How to Tell If a Ruby Is Natural, Synthetic, or Treated: Expert Tips

Rubies are the one of the most sought after gemstones in the world. Besides beauty they are valued for their astrological significance. There is a wide variety of ruby stones available in the market. These vary in color range and origin factors. But all that glitters is not gold. You will also find similar red colored gemstones in the market. 

These gems can be imitations, lab created or synthetic. They might be affordable but they are not astrologically significant. This is because they do not contain any specific astrological powers. So if you are planning to buy ruby online  our guide will help you figure out which is real stone. 

Meaning of Gemstones 

Natural Ruby: Formed over millions of years these gems are treasures found in metamorphic and igneous rocks. 

Synthetic Ruby: Rubies that are made in the lab are called synthetic rubies. 

Treated Ruby: These are natural rubies but are given treatment of some kind. 

Check for Inclusions 

• Natural rubies often contain silk-like needles, crystal inclusions, or growth zoning.
  
  

• Synthetic rubies are usually too perfect—no inclusions or only gas bubbles from the manufacturing process.
  
  

Pro Tip: Use a 10x jeweler's loupe or take it to a gemologist for magnified inspection.

Look at the Color and Clarity

Color can be deceptive, but it still offers clues:

• Natural rubies may show slight color zoning (lighter and darker areas).
  
  

• Synthetic rubies often have even, intense color that looks “too good to be true.”
  
  

• Treated rubies, especially heat-treated ones, can also have vibrant color—but may show unnatural clarity if glass-filled.

Fluorescence Test

When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light:

• Natural rubies usually fluoresce a bright red due to chromium content.
  
  

• Synthetic rubies may also fluoresce, but often with a slightly different glow.
  
  

• If a ruby doesn’t glow at all, it might be treated with iron-rich glass or contain other elements.
  
  

Ask for Certification

Always buy rubies with a gemstone certification from reputed labs like GIA, IGI, or AGS.

 A good certificate will state:

• Whether the ruby is natural or synthetic.
  
  

• What type of treatment (if any) has been applied.
  
  

7. Watch Out for Lead Glass-Filled Rubies

These are real rubies that have been filled with lead glass to improve appearance.

Key indicators:

• Bubbles under magnification.
  
  

• Surface-reaching fractures.
  
  

• A “flash effect” (rainbow-like reflections) when rotated under light.
  
  

These rubies are usually much cheaper—and much less durable.

 Price Tells a Story

Let’s be real—if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

• Natural rubies, especially those from Burma (Myanmar), are extremely rare and costly.
  
  

• Synthetic and treated rubies are far more affordable.

Which is best for Astrological Use?

Natural Manik stone is only the right gemstones to be used in astrology. This is because the power of this gemstone resonates around the wearer benefiting the person with wealth and luck. Synthetic and treated rubies are not suitable for astrological use. Such gemstones do not contain any energy associated with all the tatvas of the universe. Thus, one should always buy original certified ruby online from a trusted seller.