Yes, while rubies are exceptionally hard, they are not indestructible and can be broken under specific conditions.
It’s wonderful to explore the properties of precious gems. When we think of rubies, we often picture their vibrant red glow and incredible strength. It’s a natural question to wonder just how resilient these beautiful stones truly are.
Let’s unpack what makes a ruby strong and where its vulnerabilities lie. Understanding these details helps us appreciate their beauty even more and care for them properly.
The Marvel of Ruby: Hardness vs. Toughness
Rubies are celebrated for their remarkable hardness. This property is often measured on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which ranges from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond).
Rubies, being a variety of the mineral corundum, rank a strong 9 on the Mohs scale. This means they are incredibly resistant to scratching. Only a diamond, at a 10, can scratch a ruby.
However, hardness is not the same as toughness. Think of it like this:
- A pane of glass is hard; you can’t easily scratch it with your fingernail.
- A rubber ball is not hard; you can easily scratch it.
But if you drop both, the glass shatters, while the rubber ball bounces. This illustrates the difference between hardness (resistance to scratching) and toughness (resistance to breaking or chipping from impact).
Rubies, while very hard, have a moderate to good toughness. They are much tougher than glass but not as tough as some other materials, like jade, which has a lower Mohs rating but exceptional toughness.
Can You Break A Ruby? Understanding Its Vulnerabilities
Despite their hardness, rubies are indeed susceptible to breaking. This usually happens due to a combination of factors related to their internal structure and external forces.
The primary reason a ruby can break lies in its crystal structure. Like many minerals, corundum has planes of weakness within its atomic arrangement. These are known as cleavage planes.
Here are the main ways a ruby can be broken:
- Impact along cleavage planes: A sharp blow directly on one of these planes can cause the ruby to split or fracture.
- Extreme pressure: While rare in everyday wear, immense pressure can cause internal stress and breakage.
- Thermal shock: Rapid changes in temperature can cause expansion and contraction, leading to fractures.
- Chemical exposure: Certain harsh chemicals can compromise the stone’s integrity over time.
It’s important to differentiate between a scratch and a break. A scratch affects the surface, while a break involves a deeper structural compromise, often resulting in a chip, crack, or complete separation.
Cleavage and Fracture: The Ruby’s Achilles’ Heel
Let’s dive a bit deeper into cleavage and fracture, as these are critical concepts for gem durability. Cleavage refers to a mineral’s tendency to break along specific smooth, flat planes of weakness within its crystal structure.
Corundum, including ruby, exhibits basal parting, which is a type of cleavage. This means it has preferred directions where it can split cleanly under stress.
Consider the difference between cleavage and fracture:
| Property | Cleavage | Fracture |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Breaking along distinct, flat planes. | Breaking along irregular, uneven surfaces. |
| Cause | Weak atomic bonds in specific directions. | Stronger, more uniform atomic bonds. |
| Appearance | Smooth, reflective surfaces. | Rough, conchoidal (shell-like), splintery. |
When a ruby is struck with sufficient force, especially if that force is directed parallel to one of its cleavage planes, it can break much more easily than if struck from another angle. This is similar to how splitting wood with an axe works best when hitting along the grain.
Even though a ruby is very hard, a well-aimed impact can exploit these internal weaknesses. This is why jewelers must be very careful when setting rubies, ensuring the stone is protected from direct blows.
Beyond Impact: Other Threats to Ruby Integrity
While impact is a common cause of damage, rubies face other threats that can compromise their structure and lead to breakage or degradation.
Thermal Shock
Rapid and extreme temperature changes are a significant risk. If a ruby is suddenly exposed to very hot then very cold conditions, or vice versa, the material can expand and contract too quickly. This internal stress can cause cracks, known as thermal fractures.
For example, taking a ruby ring from a warm room into freezing weather, or exposing it to very hot water after being cold, can induce thermal shock. It’s like pouring hot water into a cold glass; the sudden change can cause it to crack.
Chemical Exposure
While rubies are generally stable, prolonged exposure to certain harsh chemicals can be detrimental. Acids, strong cleaning agents, or even some household chemicals can corrode the surface or interact with natural inclusions within the stone, potentially weakening its structure.
It’s always a good practice to remove ruby jewelry before using cleaning products or engaging in activities that involve chemical contact.
Abrasion (Wear and Tear)
Although rubies are very hard, constant abrasion against harder materials can still cause microscopic damage over time. This won’t “break” a ruby in a single event, but it can dull its polish or create tiny surface imperfections that might become points of weakness for future impacts.
This is why storing ruby jewelry separately from diamonds or other harder gems is a wise choice.
Protecting Your Precious Ruby: Practical Care Strategies
Knowing a ruby’s vulnerabilities helps us understand how to keep these beautiful gems safe and sparkling for years. Proper care is straightforward and can significantly extend their life and beauty.
Here are some essential strategies for protecting your ruby:
- Avoid harsh impacts: Remove ruby jewelry before engaging in sports, heavy lifting, or any activity where it might be struck.
- Guard against thermal shock: Do not expose your ruby to sudden, drastic temperature changes. Avoid hot tubs, saunas, or very cold environments while wearing ruby jewelry.
- Steer clear of chemicals: Take off ruby rings or pendants before cleaning with household products, swimming in chlorinated pools, or using strong cosmetics.
- Store properly: Keep ruby jewelry in a soft pouch or a separate compartment in a jewelry box. This prevents it from scratching softer gems or being scratched by harder ones like diamonds.
- Clean gently: Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush for cleaning. An ultrasonic cleaner can be used with caution, but avoid it if your ruby has fractures or has been treated (like fracture-filled rubies).
- Regular inspection: Periodically check your ruby and its setting for any signs of loosening or damage. A professional jeweler can identify minor issues before they become major problems.
By following these simple steps, you can help ensure your ruby remains a cherished and intact treasure.
Can You Break A Ruby? — FAQs
Are rubies prone to chipping?
Yes, rubies can chip, especially if they experience a sharp impact along their cleavage planes or if they have existing inclusions or fractures. Their inherent crystal structure means certain angles are more vulnerable to chipping than others. Proper care and careful handling significantly reduce this risk, preserving the gem’s integrity.
Can everyday wear and tear break a ruby?
Everyday wear and tear typically won’t break a ruby outright, as they are very hard and durable. However, repeated minor impacts or abrasions against harder materials can cause surface damage or microscopic weaknesses over time. It’s the sudden, forceful impact or extreme conditions that pose the greatest risk of breakage.
What is the most common way a ruby breaks?
The most common way a ruby breaks is through a sharp, direct impact, particularly if the force is applied along one of its natural cleavage planes. This can lead to a clean split, a chip, or a fracture. Thermal shock, caused by rapid temperature changes, is another significant cause of internal cracking.
Can heat treatment make a ruby more fragile?
Standard heat treatment, a common practice to enhance ruby color, generally does not make a ruby more fragile. In some cases, it can even improve stability by healing minor internal stresses. However, rubies that have undergone fracture filling or other extensive treatments might be more sensitive to heat and cleaning methods, requiring extra care.
How can I tell if my ruby is damaged?
You can check for damage by carefully examining your ruby under good light. Look for new cracks, chips along the edges, or any dullness that wasn’t there before. If the stone appears cloudy or has new internal lines, it might indicate a fracture. A jeweler can provide a professional assessment and advise on any necessary steps.