Rubies have been attracting the civilizations since centuries because of its beautiful red tone, symbolic value and rarity. Ruby gemstone is one the legendary gemstones which holds high end value and importance. Popular rubies around the world are Burmese rubies, Kashmir rubies, Mozambique Rubies, Afghan rubies, Tajik rubies, Sirilankan Rubies, Tanzania, Thailand rubies, Vietnam rubies. Kashmir ruby is the recent discovery being mined in the popular valley of Batakundi. Kashmir ruby is also popular as Batakundi Ruby.
This article highlight the characterists of the natural rubies from Batakundi and explores why they command such higher value in the gemstone market.
What are Rubies?
Before discussing about Kashmir rubies, let me explain what actually ruby gemstones are? Ruby is one of the variety of mineral name " Corundum". The other precious stone " sapphire" is also variety of corundum mineral. What makes ruby different from sapphire is its rich red hue which is caused by chromium within the crystal structure.
Ruby name is derived from the Latin word " ruber" which means " red". Metaphysically rubies have been associated with love, romance and passion. This is a stone for lovers. It has earned its place as of the most demanded gemstones through the history.
Grading of natural rubies are done based on their color, transparency, cut, carat weight and clarity. The most expensive kind is vivid pigeon blood red hue with minimum or no inclusions. It must have high brilliance. The recently discovered and lesser-known yet source is Kashmir region (geologically lying on Azad Kashmir Pakistan belt adjacent to Indian Kashmir side)
What is Kashmir Ruby from Batakundi?
The term " Kashmir" is normally referred to legendary blue sapphire associated with Indian side Kashmir. The Kashmir ruby is used lesser than Kashmir Sapphires. Kashmir rubies from Batakundi are referred to fine natural rubies which are being mined from Batakundi valley of Pakistan. This valley is within the geological belt of Kashmir in Pakistan and India. Batakundi is becoming popular region for producing pigeon blood rubies after Burmese rubies. This is one of the important origin for collectors to collect rare and high end rubies because of their intense red tone, color, clarity and authenticity.
The origin of Kashmir rubies is present in Indian subcontinent Kashmir belt along side Pakistan and India. Geologically, the region have rich deposits of rare and precious minerals.
Geological Origin of Kashmir (Batakundi) Rubies
Several rough purplish pink corundum deposits have been reported from Batakundi–Basil area. This is a remote region near by the border between Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (Azad Kashmir) and Pakistan’s Northern Areas. The region is close to the well-known Nangimali ruby mining area in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. The area lies near the 1972 ceasefire line that separates Indian- and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, making access difficult. The area is highly sensitive location for being on conflicting bordering areas.
The rubies found in this region are formed under extreme pressure and het when aluminum-rich rocks underwent regional metamorphism during the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.
Map of the former Kashmir Province showing disputed borders and the locations of ruby and sapphire deposits, with the region administered by India, China, and Pakistan since the 1947 partition. Map illustration is taken from GIA Research paper on Pakistan Kashmir sapphire and rubies.
The presence of chromium present in the host rocks is giving red to purplish- red hue to Batakundi rubies. The deposits of rubies are found in marble, schist formations. They are often associated with golden mica and other metamorphic minerals. Due to high altitude and rough mountains, approach to Batakundi rubies is very minimum. This make them rare and valuable for their natural formation and origin authenticity.
Gemological Characteristics of Batakundi Kashmir Ruby
Kashmir Locality:
Kashmir rubies are sourced from Batakundi, Pakistan (Pakistan administered Kashmir). This area is the part of the same geological belt that extends through Indian Kashmir. The cornflower-blue sapphires of Jammu & Kashmir have gained popularity over the past years and have been recognized name in the global corundum market. Due to the commercial appeal of the brand name " Kashmir" and its origin for Batakundi Kashmir rubies are gaining increasing demand.
Kashmir Rubies are found in the region of Pakistan side Kashmir on geological belt of Indian Kashmir region. Indian Jamu Kashmir cornflower blue sapphire has hit the internal gem market and is regarded as a brand in corundum. Kashmir rubies from Batakundi are getting popular and due to the word " Kashmir" is high demanded.
Pigeon Blood Color:
Kashmir rubies have a deep, vivid red hue, a characteristic unique to rubies from this region. This color is often compared to the famed "pigeon blood" red of Burmese rubies. The Batakundi ruby deposit producing dark red rubies like blood.
Kashmir rubies, with their deep red color, are considered especially unique. Rubies found in marble are highly fluoresce red under ultraviolet light (GIA) - even in the sunlight. This is the key point of Kashmir Rubies. They are high fluorescence which make their color more intense.
High Fluorescent Ruby
The Kashmir rubies has strong fluorescence under uv light. It also glows sparkling reddish tone under sunlight which is quite rare characteristics of a ruby stone.
Historical Significance:
Like Kashmir sapphires, these rubies have been associated with royalty and opulence, often reserved for Fine jewelry collections and auctions.
Clarity:
Rubies from Kashmir have often slight inclusions. Stones with high clarity are extremely rare with big sizes. Small sizes are often coming with clarity, brilliance and with nice color. All natural rubies must have slight inclusions which proves their authenticity.
Rarity:
The rarity of Kashmir rubies is one of their defining traits. Limited mining activity and approach to the naturally small deposits of ruby-bearing corundum in the region mean that these gemstones are hardly found in the market.
Types of Batakundi Rubies
Rubies from Batakundi region are coming from two mines Batakundi mine and Basal mining. Basal mine is producing mostly sapphires in purplish pink color. However sometime, basal mine produce high intense red color which certify them as Kashmir rubies with GIA or other laboratories. Here are types of rubies from this region:-
- Facet Grade Rough Rubies for making loose gemstones
- Lapidary grade raw stones for making cabochons
- Star Rubies
- Trapiche Ruby
Pictures from GIA Article "Trapiche-Like Ruby from the Batakundi Mine, Kashmir"
Factors Influencing Ruby Pricing and the High Value of Kashmir Rubies
I found rubies always expensive than anyother gemstones during my tour to international gemstone market. There are several standard reasons which affect the pricing structure of ruby gemstones. Let’s break these factors down further shortly:
1. High Quality Ruby is Quite Rare
Ruby is among the rarest gemstones in the world, especially when compared to diamonds. High-quality rubies, particularly those with vivid red hues and minimal inclusions, are exceedingly rare. Certain origins, such as Burma (Myanmar), produce some of the finest rubies, but deposits in regions like Kashmir elevate their exclusivity due to their limited availability. Kashmir rubies production is also very low and gem quality ruby is extremely rare.
2. Pigeon Blood Color is Expensive in Rubies
Color is the most critical factor in determining a ruby’s value. The finest rubies will have an intense red color that seems to glow from within, often referred to as "pigeon blood red." This vivid hue is present because of chromium. Rubies with the ideal red tone and saturation are highly valued. Kashmir ruby blood color is one of the key factor making it so desirable. In color, it is next to Burmese rubies.
3. Ruby Symbols " the king of precious stones"
Rubies is referred as the " King of Gems" by Ancient Indians due to its rarity and symbol of romance love and passion. Burmese warriors had strong belief that rubies had been protecting them in battle fields. Medieval Europeans had trust on rubies that it cured them from inflammatory diseases.
Rubies has lot of folk lores related to various beliefs. In Chineses culture, ruby stones were known as crystals of energy. Its association with the power and protection even is considered today. Such beliefs make rubies popular choice of fine jewelry.
4. Ruby's Durability Ideal for Making Fine Jewelry
Rubies' hardness is 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, second only to diamonds. This hardness is enough for durability of the stone. Ruby durability is perfect for making any kind of jewelry designing. Rubies are used in diamond settings in ruby engagement rings or necklaces.
5. Ruby is hot Items for Buyers in the Gems Market
The market demand for untreated rubies have increased from the last many years. Renowned Auctions like Sotheby’s and Christie’s often feature high quality rubies fetching record-breaking prices. The scarcity of fine rubies only increases their appeal among rare gemstone collectors and gemstone investors.
6- Certification Matters in Increased pricing
Rubies increase prices if their certification shows origin and is done from popular labs such as GIA vs AIGS vs SSEF vs Gübelin.
Treatments and Their Impact on Ruby Value
Rubies prices also depend on their authenticity and being pure. Now a days, lot of treated rubies are also found from low to high level treatment such as from heat treatment to glass filled rubies. Such rubies have extremely low value. Rubies are valuable only if they are 100% Natural, no treatment done on them and are of gem quality.
Comparison of Kashmir Rubies with Other Ruby Origins
-
Burmese Rubies:
Burma rubies are popular due to pigeon-blood red color and excellent quality, Burmese rubies are among the most collectible in the world. They share similar prestige with Kashmir rubies, but their production is more widespread. -
Mozambican Rubies:
Mozambique has emerged as a significant source of rubies in recent years. While these rubies often display rich red hues, they lack the historical allure and rarity of Kashmir or Burmese rubies. -
Kashmir Rubies:
Though less prolific than other sources, Kashmir rubies are unparalleled in terms of their rarity and mystique. Their distinctive color and clarity have made them a unique addition to any collection. People are making it part of discussion at gemstone and minerals forums around the world.
How to Identify a Genuine Kashmir Ruby?
A natural and genuine Kashmir ruby can be identified by sever key characteristics which make them quite unique than other rubies.
Color:They have natural blood color which is typically deep red to purplish-red. It has slightly velvety appearance than a glassy look.
Inclusions: Kashmir rubies will always have natural inclusions such as fine needles, silk like features and other mineral crystals inside. The 100% clarity will be a red flag. Kashmir rubies are are normally marble-hosted. They occasionally have traces of marble or calcite inclusions.
Treatment: Mostly Kashmir rubies are untreated. They normally have no heat treatment, no glass-filling or other treatments. If you find a treated rubies, be cautious, this must not be a Kashmir Ruby.
Check from Popular Lab: For getting final though over ruby identification from Batakundi, get a certification of origin from reputable gemological laboratry reports stating origin.
Investment Value of Rubies
If we talk about top three precious stones in terms of gemstone investment and highly valuable return on investment than High-quality rubies are considered a safe investment. The prices of rubies steadily increase due to growing demand and low supply. Kashmir rubies, in particular, are prized by collectors and investors alike for their rarity and historical significance. Owning a Kashmir ruby is not just a matter of luxury but also a testament to exquisite taste and discernment.
How to Buy Genuine Kashmir Rubies Safely?
To buy a genuine Kashmir ruby, follow the following safe steps to ensure safe purchase.
- Always buy from trusted and reputable gemstone dealers.
- Ask for an independent gemological lab report confirming the ruby origin and and disclosing treatments.
- Dont go after low-priced stones labeled “Kashmir”, as genuine rubies must be rare and valuable.
- Analyse closely natural color and inclusions. Avoid such stones whic look fully clean, perfect or glassy.
- Genuine Dealers or Gemstone Sellers will offer return policies and full transparency for high-value purchases.
Caring for Your Ruby
To preserve the beauty and value of a ruby, it’s essential to follow proper care practices:
- Cleaning: Use a mild detergent and a soft brush to clean your ruby jewelry. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
- Storage: Store rubies separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches. A fabric-lined jewelry box or a soft pouch works best.
- Maintenance: Periodic inspection by a professional jeweler can help maintain the gemstone’s brilliance and ensure secure settings.
Conclusion
Kashmir rubies are among the rarest and most exquisite gemstones in the world. Their unparalleled color, clarity, and historical significance place them in a league of their own. Rubies, in general, hold a timeless allure due to their rarity, symbolism, and investment potential. Whether as a collector's piece, an investment, or a symbol of love, owning a ruby is a privilege that few can claim.
The mystique surrounding Kashmir rubies makes them an extraordinary gem worth celebrating—a true testament to nature's artistry. If you ever come across one of these rare treasures, know that you’re holding a piece of Earth's most precious legacy.
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