gemstones in the world. This precious gemstone, also known as Ratnaraj Ratnanayaka and Padmaraga (in Sanskrit), holds a very special place in astrology science.
It is a powerful gemstone known for its rich culture, and for good reasons, it is referred to as "the king of gemstones." However, for obvious reasons, this gemstone requires a price to be offered. Purchasing this precious gemstone can be difficult because it is rare and natural Rubies are difficult to come by. To avoid duplication, buyers should keep a few points in mind before purchasing a Ruby Stone.
Feature | Glass-Filled Ruby | Natural Ruby |
Definition | Glass-filled rubies are generally the rubies that are treated with lead glass to fill cracks and holes, which enhances their overall look and appearance. | Natural rubies are formed genuinely without any significant human intervention or treatment. |
Appearance | They appear flawless to the naked eye due to enhancement and treatment. However, under magnification, bubbles and glassy areas can be seen. | Genuine rubies may have some inclusions and imperfections, but they are valued for their natural beauty and authenticity. |
Durability | Glass-filled rubies are less durable than natural rubies due to their glass filling, which can be damaged or deteriorate over time. | Natural rubies are highly durable compared to glass-filled rubies. With a hardness of 9 on Mohs scale, they are suitable for everyday wear. |
Treatment Disclosure | The treatment is crucial and should be disclosed to buyers, as treated gems are more affordable and often sold at lower rates. | If the ruby is natural and untreated, it doesn’t need any treatment disclosure, as it is highly desirable in its natural state and fetches higher prices. |
Value | Treated rubies are typically lower in value due to the glass-filling treatment performed on them. | Natural rubies are highly valuable and desirable due to their rarity and radiant hues. |
Maintenance | Glass-filled rubies require careful maintenance as they can be easily damaged. They should not be exposed to high heat or chemicals. | Natural rubies are easier to care for but should still be cleaned and handled with proper care to maintain their luster. |
Identification | Treated rubies can be identified by gemologists using magnification to observe glass-filled areas and bubbles. | Authentic rubies can be identified by natural inclusions and growth patterns typical of naturally formed rubies. |
Market Preference | Glass rubies are less preferable to collectors and investors due to the treatment performed on them. | Natural rubies are preferable over treated ones due to their natural beauty and authenticity. |
Price Range | Treated rubies are generally more affordable. However, prices can vary depending on the extent and quality of the filling. | Natural rubies are more expensive due to their color, clarity, carat weight, and origin. |
Common Differences Between Natural and Glass-Filled Ruby
Rubies are valuable gemstones and thus are highly susceptible to profiteering. For wide margins, low-quality rubies are frequently colored or heat treated. A genuine ruby gemstone is usually more expensive (depending on the origin) than a synthetic ruby or glass-filled ruby. A genuine, untreated ruby purchased at a lower price should always be considered suspicious.
Polishing, heating, flux, composite, oil treatments, and other treatments are common for rubies. Because rubies are so valuable, they are easily exploited. For large margins, low-quality rubies are frequently colored or heat treated. Original kempu gemstones are typically more expensive (depending on origin) than synthetic rubies or glass-filled rubies.
It has to be known that it is difficult to point out the differences between a Natural and Glass-Filled Ruby with the naked eye. However, we have pointed out a few differences between the two.
Natural Ruby: Ruby gemstone is known for its inclusions. Unheated and untreated Rubies contain needle-like inclusions, silk inclusions, color zoning, and color banding, Boehmite needles, Intact two-phase inclusions, Fingerprint inclusions, and Unaltered mineral inclusions. These are the natural inclusions in an Untreated and unheated Ruby.
Glass Filled Ruby: Glass Filled Ruby is the newest type of Rubies available in the market. Here, poor-quality rubies are mixed with acid that removes the mineralized inclusions. Doing this makes the gemstone soft and weak, which is inappropriate for everyday wear.
Further, these gemstones are infused with leaked gas that helps strengthens the rubies. This artificial beauty makes the gemstone look astonishingly gorgeous and people get trapped and buy them.
Buyers need to understand that Ruby is a precious gemstone and is known for its inclusions. The imperfections make the gemstone more valuable. The glass filled Ruby is a fake gemstone that might reflect pure red color, shiny and appealing. But we cannot ignore the fact that these are fake rubies and thus will not shower any of the benefits that a Ruby holds.
Certificates To Prove The Authenticity Of A Ruby
Authentic government-approved certificates prove the authenticity of a Ruby. Thus, buyers should always ask for these certificates. However, some sellers also provide fake reports; thus, the buyers should go for the Gemological Laboratory reports. Customers should be able to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit Gem Lab Certifications and always seek the physical characteristics of Manik stones from Gem Experts and Astrologers. The customer can confirm the authenticity of this stone by cross-referencing the report number on the Gem Lab certificate with the Gem Lab website or the company lab. If the report numbers match, it is a genuine Ruby gemstone certification.
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A sample GRS Certificate of Ruby GRS Gem Testing Lab that started with a mission to give services to its customers in the Gems and Jewellery Industry For Diamond Certification, Gemstones Certification, and Jewellery Certification
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A sample IGI Certificate for Ruby The Indian Gemological Institute (IGI-GTL-GJEPC) (est. 1978) is known for rendering unprejudiced gem-related www and research to the Gem and Jewellery Industry as well as the public, along with guiding research and development to government agencies and gemmology schools, through public write-ups and articles.
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A sample GIA Certificate for Ruby (GIA) stands for Gemmological Institute of America. It is a non-profit institute dedicated to research and education in the field of gemmology and jewellery arts. They help maintain the standards used to evaluate gemstone quality.
The Price Of Natural Ruby
Ruby stone price per carat varies depending on the origin, quality, clarity, cut, shape, size, luster, inclusions, and certificate it carries. Based on the mentioned quality combination, the price of a nearly eye-clean Indian Ruby stone can start from INR 1,000 ($12.61) to INR 5,000 per carat INR ($63.06) based on the sizes. African Ruby starts from INR 4,000 ($50. 45) and goes up to INR 10,000 ($126.12). However, Burma/Mozambique origin starts from INR 20,000 ($252.24) -1,00,000 and above ($1261.19) per carat. To get in-depth detail of the price, connect with our experts.
Ruby Gemstones Available At GemPundit
GemPundit has many Natural Ruby gemstones available. There are different options from which a buyer can choose one. Check out some of the options available below:
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Natural Pigeon Blood Ruby weighing 1.15 carats (1.28 ratti) from Mozambique
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Natural Ruby weighing 3.19 carats (3.54 ratti) from Mozambique
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Natural Ruby weighing 7.22 carats (8.02 ratti) from Mozambique
Why Choose GemPundit?
GemPundit is an online leading provider of gemstones and customized gemstone jewelry. One has to know that authenticity plays a major role while purchasing gemstones and what could be better than shopping from the leaders of the industry? Other than providing authentic gemstones, GemPundit provides innumerable perks like 24*7 customer support, Astrological consultation and many more.
GemPundit is also known for providing full assurance along with 100% customer satisfaction. Our customers are our priority; we do not leave any stone unturned to provide 100% customer satisfaction, be it for the designs that they prefer or for the authenticity they deserve. All our products are lab-certified, so you can be assured about the quality. Our fully dedicated team starts working on each and every order from scratch. The entire process is taken into consideration before fulfilling any order.
For quick and accurate astrological gem recommendations, you can get assistance through our Free Gem Recommendation Tool.
FAQs
Q1. Can Filled Rubies be repaired or treated differently than Natural Rubies?
Yes, Filled rubies need expert handling since their composition is different from natural rubies. Repair and maintenance should, in that regard, refer to professional hands.
Q2. Are Filled Rubies less valuable than Natural Rubies?
Generally, filled rubies are of much less value compared to natural rubies, since they are either synthetic or treated, hence do not have that rarity and authenticity that could otherwise be available in the gem market.
Q3. How does the price of a Filled Ruby compare to that of a Natural Ruby?
Known as "filled rubies," they usually go at a lower price than natural rubies due to their synthetic or treated nature, by which there is an effect on the rarity and authenticity value reflected in the gemstone market.
Q4. Can Filled Rubies and Natural Rubies be distinguished based on weight or density?
In some instances, the quality of filled rubies is based on weight or density compared to natural ones. Natural rubies are said to have more density and ratio by weight to size than the filled rubies.
Also Read: Ruby Stone Benefit

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