Ruby vs Pink Sapphire: What are the differences?

Vivid red-hued Ruby and brilliant pink-hued Pink Sapphire gemstones at GemPundit

Ruby and Pink Sapphire belong to the same mineral family, Corundum which is a crystalline form of aluminium oxide. The Corundum consists of impurities or traces of iron, titanium, or chromium. The impurities create an exquisite array of colored Corundum crystals ranging from grey , brown, yellow, red, green, pink, purple, and blue.

All vivid red-colored Corundum varieties are classified as Rubies and all other varieties that are not red are classified as Sapphires. This states that all non-red-hued Corundums are Sapphire gemstones including pink-hued Sapphires as pink is considered a light tone of red and is the frontier between Rubies and Sapphires.

Ruby and Pink Sapphire - What Sets Us Apart?

The King of Gemstones Ruby and the stone that is known for its ‘Elegance and Royalty’ - Pink Sapphire have a lot in common but are a little different from each other.

Ruby or Manik in Hindi is a natural, deep pink or blood red-hued precious gemstone. The term ‘Ruby’ is taken from the Latin word ruber, meaning ‘red’. On the other hand, Pink Sapphire is a natural light pink to a deep violet-pink-hued precious gemstone that occurs naturally in metamorphic rocks. Ruby is the July birthstone whereas Pink Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September.

Apart from being from the same mineral family, Ruby and Pink Sapphire can be distinguished on the basis of the ‘color’. The hue, tone, intensity, or saturation of the Corundum gemstones can be quantified scientifically to distinguish between the color ‘pink’ and the color ‘red’. Ruby Stone gets its bright red color due to the presence of chromium, whereas Pink Sapphire Stone gets its beautiful pink color due to the addition of iron and titanium impurities in the gemstone.

So, when it comes to choosing between these precious stones, visual appeal plays a crucial role as it primarily sets these gemstones apart from one another. Also, these precious gemstones exhibit strong astrological benefits and healing properties. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult an expert astrologer to find the gemstone that best suits you.

Rubies and Pink Sapphires - What GIA and ICA consider?

Gemological Institute of America (GIA) classifies Rubies as Corundum gemstones that exhibit a ‘dominant red’ color and all other Corundums are Sapphires. On the other hand, the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) considers any ‘red colored’ gemstone as Ruby, regardless of its hue, tone, intensity, or saturation.

Pink Sapphires are colored by trace amounts of manganese. When alumina is present in trace amounts, it can cause the color of Sapphires to turn pink. Pink Sapphire grades on a color spectrum from light pink to dark red, depending on the particular variety. A vivid and saturated light pink colored Pink Sapphire is very rare and therefore, it holds more value than other color varieties of Pink Sapphire. To figure out the best quality of original ruby we need to consider its hue, tonal grade, and saturation. Hue signifies the type of red, the redder the gemstone the better. The tonal grade determines the level of darkness of red. While saturation determines the intensity of color. The most allured Ruby colors are the strong pure red and a red with a tint of purple most commonly known as pigeon’s blood.

Pink Sapphire and Ruby Price Per Carat

The exceptional beauty and rarity of Pink Sapphire make it a highly valuable gemstone in national and international markets. The Pink Sapphire price ranges from INR 6,000 ($ 80) per carat to INR 3,00,000 ($ 4080) per carat or even more depending on the certain parameters that influence Pink Sapphire value. On the other hand, Ruby stone price per carat begins from as low as INR 450 ($ 6) and goes up to INR 2 Lakh per carat ($ 2720). To ensure a fair purchase, it is advisable to buy Rubies and Pink Sapphires with industry-wide Gem Lab Certifications that deduce the authenticity of the gemstones.

Why choose GemPundit?

Gemstones are experiencing a surge in the market and capture the essence of a deeper meaning associated with it. That is why it is important to purchase gemstones from trusted and authentic sources. Fake imitations of colored gemstones are circulating in the market and risking the hard-earned money of the individuals. GemPundit is one such stop where you will get 100% natural and authentic gemstones.

GemPundit is a leading provider of 100% original gemstones and we always consult professional and authentic gemstone labs in order to deduce the authenticity of their gemstones and jewelry. At GemPundit, you will find an exquisite collection of the finest and authentic gemstone jewelry made with 100% natural and original gemstones with an authentic and original gem lab certification.

Our team of expert astrologers recommends gemstones according to your birth chart with proper analysis of the planets in your birth chart. Our expert gem consultants provide 24x7 customer support to cater to the needs of the customer and aim to provide the best service. For quick and accurate astrological gem recommendations, get assistance through our Free Gem Recommendation Tool Or Book our Astro Consultation Service now!