GREAT VALUE LOT 305 pcs 6.98 ct RUBY – SRI LANKA

Ruby (Sri Lanka) Ruby from Sri Lanka represents the "royal glow" of the legendary "Island of Gems." While the rubies of Myanmar are known for their "pigeon’s blood" intensity, I have always admired the Sri Lankan variety for its exceptional transparency and its vibrant, "pinkish-red" brilliance. Having lived for many years in Tamil Nadu, you likely feel a profound connection to this stone, as the geological bonds between South India and Sri Lanka are as deep as the historical ones. These rubies are found in the ancient "alluvial" gravels, representing the concentrated heart of the island’s metamorphic history. For the specialist, a Sri Lankan Ruby is a prize of "inner light"—it is a stone that often appears more "open" and lively than rubies from other localities, offering a neon-like glow that feels remarkably energetic. The Heritage & Discovery Historical Significance: Sri Lanka is perhaps the oldest continuous source of rubies in the world, famously described by explorers like Marco Polo as the land of the finest gems. Historically, these stones were a symbol of the Sinhalese kings and were highly traded across the Palk Strait into the kingdoms of South India. In the world of fine minerals, Sri Lankan Rubies are celebrated for their fluorescence; because they often possess a lower iron content than Thai or African rubies, they glow with an intense red under ultraviolet light. They stand as a symbol of passion and spiritual vitality, bridging the gap between the ancient Corundum mines and the elite world of "investment-grade" colored gems. Discovery: My own respect for these stones is rooted in their traditional discovery methods in the Illam (gem-bearing gravel). Miners in areas like Ratnapura have used the same rhythmic, manual washing techniques for centuries—a process that feels like a meditation on the Earth's patience. Scientifically, these are chromium-bearing varieties of Corundum. Their discovery provided mineralogists with the first clear look at "low-iron" rubies, which allowed for a much brighter, more "fluorescent" red. Since their identification, they have remained the definitive choice for those who value brilliance and "life" in a ruby over pure dark saturation. Important Mines: The undisputed world capital for these stones is Ratnapura (the "City of Gems") in the Sabaragamuwa Province. I also have a high regard for the high-quality material found in the Elahera and Balangoda regions. For the vault, I prioritize stones that exhibit a "vivid pinkish-red" hue with minimal inclusions, as the clarity of Sri Lankan material is its greatest competitive advantage on the global market. Mineralogical Profile Description: Ruby is the red variety of Corundum, an aluminum oxide that crystallizes in the trigonal system. It sits at a 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond, making it an incredibly durable and permanent gemstone. It is characterized by its vitreous to sub-adamantine luster and its range of pink-red to deep carmine colors. One of its most identifying traits is its strong pleochroism—when viewed from different angles, it can shift between a purplish-red and an orangey-red. It has a high refractive index ($n \approx 1.76$ to $1.77$) and a characteristic "silk" composed of tiny Rutile needles, which, when properly oriented, can create the spectacular "Star Ruby" effect. Because it is a Corundum, it is often found in association with Sapphire, Spinel, and Zircon. When I select a piece for the collection, I look for "even" color distribution and that signature Sri Lankan transparency, as these highlight the sophisticated, "liquid" fire that makes this ruby a standout for the systematic specialist. Chemical Formula: Al₂O₃:Cr