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Red Gemstones: Ruby, Spinel, Garnet, and Other Great Picks for Jewelry


Red gemstones are popular choices for engagement rings and fine jewelry. The three most popular stones are ruby, garnet, and red spinel. However, we analyzed 23 different red gemstones and their quality factors to help you choose the one that's best for you.

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By Addison Rice, updated on

Are you fascinated by the allure of red gemstones but unsure which ones make the best choices for rings and other jewelry pieces? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about red gemstones, from popular ruby gems to rare red diamonds and everything in between.

  • Red tourmaline necklace
  • red tourmaline - red gemstones

    Can you guess what's the stunning red stone in this necklace? It's not a well-known gem, but the 28.14-ct rubellite tourmaline has remarkably strong color. © Zoltan David. Used with permission.

    Interested in this topic?

    This article is also a part of our Spinel Specialist Mini Course, in the unit Synthetic Spinels as Simulated Gemstones.

    In this article, you'll learn how to evaluate the quality and durability of different red gemstones. You'll also discover:

    • Red gemstones ideal for everyday wear in rings
    • Red gemstone options best reserved for occasional jewelry wear
    • Collector-worthy red gemstones best kept in display cases
    • The unique properties and characteristics of 23 different red gemstone varieties

    How to Evaluate Red Gemstone Quality: Key Factors to Consider

    Before choosing the perfect red gemstone for your jewelry, understanding how to evaluate quality is essential for making an informed purchase.

    Understanding Red Gemstone Color Properties

    Gemologists assess color by considering three primary factors: hue, tone, and saturation. When examining red gemstones:

    • Most red gemstones feature a secondary hue alongside their primary red color.
    • Purple and orange are the most common secondary hues in red gemstones.
    • Pure red or red with minimal purple undertones is typically considered the highest quality.
    • As the hue moves further from this ideal, the value generally decreases.
    • Despite this, purple-reds and orange-reds can still be extraordinarily beautiful.
    • Very few gemstones actually approach the ideal pure red color.
    • Red hues reach their gamut limit (maximum saturation) at approximately 75-80% tone. This means the most intense red color appears at medium-dark levels. These highly saturated reds display a bright, traffic-light quality.
    • Darker reds often shift toward brown tones.
    • Light reds below 50% tone are classified as pink.

    While gemologists debate the distinction between red and pink, this discussion focuses on deeper-toned red gemstones.

    ruby engagement ring
    Ruby is one red gemstone that can achieve high saturation. © CustomMade. Used with permission.

     

    red spinel Custom Made
    With its deep red hue, this red spinel certainly has a great color.
    Find this Ring
    at Custom Made

    Assessing Red Gemstone Clarity Factors

    Clarity grades carry less significance in red gemstones than in colorless gems like diamond. Nevertheless, here are some important clarity considerations for red gemstones:

    • Darker colors naturally help conceal minor imperfections.
    • Avoid stones with large inclusions or fractures. These imperfections can compromise the stone's structural integrity.
    • Eye-visible inclusions near the center of the gemstone are typically more noticeable than those positioned toward the edges.
    unheated Mozambique ruby
    This unheated Mozambique ruby certainly has some imperfections, but that doesn't make the stone any less beautiful. © CustomMade. Used with permission.

    Purchasing High-Value Red Gemstones

    Determining whether a colored gemstone justifies its price tag can be challenging. For significant purchases:

    • We recommend working with a trusted custom jeweler like CustomMade.
    • Educate yourself with our comprehensive gemstone buying guides before making a purchase decision.
    • Consider factors beyond just color and clarity when evaluating price-to-value ratio.

    7 Red Gemstones Perfect for Everyday Ring Wear

    Looking for a red gemstone that can withstand daily wear in a ring setting? These durable options deliver both beauty and longevity.

    Each of these exceptional red gemstones rates at least 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them highly resistant to scratches. They're also tough enough to withstand accidental drops or impacts against hard surfaces, making them ideal candidates for engagement rings and other frequently worn jewelry pieces. With regular cleaning, these durable red gemstones will maintain their beauty indefinitely.

    Ruby: The Classic Red Gemstone Choice

    Among all red gemstones, none has the fame of ruby, the July birthstone and quintessential red gem. These spectacular stones offer:

    • Vivid, bright color saturation enhanced by natural fluorescence
    • The ability to glow in natural sunlight due to their reaction to UV light
    • Exceptional durability and beauty that make them prized possessions

    Ruby is a gem-quality variety of corundum containing chromium. This rare element imparts both the distinctive red color and fluorescent properties that make rubies so special.

    Rubies rank among the world's rarest gemstones, with most specimens undergoing heat treatment to enhance their color — and consequently increase their market value. If natural rubies exceed your budget, consider lab-created alternatives that offer identical durability and visual appeal at a fraction of the cost.

    Red Spinel: The Underappreciated Ruby Alternative

    If you're unfamiliar with spinel, you're not alone. Many gem professionals consider it one of the jewelry industry's best-kept secrets! A fine spinel adorns the British crown, mistakenly called the "Black Prince's Ruby." Natural red spinel provides an affordable alternative to ruby in several ways, offering:

    • Exceptional wearability perfect for engagement rings
    • Similar visual appeal to ruby without the premium price tag
    • Outstanding durability suitable for everyday wear
    10 ct spinel ring Custom Made
    This exceptional spinel ring is sure to turn heads.
    Find this Ring
    at Custom Made

    Rubellite: Vibrant Red Tourmaline Variety

    Tourmaline, a modern October birthstone, appears in every color imaginable. Rubellite, the red variety, derives its color from trace manganese in its crystal structure. Although these gems can have fantastic color, rubellites often contain inclusions. Some notable selling points for rubellite are:

    • They provide an affordable alternative to rubies.
    • Their raspberry red hues make them particularly attractive for distinctive engagement rings.
    • They offer excellent durability for daily wear.
    GIA Certified Oval Rubelite Cathedral Ring with Diamond Halo Angara
    This bright raspberry rubellite has a great pop of color.
    Find this Ring
    at Angara

    Red Diamond: The Ultimate Rare Red Gemstone

    For collectors interested in extraordinary rarity, red diamond represents the pinnacle of exclusivity. Consider these remarkable facts:

    • Only a handful of natural red diamonds have ever been discovered.
    • Most specimens weigh less than one carat.
    • The world's largest red diamond, the Moussaieff Red Diamond, weighs 5.11 carats.
    • Their extreme scarcity commands astronomical prices.

    If you're not prepared to invest six figures for a half-carat red diamond, consider diamonds treated with high pressure/high temperature (HPHT) technology. These treated stones offer comparable pricing to white diamonds while delivering the coveted red coloration.

    fancy red diamond - red gemstones
    This ultra-rare fancy red diamond has no secondary hue, making it the top color for red diamonds. But, it weighs only 0.22 carats! Photo by Fancy Diamonds. Licensed under CC By 2.0.

    Carnelian: Ancient Red Gemstone with Rich History

    Perhaps the most renowned variety of chalcedony, carnelian is a tough, translucent gemstone that derives its red coloration from iron content. This alternative birthstone for Virgo boasts:

    • A long history of use in jewelry across numerous civilizations
    • A rich body of folklore connecting it to protection and vitality
    • The unusual property of color enhancement through sunlight exposure
    carnelian ring
    Translucent and orange-red, this carnelian ring would give a pop of color to any outfit. © Market Square Jewelers. Used with permission.

    Garnet: Affordable Red Gemstone in Many Varieties

    Another classic gemstone with numerous symbolic associations, garnets are plentiful and budget-friendly even in substantial sizes. The traditional January birthstone is best known for brownish red hues, but garnet actually occurs in virtually every color depending on its specific chemical composition. The following garnet varieties can show red colors:

    Although the pure reds found in pyrope fetch higher prices than other red garnets, they remain affordable and durable gemstone options. Learn more through our comprehensive garnet buying guide and engagement ring guide.

      Take a look at the range of hues in these garnets. All photos used with permission,

      Jasper: Versatile and Affordable Red Stone Option

      Similar to carnelian but more opaque, jaspers come in many color varieties, including vibrant reds. This abundant, durable birthstone for February offers:

      • An excellent option for adding colorful accents to inexpensive jewelry
      • Exceptional durability for everyday wear
      • An earthy, rustic appearance
      jasper ring
      If large is your style, red jasper is a great choice for red gemstone jewelry. © Market Square Jewelers. Used with permission.

      10 Red Gemstones Best for Occasional Jewelry Wear

      Not all red gemstones are suitable for daily ring wear. Some scratch easily, while others are likely to break if accidentally struck. While these red gemstones might not withstand everyday wear in rings, they still make excellent options for other jewelry types or occasional ring wear. If you prefer one of these gems for daily-wear rings, use a protective setting to safeguard the stone.

      Topaz: Beautiful but Potentially Fragile Red Gemstone

      Although resistant to scratches, topaz can chip relatively easily. Nevertheless, this November birthstone makes a beautiful choice for jewelry when properly protected. Although blue topaz is abundant and inexpensive due to advances in gemstone treatments, traditional yellow, orange, and red colors remain popular. Here are some key facts about red topaz varieties:

      • The red "imperial" topaz colors are particularly rare.
      • Top-color specimens can command premium prices.
      red imperial topaz
      This 7.11-ct imperial topaz has an unusually intense red hue. Set in yellow gold on a platinum necklace, this stone is sure to attract attention. © Zoltan David. Used with permission.

      Red Beryl: Rare American Red Gemstone

      Beryls come in many colors, with the most popular being green (emerald) and blue (aquamarine). However, this mineral family also includes a rare red variety. Some notable facts about the red beryl include:

      • These gems are found exclusively in one location in Utah's mountains.
      • This limited geographical distribution makes them genuinely rare gems.
      • With a hardness rating of 7.5-8, they resist scratching very well.
      • They can break if impacted, requiring protective settings.
      • Although rarely found in large sizes, red beryls can create unique jewelry pieces.
      red beryl ring
      This red beryl boasts remarkably bright hues. © Caratell. Used with permission.

      Pezzottaite: A Recently Discovered Beryl Variety

      Discovered in Madagascar in 2003, pezzottaite is frequently called "raspberry beryl," but this name isn't quite accurate. This name has created confusion with red beryl, but pezzottaite is actually a different beryl variety. It's classified as the lithium and cesium-bearing analogue to red beryl. Here's some helpful information if you're considering buying pezzottaite:

      • Can show bright pink colors
      • Typically light in tone but can achieve rare, saturated raspberry red colors
      • Hard enough to resist scratching but often contains inclusions that increase breaking risk
      pezzottaite ring
      This unique piece of raw stone jewelry features a euhedral pezzottaite, spessartite garnet, and paraíba tourmaline. Ring by Nature's Geometry and Quore Jewelry, design and concept by Brian Cook, gold work and design by Paula Brent. Photo by Brian Cook. Used with permission.

      Coral: An Endangered Beauty

      Red corals can make beautiful gemstones. However, sustainability concerns have significantly impacted the industry. If you're considering coral as a gemstone option, be aware of these facts:

      • Most coral-producing regions have ceased harvesting due to environmental impacts.
      • Despite this, coral remains in demand in many parts of the world.
      • Unsustainably harvested coral is illegal to possess in numerous countries.
      • Deep red colors are most valuable and make beautiful cabochon material.
      • As a relatively soft gem susceptible to scratching, avoid using coral in everyday jewelry.

      Ensure any coral you purchase is secondhand or sustainably harvested.

      coral pin
      Combining an ox-blood red coral branch with carved angel skin coral and diamonds, this pin is certainly unique. Designed by Sharon Curtiss-Gal and handmade by Jason Baskin and Jessica Gebauer. © The Gem Vault. Used with permission.

      Zircon: Natural Red Gemstone with Diamond-Like Sparkle

      Not to be confused with cubic zirconia, a synthetic gem material, zircon is a fascinating natural gemstone with a striking appearance. Although its exceptional dispersion makes colorless zircon a natural diamond simulant, zircon comes in many colors, including fantastic, bright reds. Some of zircon's notable properties are:

      • Red color in zircon typically results from low-temperature heat treatment that lightens the gem and removes brown hues.
      • Although reasonably hard, zircon can chip and abrade, especially along facet edges.
      • With proper care, red zircon may be the sparkliest option among all red gemstones.
      red zircon ring
      The deep red color in this zircon center stone, combined with its brilliance, makes this gem a great choice for a statement piece. © Ben Brantley & Co (Instagram). Used with permission.

      Rhodochrosite: Rare Red Crystalline Beauty

      Facetable red rhodochrosite occurs in only a few locations worldwide. More commonly, it's used in massive form to create attractive opaque pink cabochons. The rare faceted gems can be quite stunning when properly cut, but crystalline rhodochrosite remains a delicate jewelry stone. Be aware of the following characteristics of rhodochrosite before purchasing it as a gemstone:

      • Susceptible to scratching and breaking.
      • Acids can dissolve the gem.
      • Features such high birefringence that some stones have a fuzzy, hazy appearance.
      rhodochrosite
      This 3.30-ct South African rhodochrosite has a bright orange-red hue and characteristic haziness. © The Gem Trader. Used with permission.

      Fire Opal: Warm-Toned Transparent Opal Variety

      The "fire" in fire opal refers to the gem's body color, which ranges from yellow to vibrant red. Here are some facts about fire opal gemstones:

      red and yellow fire opal pendant
      Showing magnificent yellows and reds, this baroque opal looks like liquid fire. © The Gem Vault. Used with permission.

      Sunstone and Oregon Sunstone: Sparkling Red Feldspars

      Sunstone and Oregon sunstone are two varieties of feldspar with a slight difference. They contain glittery inclusions that create a unique schiller effect that also inspired their names. These gems can display fantastic red colors. Some notable facts about sunstone:

      • In traditional sunstone, the inclusions consist of hematite or goethite.
      • In Oregon sunstone (the state gem of Oregon), the inclusions are copper.
      • Makes for an interesting but somewhat soft red gemstone option.
      oregon sunstone - red gemstones
      This Oregon sunstone has intense saturation. At 1.72 carats, it's a great size for jewelry. © Earth's Treasury. Used with permission.

      Friedelite: Rare Red Collector's Stone

      This somewhat soft, rare stone is more commonly found in mineral collections than jewelry collections. Nevertheless, with proper care, friedelite could be worn as a jewelry stone. Here are some notable facts about friedelite:

      • Facetable crystals are rare.
      • Translucent cabochons can make attractive and unique jewelry pieces.
      • Requires protective settings and careful handling.
      friedelite
      This red-orange friedelite cabochon measures 9.9 x 7.8 mm, perfect for a statement piece. © Coast-to-Coast Rare Stones International. Used with permission.

      Eudialyte: The Radioactive Red Gemstone

      If you enjoy a touch of danger, a small eudialyte gem might become your favorite red gemstone. It is rare in facetable form, and its bright colors are attractive even in massive specimens. However, important safety considerations apply:

      • This mineral is mildly radioactive and could deliver unwanted radiation exposure in large sizes.
      • Avoid wearing eudialyte specimens above five carats.
      • Eudialyte requires careful storage to prevent affecting other gemstones. Dangerous radon gas can also accumulate in its container.

      For storage recommendations, see our article on toxic and radioactive gems.

      square step-cut eudialyte - Canada
      Square step-cut eudialyte, 0.40 cts, 4 mm, Quebec, Canada. © The Gem Trader. Used with permission.

      6 Red Gemstones Best Reserved for Collectors

      Some red gemstones simply won't withstand jewelry wear. Whether due to extreme softness or toxicity, keep the following gems for display purposes only.

      Cinnabar: Toxic Beauty for Display Only

      Even if it looks like rock candy, cinnabar is one mineral you absolutely want to avoid handling. Some important considerations about cinnabar are:

      • It's composed of mercury sulfide, making it toxic.
      • It's so soft you can scratch it with a fingernail.
      • Keep cinnabar in a secure display case away from children and pets.
      • Never use cinnabar in jewelry.
      cinnabar
      These bright red gemmy cinnabar crystals are perfect for a viewing collection. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.

      Rhodonite: Challenging Gem for Faceting

      This soft stone presents numerous challenges for gem cutters because it can cleave and fracture easily during cutting. Here are some notable facts about rhodonite:

      • Crystalline rhodonite isn't suitable for jewelry use.
      • Most commonly occurs as pink, massive stones.
      • Rarely available as facetable material.
      • Massive pink stones hold up better in jewelry since they can't cleave in massive form.
      • Makes an attractive collector's display piece.
      rhodonite
      Most faceted rhodonite specimens lack good clarity and cutting. However, this 2.84-ct piece is an excellent example of fine color, clarity, and cut in rhodonite. © The Gem Trader. Used with permission.

      Cuprite: Light-Sensitive Red Copper Mineral

      Few locations produce cuprite in forms large enough to facet, but those rare cut red stones display beautiful color. Some notable facts about cuprite include:

      • The dust from this soft copper oxide mineral is toxic.
      • Skin contact with a finished gem should pose minimal health risks.
      • Color can fade with prolonged sunlight exposure.
      • If set in jewelry, reserve for evening wear only.
      • Specimens are best kept as a display pieces.
      cuprite
      A well-cut cuprite like this 9.35 ct gem shows a metallic luster and a beautiful, deep red color. © Coast-to-Coast Rare Stones International. Used with permission.

      Proustite: Light-Sensitive Red Silver Mineral

      Fantastic red hues have made proustite a favorite among mineral collectors and an excellent addition to any serious gem collection. However, proustite has significant limitations, such as:

      • Extreme softness (hardness of 2-2.5)
      • Almost any handling produces scratches
      • Turns black over time when exposed to light
      • Best stored in darkness and removed only for occasional viewing
      proustite
      Like cuprite, the 0.54-ct proustite exhibits a metallic luster and fine red colors. Because of its silver content, this gem is sometimes called "ruby silver." © The Gem Trader. Used with permission.

      Crocoite: Toxic Lead Chromate Mineral

      Containing both lead and hexavalent chromium, crocoite is a highly toxic gem. However, it makes a striking addition to any mineral collection due to its coloration. It's rarely transparent but can display extraordinarily bright red hues. Nevertheless, crocoite requires careful handling and storage. 

      • Handling crystals or finished crocoite gems typically poses minimal risk.
      • Avoid any dust from mineral samples.
      • Keep specimens away from children and pets.
      • Best kept as a display specimen rather than used in jewelry.
      crocoite crystal
      Crocoite crystal, 4.9 x 1.3 x 1.0 cm, Red Lead Mine, Dundas mineral field, Zeehan District, Tasmania, Australia. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.

      Realgar: The Arsenic-Rich Red Gemstone

      A toxic red gemstone, realgar contains arsenic and was historically a major source of this poison. Few lapidaries will handle this material due to its toxicity but some have cut this bright red mineral into gemstones with proper precautions. Keep the following facts about realgar in mind if you're considering purchasing it:

      • Most enthusiasts of unusual gemstones prefer to keep realgar as a crystal specimen.
      • It should be stored in a secure display location inaccessible to children and pets.
      • It requires careful handling to prevent dust formation.
      realgar crystal
      With bright red hues and a fantastic luster, this realgar specimen would look great in any collection. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.

      Frequently Asked Questions About Red Gemstones

      What is the most valuable red gemstone?

      Ruby is generally considered the most valuable red gemstone, with fine-quality specimens commanding premium prices. However, red diamonds are significantly rarer and can be even more expensive per carat.

      Which red gemstones are suitable for engagement rings?

      Ruby, red spinel, rubellite, red diamond, carnelian, garnet, and jasper are all durable enough for engagement rings and everyday wear. These stones rate at least 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale.

      Are there any affordable alternatives to ruby?

      Yes, red spinel and garnet (particularly pyrope and rhodolite varieties) offer excellent ruby alternatives at more affordable price points while maintaining good durability.

      How can I tell if a red gemstone is natural or synthetic?

      Most red gemstones require laboratory testing to definitively determine natural versus synthetic origin. Working with a reputable jeweler and requesting a gem lab report can help ensure authenticity.

      Which red gemstones should never be worn in jewelry?

      Cinnabar, crocoite, and realgar should never be worn in jewelry due to their toxicity. Proustite and rhodonite are generally too soft for jewelry use, while eudialyte presents radioactivity concerns in larger sizes.

      How should I care for my red gemstone jewelry?

      Most durable red gemstones can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for stones with inclusions or fractures. Store soft red gemstones (those with Mohs hardness scores of 6 or lower) separately from harder gems to prevent scratching, and keep light-sensitive stones like cuprite away from prolonged sun exposure.


      Addison Rice

      A geologist, environmental engineer and Caltech graduate, Addison’s interest in the mesmerizing and beautiful results of earth’s geological processes began in her elementary school’s environmental club. When she isn’t writing about gems and minerals, Addison spends winters studying ancient climates in Iceland and summers hiking the Colorado Rockies.

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