Ruby quartz is relatively new on the jewelry scene and there is still some confusion about what it actually is. Read on to learn more about this attractive and unique stone and where you can find it online.
Ruby Quartz
While its name implies a red stone, ruby quartz is actually a richly veined stone of many of colors, including mauve, white, black and brown. The colorful quartz occurs naturally and is mined from the earth - in fact, some of this stone was found just a few years back in an African mine. However, the name is often applied to dyed or man made red and pink stones and many of the stones advertised as ruby quartz are not the naturally occurring form of this gem. The natural form of this quartz must be treated gently as it can be delicate and easier to break than many other stones used in jewelry, so there are some who prefer the faux versions, which are easier to handle.
About Quartz
Although ruby quartz might be new term, it's likely you've heard of quartz before. Quartz is the most plentiful mineral on earth. Quartz goes under many different names, usually depending on its color or crystalline structure, and the brilliant colors of the stones have made them popular for use in jewelry. In addition to ruby quartz, some common gems that are actually forms of quartz are:
- Agate
- Amethyst
- Aventurine
- Carnelian
- Citrine
- Jasper
- Onyx
- Rose Quartz
- Tiger's Eye
Types of Jewelry
Ruby quartz is carved into beads of all sorts of different shapes - barrel shaped, triangular, circular, square, oval - you name it! The beads can then be used to make jewelry like necklaces, bracelets, pendants, earrings and brooches. Because it is not generally well known, jewelry created from this pretty gem tends to have an unusual look to it.
Ruby Quartz as a Gift
If you're looking for a unique gift, jewelry made from this lovely stone is the way to go. It's not technically a ruby, but because it has the word ruby in its name ruby quartz jewelry can be an appropriate gift for a special someone who was born in July, the month of the ruby birthstone. This jewelry is also ideal for the woman who has a large jewelry collection and will appreciate something outside the norm, or for the woman who adores pink or red jewelry.
Where to Buy
While jewelry shops selling this unique form of quartz are not as plentiful as those selling, say, cubic zirconia, there are still plenty of online sites where you'll find either natural or man made ruby quartz. Here are a few places to start your search:
- Ebay - A variety of ruby quartz necklaces, pendants and beads ready for use in jewelry can be found on this popular online auction site.
- Rings & Things - This site sells strands of ruby quartz beads that are ready to be turned into stunning necklaces and bracelets, a great resource for those talented people who enjoy making jewelry for themselves and others. Customers can buy a single strand or more, with a discount offered for bulk purchases. The site also offers wires and cords for stringing the quartz beads.
- Buy.com - This site sells a beautiful handmade Ruby Quartz Necklace with Silver Beads. They also offer other Ruby Quartz jewelry at affordable prices.
Fun Fact
In the X-Men comic book series the character Cyclops uses glasses with ruby quartz lenses to prevent him from harming anyone with the uncontrollable optic blasts that his eyes produce.
