red sapphire or ruby?

There aren''t any criteria as far as I''m aware.

If it looks more red than pink it''s a ruby, if it looks more pink than red then it''s a sapphire. That said I''ve seen ''red sapphires'' and ''pink rubies'' for sale as well.

Helpful I know....

In Richard Wise''s book he has a photo of a pear shape red/pink gemstone.  The top is ruby red and then the colour is less saturated towards the bottom so becomes pink!  He makes the point of what would you call that?! 

Pandora is right, there''s no official "if it''s X then it''s Y" so it''s all about using your eyes I''m afraid.

It depends on where you are in the world. Most Asian countries define all hues of pink-red corundum as ruby. But in the U.S. and Europe the ruby/pink sapphire distinction holds sway.

This article by ruby and sapphire expert Richard Hughes offers some great insights into that discussion and a couple of others too.

RUBY/PINK SAPPHIRE
Richard M.

Even though Richard stays completely away from dollars in his article isnt that what the end becomes? I am getting the unstated idea that the color designations/exclusions are about attaching a higher carat price, rather than a true attempt to categorize the gemstones. In other words the terms ruby and padparadsha allow dealers to ratchet up the carat price due to consumer perception of exclusivity, over similiarly colored stones without the designation. Wow I had no idea it was this big of a debate! I was just curious about how the terms were applied to any given color. I can certainly see why "the trade" is against any kind of official system. It is hard to give up gigantic profit margins that are based on false perception, rather than true exclusivity, or rarity.

You are right Tropicmaster. Often what defines a ruby vs a pink sapphire is what side of the table you are on. To the seller, it''s a ruby, and to the buyer a sapphire. But it''s even worse when buying rough.

All,

Since pink is a paler less saturated form of red and a straight line is infinitely divisible, the exact point where pink becomes red is impossible to define. Gene is right about the side of the table, however I prefer a paraphrase of Supreme Court justice Stewart''s definition of pornography:

I can''t define the difference between ruby and pink sapphire but I know it when I see it.

Best,

Also, there's a lot of beryllium diffused corundum out there being marketed as "red sapphire." Beryllium diffused corundum can't be labeled "ruby," but many don't understand that the red color is not natural and is altered beyond simple heat treatment.

haha!--I like your analogy, Mr. Wise.

Thanks Coat for pointing that out.  I''ve noticed that myself it seems that "red sapphire" is the name they are using for the Be treated stones.

This is a very timely topic.  I was wondering the same thing with regards to pink sapphires /rubies and had meant to post the question.  Good to know that my suspicion was correct.