Ruby is part of the corundum group along with sapphire. Ruby and Sapphire are the same gemstone with a different impurity causing the different colors.

The name ruby should only be given to the pure red examples of corundum. Much of the Ruby on the market would correctly be called purple Sapphire.

Some of the finest Ruby is referred to as "Pigeons Blood Red", implying a rich, deep, clear red.

Ruby is found in a number of locations around the world including: Mogok, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Australia, Tanzania, and Viet Nam.