Original Burma Ruby Identification – Don’t Get Duped! 

Rich in colour and cultural value, Burma Ruby Gemstone crystals are the most precious and sought-after gems on earth. Their scarcity and costliness have made them a prime target for counterfeits, synthetic rubies, and heavily treated rubies, all of which are sold as natural. If you’re thinking about purchasing a Burma Ruby, read up on how to identify an authentic from counterfeit. In this short-guide, we’re going to show you expert advice on how to spot an original Burma Ruby to ensure that you don’t get duped.

Why Real Burma Rubies Are Considered So Precious

Burma Rubies—particularly those from the famous Mogok Valley in Burma—are prized for their fire-engine “Pigeon Blood Red” hue, fabulous clarity, and untreated origin. These rubies too are extraordinarily rare, untreated, and fetch high prices in the international marketplace. A real Burma Ruby can be worth ten times a diamond of equal size. That’s if you see the items at all which is why authenticating authenticity is completely non-negotiable before any purchase.

1 Identify the Signature Color Pigeon Blood Red

The most valued Burma rubies display a brilliant, intense red color, with a subtle blue tinge—notoriously called Pigeon Blood Red. This color is characteristic of rubies from the Mogok area.

• That red needs to be bright red, almost orange, but not dark enough to look purplish.

• When viewed in sunlight, the stone often reveals a beautiful glow or inner fire resulting from high fluorescence.

Watch out for stones that are very bright red, or have an even red color all over—these can be synthetic or treated rubies.

2. Watch for Inclusions – the Right Kind

Certain inclusions are actually a positive indication in a natural ruby. Indeed, inclusions are one of the things that can help verify a ruby is real.

• Needle-like rutile inclusions (known as “silk”) are plentiful in Burmese rubies.

• These inclusions are usually pretty evenly spread out in a pattern and do not distract too much from the aesthetic value.

• Bubble-shaped inclusions, or gas bubbles are clear signs you are looking at a synthetic ruby or a glass-filled ruby.

Only a trained gemologist can view inclusions under magnification to confirm natural origin.

3. Demand That You Get Certified

While seemingly minor, perhaps none of these steps are more important than this one. Always ask for a gemological certificate from a well-known lab like these:

• GIA (Gemological Institute of America)

• IGI (International Gemological Institute)

• GRS (Gem Research Swiss lab)

• BGL (Burma Gemological Laboratory)

The certificate should at least state their origin (Burma/Myanmar), treatment (ideally “none”), and a gemological report including full analysis.

4. Assessment of Treatment Efficacy

The reality is that most Burma Ruby you will find in jewelry stores today are treated to improve overall color or clarity. The main go-to treatments are:

• Condition acceptable, Note: Acceptable but value is reduced.

• Lead-glass filling —common used to conceal cracks lowers authenticity and value by a great deal.

• Dyeing – Artificial dyeing of gemstones is quite common. This usually indicates a low-quality ruby.

Original Burma Rubies are almost always untreated or very lightly treated, giving them greatly increased value.

5. Know the Dealer and Source Reputation

Always purchase from well-known dealers or established brands that have a focus on selling fine gemstones. Here are some important questions to ask the seller themselves:

• To answer the first question, where do you think this ruby was sourced from?

• What kind of wastewater is it, untreated or treated?

• What about lab certification required for all projects?

 Reliable gem dealers such as Navratan, GIA-rated jeweler, or well-known public auction houses are a good purchase.

6. Look at it with an ultraviolet light

Burma Rubies tend to have a strong red fluorescence under UV originating from high chromium levels. This fluorescence allows them to be recognized as Burmese (Myanmar) rubies, as opposed to synthetic rubies and rubies from other areas that have different chemical compositions.

7. Conduct a Refractive Index (RI) test

If you have access to gemological tools, or a gem lab:

• Artificial ruby has a refractive index of 1.76 or lower.

• This narrows the possibilities down to natural materials and helps rule out imitation materials such as garnet, glass, or spinel.

Awareness is Your Greatest Defense

Seeing as there is a high demand, there is a high chance of it being fake, so be sure to educate yourself before purchasing an Authentic Burma Ruby gemstone. By looking out for its color, inclusions, origin certificate and fluorescence, you’ll be sure to spot a genuine Burma Ruby and not get swindled. When in doubt, consult a trusted gemologist and/or purchase only through certified dealers. A genuine Burma Ruby is a once-in-a-lifetime investment. Don’t settle for an imitation.