RUBIES 55
rose tint to the deepest carmine, but the rarest and most valuable shade is that known as Pigeon Blood. This
is the color of arterial blood. The ruby has always been greatly
admired, and Rus-kin calls the ruby in the British Crown the most
beautiful gem he has ever seen.
The
finest rubies come from Burmah and are termed Oriental Rubies. Siam
also produces rubies, but of a much darker red and of very much less
value. Rubies are also found in Ceylon, India, Australia, Brazil, and
occasionally in America.
Rubies, as well as sapphires, are sometimes cut in India in cabochon form
and are afterwards recut in Europe. The style is often cushion shape,
with step cutting. They are also cut round and pear shape, similar to
the cutting of a diamond of these shapes. The stones are cut thick or
shallow to deepen or diminish the color of the stone.
Many
years ago scientists succeeded in producing minute crystals of rubies
and sapphires which could not be distinguished from the rubies of
nature even by the microscope. These specimens were, however, very
small and of no commercial value. These minute crystals are the only
truly synthetic rubies which have ever been made.
The scientific ruby now on the market is
