Introduction
Rubies — or Manik in Vedic astrology — are gemstones of fire, vitality, and royal power. Ruled by the Sun (Surya), they are believed to energize confidence, authority, and soul alignment.
But not all rubies are created equal. Today, more than 95% of rubies in the market are heat-treated — and many customers don’t realize that there is a meaningful difference between heated and unheated rubies, especially when buying for astrology or long-term value.
What Is a Heated Ruby?
A heated ruby is a natural ruby that has been exposed to very high temperatures (often over 1700°C) to:
-
Enhance its red colour (especially if naturally pinkish or brownish)
-
Reduce or remove visible inclusions
-
Improve overall clarity and brilliance
This process does not make the ruby synthetic, but it does alter its natural state.
Types of Heat Treatment:
-
Traditional heat (no chemicals): Most accepted
-
Flux-healing: Glass or chemicals are used to fill fractures
-
Lead-glass-filled: Commercial grade and not suitable for astrology
What Is an Unheated Ruby?
An unheated ruby is a natural ruby that has not undergone any heat or clarity enhancement. Its colour, clarity, and internal structure are exactly as formed in the Earth.
These rubies are extremely rare and often contain natural inclusions or uneven colour zones — but they are prized for their purity, provenance, and unaltered vibrational energy.
Astrological Suitability: Heated vs Unheated Ruby
| Type | Astrological Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Unheated Ruby (Natural) | ✅ Ideal | Untouched by man, pure planetary energy |
| Mildly Heated (Traditional) | ⚠️ Maybe | Some astrologers allow, others don’t |
| Flux-heated / Glass-filled | ❌ Never | Chemically altered, lacks energetic purity |
| Synthetic Ruby | ❌ Never | Lab-made, has no planetary resonance |
What If Budget Is a Constraint?
Unheated rubies from Burma can be extremely expensive — often running into lakhs per carat.
If your budget is limited, it is better to choose a smaller unheated ruby from Africa or India rather than settling for glass-filled or synthetic rubies.
-
African unheated rubies (from Madagascar, Tanzania, etc.) can be affordable if you accept natural inclusions and softer colour.
-
Indian-origin rubies, though less vibrant, still carry natural, untouched energy and are often good substitutes for basic astrological remedies.
Avoid glass-filled rubies at all costs for astrology. They may look bright, but their internal structure is compromised and energetically weak.
A smaller, cloudy natural ruby is more spiritually aligned than a larger, glittering glass-filled ruby.
Market Value: Price Differences
| Ruby Type | Average Price (INR/ct) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unheated Burmese Ruby | ₹50,000 – ₹5,00,000+ | Extremely rare and premium |
| Heated Burmese Ruby | ₹8,000 – ₹50,000 | Visually appealing, widely available |
| Flux-heated Ruby | ₹1,500 – ₹6,000 | Not recommended |
| Lead-glass-filled Ruby | ₹300 – ₹1,500 | Very low value, fragile |
Origin Notes: Burma vs Mozambique vs Africa
-
Unheated rubies from Burma (Mogok): The gold standard, especially in pigeon blood tones.
-
Mozambique rubies: Stunning but often heated.
-
African rubies (Tanzania, Madagascar): Available in both heated and unheated forms — a lab report is essential.
Analogy: Nature’s Flame vs Man’s Torch
An unheated ruby is like a sacred flame that has been burning quietly underground for millions of years. Its energy is raw, ancient, and untouched — a whisper from the Earth.
A heated ruby, on the other hand, is a flame adjusted by man — bright, bold, and beautiful, but not quite the same. One glows with cosmic memory, the other with commercial polish.
How to Know If a Ruby Is Unheated
-
Always ask for a gem lab certificate (GIA, GRS, IGI, GTL, SSEF)
-
Look for the line: “No indications of heating”
-
Avoid stones marked “Glass-filled”, “Fracture-filled”, or “Diffused”
Final Word: What Should You Choose?
-
For astrology or collection: Choose unheated, certified rubies — even if they carry inclusions or are lighter in tone. These are sacred, potent, and generational.
-
For beauty or budget: Heated rubies can offer rich red colour and better clarity at accessible prices — perfect for jewelry and adornment.
Explore Our Collection
At PreciousCarats.com, over 95% of our rubies are unheated, certified, and ethically sourced. We carry rubies from Mogok, Mozambique, and Africa — each gem full of story, fire, and cosmic calm.