1st - Gold 
January 
February 
March 
April 
May 
June 
July 
August 
September 
October 
November 
December 
Capricorn - Garnet 
Aquarius - Amethyst 
Pisces - Aquamarine 
Aries - Diamond 
Taurus - Emerald 
Gemini - Pearl 
Cancer - Ruby 
Leo - Peridot 
Virgo - Blue Sapphire 
Libra - Opal 
Scorpio - Topaz 
Sagittarius - Tanzanite 
Ruby vs Kunzite
Which Red or Pink Gemstone Should You Choose?
When comparing red and pink gemstones, Ruby and Kunzite offer two very different yet equally captivating options. Ruby is known for its deep red colour and exceptional durability, while Kunzite is admired for its delicate pink to lilac tones and soft brilliance.
This comprehensive Ruby vs Kunzite gemstone guide explores their differences in colour, hardness, value, and wearability to help you choose the perfect gemstone for your jewellery.
Ruby vs Kunzite: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Ruby | Kunzite |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Corundum | Spodumene |
| Hardness | 9 – Extremely durable | 6.5 – 7 – Moderate durability |
| Value | Very high; investment-grade | Moderate; affordable luxury |
| Best For | Engagement rings, heirloom jewellery | Pendants, earrings, occasional wear |
| Professional Guides | Ruby Buyer’s Guide | Kunzite Buyer’s Guide |
Ruby Features, Colour & Investment Value Explained
Ruby is one of the most valuable and durable gemstones available. With a Mohs hardness of 9, it is ideal for daily wear jewellery such as engagement rings and bracelets. The most desirable rubies display a vivid “pigeon blood” red, with colour being the primary factor influencing value.
Origins & History:
Rubies are sourced from Myanmar, Mozambique, Madagascar, and Thailand. Historically associated with wealth, power, and protection, rubies remain one of the most prestigious gemstones in the world.
Price Guide (per carat):
R35,000 – R500,000+ depending on quality.
Kunzite Features, Colour & Wearability Explained
Kunzite is a beautiful pink to lilac gemstone known for its soft pastel tones and strong pleochroism (showing different colours from different angles). While visually striking, it is significantly softer than ruby, making it more suitable for occasional wear.
Origins & History:
Kunzite is found in Afghanistan, Brazil, Madagascar, and the USA. It is named after gemologist George Kunz and has become popular for its romantic pink hues.
Price Guide (per carat):
R500 – R10,000 depending on colour intensity and size.
Ruby vs Kunzite: Detailed Technical Comparison
| Feature | Ruby | Kunzite |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) with chromium | Lithium aluminium silicate (LiAlSi2O6) |
| Colour | Deep red, “pigeon blood” red | Light pink, lilac, violet-pink |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 – Extremely durable | 6.5 – 7 – Softer, prone to scratching |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 – 1.770 | 1.660 – 1.676 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.97 – 4.05 | 3.18 – 3.20 |
| Clarity & Inclusions | Silk inclusions common; eye-clean rare | Typically eye-clean; high clarity |
| Origin | Myanmar, Mozambique, Madagascar | Afghanistan, Brazil, Madagascar, USA |
| Treatment | Heat treatment common | Usually untreated; colour may fade with sunlight |
| Best Use | Daily wear, investment jewellery | Occasional wear, statement pieces |
Ruby vs Kunzite: Colour, Hardness & Care Tips
Colour Comparison:
- Ruby: Rich, saturated red with strong intensity.
- Kunzite: Soft pink to lilac tones with delicate brilliance and pleochroism.
Hardness & Durability:
- • Ruby: Mohs 9 – ideal for everyday wear.
- • Kunzite: Mohs 6.5–7 – softer and more prone to scratches and cleavage.
Care Tips:
- Ruby: Durable; clean with mild soap and avoid harsh chemicals.
- Kunzite: Avoid sunlight exposure (can fade), protect from knocks and scratches.
Ruby vs Kunzite: How to Tell Them Apart
💡 Tip: Colour tone and durability are the easiest differences. Ruby is deep red and extremely hard, while Kunzite is lighter pink and softer.
Ruby Summary
- Hardness: Mohs 9
- Colour: Deep red
- Refractive Index: 1.762 – 1.770
- Inclusions: Silk common
- Care: Suitable for daily wear
Kunzite Summary
- Hardness: Mohs 6.5 – 7
- Colour: Pink to lilac
- Refractive Index: 1.660 – 1.676
- Inclusions: Minimal; eye-clean
- Care: Avoid sunlight and impact
Buying Tips
- Always request certification for rubies.
- For kunzite, prioritise strong pink colour saturation.
- Check for fading risk in kunzite due to prolonged sunlight exposure.
- Choose protective settings for kunzite jewellery.
- Browse our Ruby Gemstone Collection and Kunzite Gemstone Collection.
Which Gemstone Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on whether you prioritise durability and value (ruby) or colour and affordability (kunzite).
Ruby: Best for durability, investment, and timeless luxury.
Kunzite: Ideal for soft, romantic pink tones and affordable statement jewellery.
Ruby vs Kunzite FAQ’s
Is kunzite suitable for engagement rings?
Not ideal for daily wear due to its lower hardness and cleavage.
Why is ruby more expensive than kunzite?
Ruby is rarer, harder, and more durable, making it more valuable.
Does kunzite fade over time?
Yes, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause colour fading.
Can ruby and kunzite be worn together?
Yes, but ensure kunzite is protected from harder gemstones like ruby.
Is kunzite always pink?
Typically pink to lilac, near colourless and peach depending on orientation and light.
Which gemstone is better for daily wear?
Ruby, due to its superior hardness and durability.
COMPARE GEMSTONES WITH CONFIDENCE
Gemstone Comparison Guides
Choosing between two beautiful gemstones can be challenging. Our professional Gemstone Comparison Guides help you clearly understand the differences between popular gemstones so you can make a confident and informed choice.
Each comparison explores the key factors that influence gemstone quality and value, including colour, clarity, durability, rarity and typical treatments. You will also learn how similar-looking gemstones differ in appearance, composition, hardness and more.
HERE IS ALL THE PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION YOU NEED
Gemstone Buyer's Guides
Buying a gemstone should be exciting — but understanding quality, rarity and value is essential before making the right choice. Our professional Gemstone Buyer’s Guides help you understand how colour, clarity, cut and treatments influence the beauty and value of different gemstones.
Each guide explains the key quality factors used by gemologists, including gemstone composition, colour grading, natural inclusions, treatments and origin. You will also learn how these factors affect rarity, durability and market value.
Beryl Family
Feldspar Gemstones
Pyroxene Gemstones
Spodumene Family
Chalcedony & Agate
Quartz Gemstones
Amethyst
Ametrine
Citrine
Prasiolite
Quartz
Rose Quartz
Rutile Quartz
Smoky Quartz
Rare & Collector Gemstones
Apatite
Chrysoberyl
Clinozoisite
Fluorite
Grandidierite
Iolite
Jade
Kyanite
Lapis Lazuli
Phosphosiderite
Prehnite
Serendibite
Sillimanite
Sphene
Sugilite
Vesuvianite