Round pink rubies, 4-5 mm, from Mozambique, lot of 5 pieces. Pink corundum with characteristic raspberry hue. Micro format for precision micro-jewelry in 925 silver.
Item details
| Mineral |
Pink Ruby (corundum, Al₂O₃) |
| Dimensions |
4-5 mm in diameter (tolerance ±0.5 mm) · lot of 5 pieces |
| Shape and back |
Round cabochon, flat or low-domed back |
| Finish |
Mirror polished |
| Hardness |
9 Mohs — second hardest stone after diamond; suitable for any type of jewelry and daily wear |
| Origin |
Mozambique |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
| Item type |
Lot of 5 pieces |
This specific piece
Mozambican ruby features an intense pink with a slight raspberry tone that distinguishes it from Burmese ruby (more pigeon blood red) and pink sapphire (without the reddish saturation). The pigmentation comes from chromium incorporated into the corundum's crystal lattice during metamorphic crystallization.
At 4-5 mm, these rubies are the ideal size for stud earrings, eternity rings, and gem clusters. The 9 Mohs hardness allows them to be set in any position without risk of chipping from friction.
What settings it works for
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Stud earrings (925 silver or gold) — the 4-5 mm round is the classic format for solitaire earrings; the 9 Mohs hardness makes it ideal for daily wear.
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Eternity rings / Clusters — combined in groups of 3-5 pieces in individual bezel or pavé settings.
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Precision wire wrap — high hardness makes wrapping easier because the stone does not scratch during the process.
Ruby in lapidary tradition
In Sanskrit, ruby is called ratnaraj — "the king of gemstones." During the Mughal Empire, Burmese rubies adorned imperial sword hilts as a symbol of indestructible power. Ruby was the first gemstone successfully synthesized in a laboratory (Auguste Verneuil, 1902), which makes the distinction between natural and synthetic ruby especially relevant. In crystal tradition, ruby is associated with vitality, determination, and courage — the stone of those who act.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice or a substitute for professional care.
How to recognize genuine ruby
Natural ruby has characteristic inclusions under magnification: rutile needles arranged in an orderly fashion ("silk" effect), spinel crystals, and possible colored fractures. The 9 Mohs hardness is the most practical data point: no household object will scratch it. Pink glass has low hardness and internal bubbles; synthetic corundum is perfectly clean under magnification.
Frequently asked questions
Are these natural rubies from Mozambique?
Yes. Natural corundum from Mozambique. No detectable treatment. Statement based on lapidary observation; pieces do not include formal gemological certification.
What type of jewelry is this size recommended for?
Stud earrings, eternity rings, and gem clusters. The 9 Mohs hardness makes it suitable for any type of setting and daily wear.
Are the pieces in the lot identical?
They are from the same lot and size, but the pink tone may vary slightly — chromium saturation is not uniform in natural corundum. Dimensions range from 4 to 5 mm.
What distinguishes pink ruby from pink sapphire?
Mineralogically they are the same mineral (corundum). The distinction is in red saturation: when red is dominant, it is classified as ruby; when it is pastel without a dominant reddish hue, it is classified as pink sapphire.
How to care for it?
Corundum is resistant to water, most household acids, and moderate heat. Clean with warm water and soap. More at jewelry care.
See also: cabochon collection · faceted gemstones.
