In order to work with our crystals effectively, we need to understand their properties. With crystals that look similar or have similar uses, such as ruby and rubellite it can be difficult to determine which one to work with. The answer should always be; the one that you are drawn to the most. However, if you are looking to find the difference in physical appearance as well as metaphysical properties, you’ll find your answer here.
Continue reading if you want to know more about the (physical) qualities of these stones, as well as how you can use them in your spiritual practice.
Also read: Full Guide To Ruby vs. Red Diamond (This Is The Difference)
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Ruby vs Rubellite – How To Tell The Difference?
In order to understand the difference between these two stones, we can look at the color, shape, pattern, clarity, and more. Below we’ll describe all these aspects in detail.
Chemical Composition
According to scientific research, rubies are known as corundum. They are a rock mineral that is formed by aluminum oxides. It is made up of two only two aluminum atoms and three oxygen atoms. It may also have traces of chromium, titanium, iron, and vanadium.
Rubellite, on the other hand, has a chemical structure made of sodium, lithium, aluminum, and borosilicate hydroxide and is thus named complex borosilicate.
Color
Ruby is mainly red. However, some have different shades of pink and orange. The color variation is due to the presence of chromium. When the chromium present is much, the red color is intensified. Chromium also produces fluorescence, which boosts the color of the ruby.
The rubellite is also red, but varies to dramatic pink and violet red. Color variation of the rubellite is caused by the presence of manganese and iron within its crystal structure.
Clarity and Pattern
Most rubies have inclusions, and thus their transparency and impact to emit and reflect light are affected. This makes those rubies with no or minimal inclusions highly valued and expensive. However, those with no inclusions are very rare.
Some rubies are semi-translucent, allowing a small fragment of light to pass through, while others are opaque and allow almost no light to pass through them. The crystal system of this gemstone is hexagonal scalenohedral.
Conversely, Rubellites are commonly known to be Type III gems. They have microscopic needle-like inclusions, which intensify their beauty. Its transparency also varies, where some are opaque while others are fully transparent. Its shape is known as an oval cabochon.
Also read: Full Guide To Emerald vs. Ruby (This Is the Difference)
Hardness
Formerly, Ruby was among the top three gemstones classified due to their hardness. Emerald, ruby, and sapphires were the only recognized stones as precious gemstones as they recorded the highest value on the Mohs scale of hardness. Ruby has a hardness rank of 9 on the Mohs scale. It has no cleavage and superb toughness. Despite its toughness, it is prone to breakage when it is struck.
The hardness of rubellite is relatively high, as it ranges from 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs Scale of hardness. It also has no cleavage, making it more attractive and highly preferred.
Care
Both ruby and rubellite are cleaned using warm water and a mixture of mild soaps. The use of a soft toothbrush is highly recommended to scrub away the dirt. Rinsing should be done with warm water, and the gemstone should be wiped dry using a lint-free cloth. The use of ultrasonic and steam cleaners is also safe for the rubies, but this method should not be done on those gemstones which are fractured.
Moreover, both rubies and rubellites can be treated using heat treatment. For rubellites, this is done to improve their color and reduce the visible inclusions, while for the rubies, to enhance the quality by filling cavities and fractures.
Location
Rubies were first discovered in Myanmar, at that time known as Burma. Today, they are mainly mined in Australia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Rubellite was first found in Brazil but is found in Madagascar, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Mozambique today.
Uses
Jewelry
Both rubies and rubellites are both used to make pieces of jewelry such as bracelets, rings, and earrings. Formerly, members of the noble family wore jewelry made of rubies, as they were the only ones who could afford it. They believed that jewelry made from these gemstones would protect them from all evils and also keep them healthy.
Rubellite jewelry is highly available and is not very expensive. They bring out a sense of vivid fashion and sophistication. Rubellite is mainly preferred to make long pendant necklaces because their appearances are more attractive.
Meditation
Rubies and rubellite are said to focus their energy away from negative thoughts and events. They promote a clear mind enabling a clean and unbothered consciousness.
Also read: Full Guide To Garnet vs. Ruby (This Is The Difference)
Properties
Both the ruby and the rubellite are associated with energy, only that the rubellite is specified to have incredible feminine energy. The ruby is known to be a stone of good fortune in that it brings lack and relaxation to the body, mind, and soul. The gemstone is believed to take care of the heart and all blood circulation. It generates success, creativity, honor, and loyalty in a person’s life. At home, it is thought to be protective over possessions and family.
Rubellite, on the other hand, promotes creativity in a way that helps people to stick together with love and harmony. It also encourages conviction, strength, and boldness to face the challenges that one may encounter. It gives one motivation and enthusiasm to keep working even if it doesn’t feel worth it. Just like rubies, it is believed to improve blood circulation and balance during the construction of the blood vessels.
Chakra Association
Both gemstones are associated with the same chakra; these are; the heart chakra and the root chakra. Their energies are believed to stimulate the heart chakra. However, the ruby is considered to connect to the root chakra due to its red hues. Due to their association with the heart chakra, they help you spiritually and emotionally, giving you a state of mental balance and peace with yourself.
Rubellites, on the one hand, enable one to be gentle and compassionate. Its energy, however, helps one to harmonize the feminine forces which bring all sexes together, promoting peaceful and happy relationships. The root chakra helps one to take overall care of themselves. It helps boost sexual energy and acceptance of sexuality and captivate happiness.
Zodiac Association
Both ruby and rubellite are birthstones of July and October, respectively. Zodiac signs of ruby are Cancer, Scorpio, Leo, Aries, and Sagittarius. Leo is associated with royalty and is represented by lions, as they are the king of the jungle. It brings about passion, vivaciousness, self-love, and acceptance. It enables one to love themselves enough to celebrate themselves even when they are yet to attain success but are still hopeful.
Cancer is combined with Scorpio. It is associated with compassion and understanding of human nature. It is not made up of positive aspects, as it has many negative signs. Moreover, the rubellite is also associated with the Libra sign, which reflects a state of balance and strives to produce a state of equilibrium in all dimensions of life.
Element Association
Ruby is a fire element, while rubellite is a water and earth element. When a ruby gemstone is placed in water, it makes it boil. Furthermore, if It is wrapped using a piece of cloth or hidden, it shines so brightly to reveal its presence. It is believed that a ruby naturally contains inner fire and could at times shine so brightly like a torch.
Rubellites, on the other hand, combine the energies of both earth and water to bring about survival, peace, safety, abundance, and the power to overcome fear. The combination of these energies helps one to have emotional stability and heal heart wounds from previous heartbreaks.
Ruling Planet
Rubies and rubellites are said to be ruled over by the sun. However, the rubies also represent planet Mars as it is yielded with aspects such as positive thinking, communicative power, self-confidence, and competence.
On the other hand, rubellites are ruled by different planets due to their various facets. For example, Venus is a female deity filled with love, affection, and beauty. Just like the rubellites, it is associated with feminine energy. Mars is believed to be a warrior and aid in creativity.
Hence, the two planets work together and help us have high self-esteem and creativity.
Numerical Vibration
The Ruby gemstone has a numerical vibration of 3 while that of rubellite is 9. This numerical vibration has enabled the earth to receive light from the ruby, which in this case is called the star of fire. This light energy enhances progression and enlightenment among humans. They also illuminate knowledge from ancient times to the present.
Rubellite, on the other hand, has a very high vibration which mainly opens up the heart chakra. This vibration makes the heart’s emotions and the earth to be on the same level, and hence it induces humanity. This vibration mainly focuses on emotions and how to overcome issues that confine the heart’s surety.
Also rea: Full Guide To Red Aventurine vs. Strawberry Quartz (This Is The Difference)
Best Combination
Both of these gemstones can be combined with others to bring out better results. For instance, ruby can be combined with Black Obsidian to enhance the activation of the root chakra. It can also be combined with red-colored stones, which help one to understand how to deal with their emotions.
Rubellites, on the other hand, can be merged with lepidolite gemstone that helps to calm you down when you are nervous and anxious. Rose quartz and rubellite can work together to improve your energy of love and romance.
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