Roses are red, and violets are blue, but do you know what other red gems out there that may surprise you?
It’s no secret that red gemstones have been popular in jewelry since antiquity, and you can buy pieces featuring them just about everywhere.
From the euphoric ruby to the sensual garnet, red gemstones come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. You can find these sultry red beauties in many hues, each with unique properties.
In this guide, we’ll explore a list of the most popular red gems, including their names and properties. But first, let’s dig a little deeper into the meaning and history of red gemstones.
What are Red Gemstones: Meaning, History & Popular Names
Red is a color of romance and passion in the gemstone color chart. It symbolizes love, courage, power, fire, and boldness. Red gemstones are famous for their healing properties and the belief that they magnify energy.
Red gemstones can help boost your confidence and courage when you need them the most. They can also help balance your emotions and amplify feelings of generosity and creativity.
In the late 18th century, red was the most popular color in jewelry. It has long been connected to the upper classes and the affluence of monarchy. Many kings and queens adorned themselves with red gemstones to show off their wealth and power.
During the Victorian period, red gemstones symbolized love and passion. The color red has always been associated with physical desire, making them a symbol of passionate love among the list of precious gems.
Today, red gemstones continue to be popular in jewelry and accessories.
Rubies, garnets, and red jaspers are some of the most famous names when it comes to red gemstones.
Also See: Different Types of Gemstones
List of Red Precious and Semi-Precious Stones
Curious to find out what gemstones are red? We are equally thrilled to share this list of red precious and semi-precious stones with you.
So, let’s look at these gorgeous gems:
1. Ruby
Let’s begin with the king of red gemstones: the ruby. Rubies are a variety of corundum and come in a range of red shades, from pale pink to blood red. Many people credit them for bringing them good fortune, vitality, happiness, and even courage.
Rubies have an exciting history. In ancient times, warriors wore ruby rings for protection and strength in battle. Those who wore them did so in the firm belief that their magical properties would keep them safe.
In terms of hardness, ruby is second only to diamond, making it one of the most durable gemstones. It is also highly valued, and a ruby ring is often given as an engagement or wedding ring.
India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Australia all have active ruby mines. But the highest quality ruby is mined in Myanmar.
2. Garnet
The silicate mineral group, known as garnet, comes in a variety of hues, including yellow, green, and purple. But the most popular variety is ruby red garnet. They are rated 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making them relatively soft compared to ruby and diamond.
Garnets are associated with patience, courage, and eternal friendship. Many people credit them with helping them maintain a healthy emotional equilibrium.
Jewelry made with garnets dates back to prehistoric times. In the Bronze age, garnet rings were popular among kings and queens. Legend has it that Noah used garnets to illuminate the Ark.
India, the United States, and Africa are just a few of the many sites across the globe where you may find garnets. However, India is home to the world’s largest garnet mines.
3. Red Jasper
The beautiful red jasper is a member of the quartz family. It comes in shades of red, from deep crimson to light pink. On the Mohs scale, it falls between 6.5 and 7, meaning it is a relatively soft stone.
Jaspers have been around since antiquity. Ancient Egyptians believed jasper was a powerful protection stone and often used it to create talismans. In medieval times, people thought jasper could treat colic, lower fever, and fight off evil spirits.
The current belief is that red jasper bestows bravery, determination, and authority. It helps regulate and repair emotions and cope with stress.
The United States, Brazil, India, and Africa are all excellent sources of red jasper. For quality red jasper, try looking for pieces from India or Brazil.
4. Carnelian
The beautiful orange-red carnelian is a semi-precious red stone, and it’s often mistaken for an orange-colored agate. Carnelians are a form of chalcedony, and come in various shades of red, orange, and brown. They are a 7 on the Mohs scale, which measures hardness.
Carnelians have a long history of association with the heart chakra, and people believe they stimulate joy and creativity. Ancient Egyptians used carnelians in their jewelry as protective talismans, believing the stone could protect them from danger and evil. Its proponents also claimed that it stoked the flames of inspiration and enthusiasm.
In modern times, people think that carnelians give them physical energy and mental clarity. You’ll be able to focus better and feel more secure in your choices, so the theory goes.
The United States, India, and Brazil are all good places to look for carnelians. Carnelian, of the greatest grade, comes from Indian mines.
5. Red Spinel
The beautiful red spinel is often mistaken for ruby due to its deep red color. Spinel comes in a range of colors, from light pink to deep red. In terms of sturdiness, spinel ranks 8 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest gemstones.
Spinels have been around since medieval times. Ancient Egyptians believed they could bring good luck to the wearer. People also thought that it would keep lousy energy and rotten luck away.
Red spinel is a modern-day symbol of ardor and originality, or so the myth goes. It helps you stay focused while encouraging you to think creatively and make decisions confidently.
You may find red spinel deposits in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka. The vast majority of red spinel is mined in Myanmar, however.
Also See: Gemstone Price Chart
6. Red Diamond
The stunning red diamond is the most precious and sought-after of all red stones. On the hardness scale, it ranks 10, making it one of the hardest gemstones in existence. Red diamonds come in various shades, from deep crimson to light pink.
Diamonds have been around since antiquity. There was a common belief that whoever wore a diamond would gain strength, power, and good fortune. Diamonds have a long history of superstition as a talisman against evil and a catalyst for enlightenment in the Middle Ages.
Today, people believe that red diamonds can bring out passion and energy. They bring clarity of thought and focus while also increasing physical energy.
Red diamonds are incredibly rare and hard to find, not to mention costly. Most of the red diamonds in the world come from Brazil and India. Would you believe it if we told you that for 1 carat of red diamond, you might have to pay close to a million dollars? That’s how rare they are!
7. Rubellite
A rare semi-precious red stone, rubellite is a type of tourmaline. It comes in various red, pink, and purple hues, with the most vibrant and valuable stones being red. It has a hardness rating of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the harder semi-precious red gems. So, rubellite is an excellent option if you’re looking for out-of-the-box red engagement rings.
Since ancient times, rubellite has been said to stimulate the heart chakra and fill its wearer with optimism and energy. They believed that wearing it might channel their inner power and turn their negative energy into a good force.
Today’s generation believes rubellite to be a gem of energy and passion. It brings out creativity while increasing physical energy and focus.
Brazil, Afghanistan, and Mozambique all have deposits of rubellite. Brazil is home to some of the world’s finest rubellite mines.
8. Red Imperial Topaz
The November birthstone, red topaz, is a stunning red stone that comes in various red and pink hues. The Mohs scale rates it as an 8, and you may find it in places like Brazil, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Madagascar. In fact, Brazil is home to a considerable number of imperial topaz mines.
The ancients believed that red topaz would safeguard its wearer from disease and evil spirits while also bringing material success.
These days red topaz is thought to bring fortune while helping you manifest success. It increases focus while bringing clarity of thought and decision-making. It also brings good luck and wealth and makes you feel energetic.
9. Red Beryl
A rare cousin of emerald, red beryl is a gemstone prized for its intense hue and clarity. It comes in various hues ranging from light pink to deep ruby. It has a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the harder semi-precious stones.
Utah and New Mexico are the locations of the earliest red beryl discoveries in the United States, dating back to 1906.
Red beryl brings physical energy and vitality to the wearer. It bestows clarity of thought while also encouraging creative expression. In addition, it helps manifest success and improves decision-making.
10. Coral
Last on our list, but certainly not the least, is coral. It’s a semi-precious stone widely used in jewelry and other ornamental pieces. Unlike other precious and semi-precious red gemstones on the list, coral is created by living organisms in the sea, making it quite unique.
Since ancient times, people have looked to coral for its purported magical properties and good fortune. Many people also believed it would strengthen them physically and give them more energy. Women expecting children often wore amulets made from this stone because they thought it would safeguard the unborn child.
Even now, many people believe that coral has miraculous curative and even defensive capabilities. It brings physical energy and boosts vitality while bringing clarity of thought and focus. In addition, it is also helpful in manifesting success, improving decision-making, and getting good luck.
Corals are collected from shallow waters and the beds of coral reefs in various parts of the world instead of being mined. The Mediterranean Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the South China Sea are home to some of the world’s finest coral reefs.
Also See: What Is A Gemstone?
FAQs
Of all red gems, red diamonds are the most valuable and scarce. Other expensive varieties include ruby, spessartite garnet, and red tourmaline (rubellite).
The hardness of a red gemstone depends on its variety. Generally, rubies, red tourmaline, and red spinel have high hardness ratings of 7.5 to 9 on the Mohs scale.
Yes, many red gems have healing and protective properties. Red diamonds, for example, bring energy and vitality, while rubies protect from evil forces.
Have You Picked a Favorite Red Gem Yet?
Any hot-blooded person would be hard-pressed to resist the spellbinding sparkle of a red gem! Whether it’s the fiery glow of rubies, the passionate hues of red tourmaline or the mysterious allure of red beryl, these precious and semi-precious stones are sure to make anyone feel energized, lucky, and focused.
So check out your local gem store and find the perfect red gemstone that speaks to you! And if you still can’t decide, why not try them all (except the $1 million red diamond, of course)?
With some good luck and positive vibes, your perfect red gemstone might just be waiting for you!
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