Perhaps the most prized of gemstones in either transparent faceted form or chatoyant star rubies. One of the prime sources is the Mogok area of Burma. Fine stones over 2 carats are rare and expensive.

Ruby is distinguished for its bright red color, being the most famed and fabled red gemstone. Beside for its bright color, it is a most desirable gem due to its hardness, durability, luster, and rarity. Transparent rubies of large sizes are even rarer than Diamonds. Ruby is the red variety of the mineral Corundum. Sapphire, the other gem variety of Corundum, encompasses all colors of Corundum aside from red.