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The difference between ruby and pink sapphire is whether red is the dominant hue. The two stones are almost identical because both gemstones are composed of corundum, a variety of aluminum oxide(Al2O3).
Rubies are inherently red, and sapphires are any other color. However, rubies can have pink, purple, or orange undertones. The dominance of undertones determines whether the stone is a ruby or a pink, orange, or purple sapphire.
Pink Sapphire vs. Reddish-Pink Ruby
In theory, anything that isn’t classified as “red corundum” is a sapphire. However, in practice, this trait is hard to define because our perception of color is subjective.
Remember the viral online debate about the blue/black or white/gold dress? People have a difficult time defining the moment a stone’s color slips from being red with a shade of pink to primarily pink with a shade of red.
Simply, the difference between ruby and pink sapphire depends on how the gemologist perceives color.
Is Pink a Shade of Red?
Initially, the main debate on whether rubies can be pink revolved around whether pink is a form of the color red. The color pink is red and white mixed, so in essence, pink is a form of red.
Does that mean that all pink corundum is essentially red corundum? Not quite. Over time, the color pink became a unique color. However, like I said earlier, the point when a shade transitions from being dominantly red to dominantly pink is subjective.
How to Grade Ruby Color
According to the GIA, red must be the dominant hue for corundum to be considered a ruby. When you look at the stone, you must see more pure red than any other color.
GIA labs have master stones to help graders. Despite this, the dominant hue is often subject to personal interpretation. In fact, two equally competent graders might call the same stone “orangish-red ruby” or a “reddish-orange sapphire.”
How Chromium Impacts Ruby and Sapphire Color
Trace amounts of chromium cause a reddish color in corundum. Chromium and other trace elements will determine the purity of the red shade.
- The more chromium present, the redder the stone will appear.
- Lesser amounts of chromium will make the stone pinker.
The most difficult stones to grade are those with a mid-range amount of chromium. The color undoubtedly falls between red and pink.
Trace elements like iron, titanium, and vanadium produce other colors and undertones.
Most Desirable Ruby Color
The most valuable ruby color is known as pigeon’s blood.
- It is a pure form of red with no discernible undertones.
- Burmese rubies are generally pigeon blood red and are considered high quality.
Pink Sapphire Colors
Not all pink sapphires are difficult to grade because some shades of pink are quite different than most rubies.
- There is a treated shade of hot pink sapphire on the market that has no resemblance to red ruby.
- Some lab-created and natural pink sapphires are light enough to be easily categorized.
Next time you’re on the fence about whether your stone is a ruby or a sapphire, remember that if it’s another definable color like light pink or bright orange, it’s most definitely a sapphire. If it’s hard to tell whether the stone is more red than pink or more red than orange, your guess is as good as mine.
When in doubt, send off for certification. Your best bet—if you can afford it—is to buy a natural, untreated stone in a color you like, regardless of what it’s called.
