The 14.77 ct composite ruby rough ... where natural ruby slabs were pasted to a synthetic ruby crystal. Notice the hexagonal zoning on the polished surface. Photo by Meenakshi Chauhan; magnified 15×.

Although the producers claimed that these stones were red diffusion-treated corundum (i.e., a shallow coloration induced by the lattice diffusion of chromium), the surface layer is actually a ...

To grow the gem, Ms Boons started with a ruby "seed" taken from ... unpredictable growth features natural facets, and this I find fascinating as a jewellery maker," she said.

Rubies are the fiery red gemstones that traditionally are known as the birthstone of July. The ruby is a variety of corundum. Other colours of corundum are classified as sapphires. The ruby was ...

To grow the gem, Ms Boons started with a ruby "seed" taken from ... unpredictable growth features natural facets, and this I find fascinating as a jewellery maker," she said.