Rubies often symbolize passion, power, and protection. Natural rubies may take millions of years to form under intense heat and pressure. In contrast, lab-created rubies are produced in a controlled environment.

Both types share the same chemical composition and score 9 on the Mohs scale for hardness. However, the difference between natural and lab-grown rubies impacts value, rarity, and price.

High-quality natural rubies, such as Burmese rubies, are prized due to their rarity. Lab-created rubies tend to offer an affordable price without compromising on beauty. Understanding ruby vs natural ruby helps buyers choose the best type of ruby for their needs.

Difference between natural vs Lab-Created Ruby

Feature	Natural Ruby	Lab-Created Ruby
Origin	Formed naturally in Earth over millions of years	Created in a laboratory under controlled conditions
Chemical Composition	Aluminum oxide with chromium	Same as natural ruby (identical chemical structure)
Clarity	Often contains inclusions (silk, zoning)	Typically flawless or nearly perfect
Price	Expensive, especially in larger carat weight	More affordable and consistent in pricing
Value Over Time	Holds or increases in value	Limited resale or investment value
Ethical & Environmental	May involve mining and ethical concerns	Eco-friendly, low-impact, no mining required
Visual Differences	Subtle inclusions, unique growth patterns	May show curved growth lines or gas bubbles

What is a Lab Created Ruby?

A lab-created ruby is a real ruby made without mining. These rubies are created in a laboratory, not formed underground. They have the same chemical properties as natural rubies.

That means they’re also made of aluminum oxide with chromium, just like natural ones. Because rubies are created in a lab under precise conditions, they can look nearly perfect. Lab-created rubies are more affordable, but they still hold value as real ruby gemstones.

How It’s Made – Common Lab Techniques

Lab-created rubies are formed by mimicking how rubies grow in nature. The process is faster and more controlled. These are the main methods I explain to clients when comparing lab-grown and natural rubies:

Techniques Used to Create Lab Rubies

Method	Description
Flame Fusion	Powdered aluminum oxide is melted and cooled into crystals. Fast and cheap.
Flux Growth	Materials are dissolved in a molten flux, allowing slow, clear crystal growth.
Hydrothermal	High pressure and temperature simulate underground conditions. Very realistic.

Each method has its own result in clarity, cost, and how close the stone appears to natural origin.

Visual Appearance and Clarity

Lab-created rubies can be produced to look flawless. These stones often show no inclusions. That’s a sign they were created using clean lab processes. But they can sometimes show curved growth lines or gas bubbles.

Those are lab signs. Still, many rubies are virtually identical to their natural counterparts without tools.

Durability and Use in Jewelry

Lab rubies are just as tough. They rank 9 on the Mohs scale, so they don’t scratch easily. Lab-grown rubies are often used in ruby gem rings, earrings, and watches.

Their strength and beauty make them a smart choice for everyday wear. And lab-created rubies offer great value at lower prices.

Value and Affordability

While lab stones usually don’t match the value as natural rubies, they are more affordable. This makes them a strong option for budget-conscious buyers. You still get a real ruby gem, but without the cost of natural mining. Lab-created rubies may not rise in price, but they do hold steady value.

What is a Natural Ruby?

A natural ruby is a type of corundum, a mineral made from aluminum oxide. Natural rubies are formed deep in the Earth under high heat and pressure. Over millions of years, these natural conditions help the minerals crystallise into rubies.

The red color comes from a small amount of chromium, which replaces some of the aluminum atoms. That’s what gives rubies their red colour.

These stones are mined from places like Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. Because they are natural gemstones, no two are exactly the same.

Natural Formation Process

Natural rubies are formed over millions of years. The heat and pressure from the Earth cause aluminum oxide and chromium to bond. This forms a crystal.

The chemical composition of natural rubies is mostly aluminum oxide with chromium traces. These rubies are found in natural marble and basalt rock. The process is slow and rare. That’s one reason why natural rubies are rare and highly valued.

Inclusions and Visual Markers

Natural rubies often have small flaws called inclusions. These are normal and help prove the stone is real. You may see tiny lines, bubbles, or a “silk” effect. These marks are found in natural rubies and not in lab-made ones. Natural rubies may have subtle zoning, which means the color changes slightly across the stone.

Common Inclusions Found in Natural Rubies:

Inclusions	What It Means
Silk (Rutile)	Fine, thread-like crystals inside
Fingerprints	Tiny fluid or gas-filled shapes
Growth lines	Natural crystal layering
Crystals	Small minerals trapped in the ruby

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Durability and Longevity

A ruby is a rare gemstone, but it’s also strong. Natural rubies typically last for generations if cared for. The stone is hard enough for everyday wear. That’s why you often see it in ruby gemstone rings and necklaces.

Market Demand and Value

Because they come from the Earth and take ages to form, natural rubies are more valuable than lab-grown ones. High-quality rubies, especially those with good color and few inclusions, are worth a lot.

Price also depends on carat weight and origin. Burmese rubies, for example, are among the most prized. Whether natural or synthetic, larger stones are always rarer.

Which One Should You Choose?

When deciding between natural and lab-created rubies, the right choice depends on your values, budget, and purpose. Both are real ruby stones made of aluminum oxide and chromium. They’re equally hard and beautiful. Still, there are key differences to consider.

If you’re looking for a natural stone with historical value and uniqueness, choose a natural ruby. These rubies possess inclusions and natural features that make each gem one-of-a-kind. A natural ruby ring may cost more, but it holds better long-term value and emotional appeal.

On the other hand, if you’re focused on appearance, price, and ethics, synthetic rubies offer great benefits. Making lab-created rubies involves no mining, making them sustainable and conflict-free. These gems can be identical to natural rubies to the eye—flawless, vivid, and ideal for everyday ruby jewelry.

So, whether you’re investing in a family heirloom or just want a beautiful piece, both natural and lab-created rubies serve different needs. The best ruby is the one that fits your values—and looks right on your hand.