Gemology Encyclopedia

Rubies, with their fiery red colour, have long been seen as the “ king of gemstones .” A ruby’s red ranges from bright pinkish-red to deep blood-red, a result of chromium within the corundum mineral. Like sapphire, ruby is corundum with Mohs hardness 9, meaning it’s exceptionally durable for everyday wear. This hardness, combined with its passionate colour, makes ruby an excellent choice for engagement rings.  A ruby can symbolize love, courage and passion in a way few other gems can. Ruby...

Rose quartz is cherished for its gentle pink hue and association with love, compassion, healing and harmony. As a member of the quartz family, this gemstone is found in delicate pastel pinks, sometimes with subtle cloudiness or star-like patterns. With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, rose quartz is suitable for pendants and earrings, though a protective setting is recommended for rings. Its soft colour is often chosen for romantic, meaningful jewellery, including alternative engagement...

Peridot is a glowing green gemstone treasured since ancient times for its fresh, lively colour. It is a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine and forms deep within the Earth, sometimes delivered to the surface by volcanic activity or meteorites. Peridot’s bright, yellow-green hue makes it a perfect symbol of renewal and positivity, as well as August’s birthstone. With a hardness of 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale, peridot is fairly durable for jewellery but should be protected from rough wear....