Rubino

Rubino is the Italian term for the gemstone ruby, the red variety of the mineral corundum (Al2O3). The red color is produced by chromium as a trace element. Rubies have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making them among the most durable natural gemstones, and they typically exhibit high brilliance due to their strong refractive properties. Crystals belong to the corundum family and are usually cut as faceted stones to maximize color and clarity.

Color and varieties: The ruby range covers red to purplish-red stones. Stones with weaker red color are usually categorized as pink sapphires, while vivid red stones are designated rubies. Special varieties include star rubies, showing asterism from rutile inclusions, and color-change rubies that shift hue under different lighting. Burma (Myanmar) rubies, often described as pigeon-blood rubies, have historically been highly prized, along with stones from Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania, and other sources.

History and production: Rubies have been valued for centuries and appear in many pieces of jewelry and regalia. Natural rubies can contain inclusions and may be heat-treated to improve color and clarity; some stones undergo additional enhancements. Synthetic rubies have been available since the Verneuil process in the early 20th century, and modern methods such as flame fusion and flux growth produce lab-grown stones with identical chemical composition to natural rubies.

Care and market: Rubies are graded by color, saturation, tone, and clarity, as well as cut quality. They resist scratching but can be fractured if struck. Cleaning is typically done with mild soap and water; ultrasonic cleaning may be avoided for stones with fractures or certain treatments. The term rubino reflects both the gemstone and its cultural significance in Italian-speaking contexts.