For centuries, the color red has been a symbol of passion, fire, warmth, and vitality, and the many types of red gemstones hold those symbols today in various forms of jewelry worn all around the world. Here are five popular types of red gemstones used in jewelry today.
Ruby
Starting off with the most well-known of red gemstones, the ruby is prized for its crimson fire whenever exposed to the light and its durability for use in many different types of jewelry. Typically, this stone undergoes heat treatment to deepen its signature red and is also a staple gift for 40th wedding anniversaries.
Mohs scale:
9 hardness level
Garnet
January’s birthstone is another popular gemstone with a slightly less vibrant hue than that of ruby. Typically, darker in color and noted for its chestnut undertones, this semi-precious gemstone is believed by some to have special healing properties. No matter what you believe, garnet is a beautiful addition to any jewelry box or ensemble.
Mohs scale:
7.5 to 8.5 hardness level
Red Tourmaline
A variety of the tourmaline family, this stone is a popular contender among other types of red gemstones. Red tourmaline, sometimes referred to as rubellite, often has a muted purple undertone beneath its red-violet hue and makes a beautiful addition to rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants, and more.
Mohs scale:
7 to 7.5 hardness level
Red Diamond
As the rarest natural diamond color in existence, it’s no wonder why red diamonds are so sought after for their exclusive beauty. So scarce that many jewelers have never laid eyes upon them, their lab-grown twins are an accessible alternative for putting a spin on classic diamond jewelry.
Mohs scale:
10 hardness level
Red Apatite
Another variety from a stone found in many colors, red apatite is prized for its high clarity and rich color. While many modern gemstones are often heat treated, red apatite is generally left alone. Its composition consists of calcium phosphate, making it a softer stone than others on this list, but still a beautiful selection and alternative to other types of red gemstones.
Mohs scale:
5 hardness level
Are you seeing red, yet? Learn about other types of gemstones in jewelry in our gemstone guide by clicking here.
5 Popular Types of Red Gemstones
Ruby
Starting off with the most well-known of red gemstones, the ruby is prized for its crimson fire whenever exposed to the light and its durability for use in many different types of jewelry. Typically, this stone undergoes heat treatment to deepen its signature red and is also a staple gift for 40th wedding anniversaries.
Mohs scale:
9 hardness level
Garnet
January’s birthstone is another popular gemstone with a slightly less vibrant hue than that of ruby. Typically, darker in color and noted for its chestnut undertones, this semi-precious gemstone is believed by some to have special healing properties. No matter what you believe, garnet is a beautiful addition to any jewelry box or ensemble.
Mohs scale:
7.5 to 8.5 hardness level
Red Tourmaline
A variety of the tourmaline family, this stone is a popular contender among other types of red gemstones. Red tourmaline, sometimes referred to as rubellite, often has a muted purple undertone beneath its red-violet hue and makes a beautiful addition to rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants, and more.
Mohs scale:
7 to 7.5 hardness level
Red Diamond
As the rarest natural diamond color in existence, it’s no wonder why red diamonds are so sought after for their exclusive beauty. So scarce that many jewelers have never laid eyes upon them, their lab-grown twins are an accessible alternative for putting a spin on classic diamond jewelry.
Mohs scale:
10 hardness level
Red Apatite
Another variety from a stone found in many colors, red apatite is prized for its high clarity and rich color. While many modern gemstones are often heat treated, red apatite is generally left alone. Its composition consists of calcium phosphate, making it a softer stone than others on this list, but still a beautiful selection and alternative to other types of red gemstones.
Mohs scale:
5 hardness level
Are you seeing red, yet? Learn about other types of gemstones in jewelry in our gemstone guide by clicking here.