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

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.

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, keep these facts in mind:

• 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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:

• Almandines display the familiar brownish-red color.
• Pyropes can feature intense red hues.
• Rhodolites exhibit purplish-red hues that many enthusiasts adore.
• Spessartites tend toward orange 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

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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:

• May be translucent or transparent.
• May or may not display the typical play of color seen in other opals.
• Mexico serves as the principal source, leading to the trade name "Mexican opal".
• Natural color is often quite attractive, though the GIA has identified dyed specimens.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.