rubies fluoresce - Myanmarrubies fluoresce - Myanmar

Do Natural Rubies Fluoresce?


Both natural and synthetic rubies fluoresce under UV light. Learn how slight differences in fluorescence patterns can help gemologists distinguish them.

1 Minute Read

Question: I was told years ago that natural rubies fluoresce but lab-grown rubies won't. Recently, someone told me the opposite. He says that synthetic rubies fluoresce but natural stones won't. Can you settle this?
  • ruby in zoisite matrix, normal light - Tanzania
  • ruby in zoisite matrix, ultraviolet light - Tanzania

    This ruby crystal on a zoisite matrix has a cherry-red fluorescence under ultraviolet (UV) light. Mundarara Mine, Arusha Region, Tanzania. Photos © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.

    Answer: All rubies fluoresce, whether they're mined or created in a lab, since natural and synthetic ruby gemstones have the same chemical composition and physical properties. However, there are slight differences in fluorescence patterns between natural and synthetic stones and even between natural rubies from different sources.

    Interested in this topic?

    This article is also a part of our Ruby Specialist Mini Course, in the unit Distinguishing Synthetic and Simulant Ruby.

    Fluorescence of Rubies from Various Sources

    For example, flame fusion is the most common way to synthesize corundum gems, which includes rubies and sapphires. Flame fusion rubies fluoresce stronger than natural gems. This can be used as a clue during identification.

    In practice, it's sometimes a very difficult determination to make. However, when you have a tiny stone that doesn't yield much information, every little bit helps.

    The following is an overview of how some rubies fluoresce under longwave (LW) and shortwave (SW) UV light.

    • Myanmar (Burma) Rubies: LW strong red. SW moderate red.
    • Sri Lanka (Ceylon) rubies: LW strong orange/red. SW moderate orange/red.
    • Thai rubies: LW weak red. SW inert.
    • Flame fusion rubies (synthetic): LW very strong orange/red. SW moderate to strong orange/red.
    • Flux-grown rubies (synthetic): LW Strong orange/red. SW orangey red and may have a blue tint or areas of blue.

    I hope this helps to clarify things for you,

    Don Clark, CSM IMG

    rubies fluoresce - Myanmar
    Ruby crystal with brilliant red fluorescence, 1.5 x 1.2 x 1.1 cm. Kadottat, Mogok, Sagaing District, Mandalay Division, Myanmar. Photos © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.

    Additional Comments on "Do Natural Rubies Fluoresce?" from the IGS on Facebook

    rubies fluoresce comparison - Jeffery Bergman, Primagem
    Photo by Jeffery Bergman, © EighthDimensionGems. Used with permission.

    Natural rubies fluoresce a bit. Natural Burma rubies GLOW!

    Elaine Hochberg

    The fact that raw hexagonal ruby crystals can fluoresce, and crystal cross-sections in matrix can also fluoresce, is a definitive answer.

    Angel Brick

    I have a number of rubies from Burma that are natural and light up like a Christmas tree under UV light, like the rubies that Jeffery shared on this post. I can't speak about synthetics since I've not tested one under UV light.

    Jerry Anderson Jr.

    Don't forget that synthetic rubies have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties of a natural ruby so both fluoresce, but Burmese rubies more so, definitely.

    Jennifer Simonds

    • ruby crystal on white matrix - Pakistan
    • ruby crystal on white marble matrix, fluorescence - Pakistan

      This ruby crystal on white marble matrix displays outstanding fluorescence. 2.9 x 2.6 x 1.1 cm, Nangimali, Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.


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