nyala ruby and sapphire
| Colour | Orange red to vivid red ruby, pink to orange sapphire |
| Gem Family | Nyala™ Ruby and Sapphire are both members of the corundum family, which includes both ruby and sapphire. These two gems have the same mineral composition but were named for their striking colours long before our ancestors learned of their close relationship. The tradition still holds: ruby is the name for red corundum and all the other colours of corundum are named sapphire. Usually this includes pink corundum, which is called pink sapphire, however in some countries pink ruby is the preferred term. |
| Source | This rare ruby and sapphire is mined only at the Chimwadzulu mine in the southern African county of Malawi. |
| Clarity | Ranges from no visible inclusions to moderately included. |
| Size Range | Small accent stones to spectacular 7-carat gems. |
| Shapes Available | Nyala™ Ruby and Sapphire are exceptionally well cut for corundum, which is so valuable that many producers sacrifice brilliance for weight. Nyala™ Ruby and Sapphire are available in a variety of shapes including brilliant and Portuguese rounds, emerald cuts, ovals, cushions, and trillions. |
| Enhancement | Nyala™ Ruby and Sapphire are guaranteed not to be enhanced in any way. Most rubies and sapphires on the market are heated to enhance their colour and clarity. Some rubies are also fracture filled and some sapphires are diffusion treated. Nyala™ rubies and sapphires are guaranteed not to have been enhanced by any of these methods. |
| Lore & History | Ruby is the gem of passion. The ancients believed that the rich red of ruby comes from an internal flame that can never be extinguished. Sapphire is the gem of the soul, of loyalty and honesty. These gems have been treasured for thousands of years. Nyala™ Ruby and Sapphire are named after the rare Nyala™ antelope, which is native to the area in southern Malawi where these gems are mined. The unspoiled beauty and wildlife of Malawi is one reason why we mine these rare gems with maximum protection for the environment. |
| Hardness & Toughness | Ruby and sapphire have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale and it is quite tough. |
| Care & Cleaning | Ruby and sapphire are among the most durable gemstones. In its common form, corundum is even used as an abrasive! Clean your ruby or sapphire with warm water, detergent, and a soft brush. Nyala™ Ruby and Sapphire can be put in ultrasonic or steam cleaners. |
| Price Range | $500 to $12,000 per carat for stones from a half-carat to 3 carats. There are a few large exceptional gems that can be considerably more, since large untreated ruby and sapphire with fine colour is exceedingly rare. |
| Special Characteristics | Nyala™ Ruby and Sapphire are the rarest of the rare: fine corundum that doesn't need any enhancement to reach its potential. That makes these gems collector's items for the connoisseur. Nyala™ Sapphire is sometimes available in the legendary pink-orange shade known as padparadscha. |