Question 1

Are Mozambique rubies good quality?

Accepted Answer

Mozambique produces rubies across the full range, from glass-filled commercial material to some of the finest rubies on the market today. The best combine strong red colour, good clarity and larger sizes than are commonly available from Burma. As with any origin, quality varies from stone to stone, so judge colour, clarity, treatment and cut rather than origin alone.

Question 2

Do Mozambique rubies fluoresce?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but usually less strongly than low-iron rubies from marble deposits such as Mogok, because their higher iron content dampens red fluorescence. They may therefore look slightly less vivid in some lighting, although fine stones can still show excellent colour. Fluorescence varies between stones, so it is worth viewing a video in daylight and under other light sources.

Question 3

Are Mozambique rubies heated?

Accepted Answer

Many are, but a notable share of fine Mozambique rubies is sold unheated, which has made the source important for unheated ruby. Heated stones may be heated conventionally or with flux, and lower grades may be filled with lead glass. Only a laboratory report can confirm treatment status, so ask for one on any significant stone.

Question 4

Can a Mozambique ruby be called pigeon's blood?

Accepted Answer

At some laboratories, yes. GRS, SSEF and Gübelin each use pigeon's blood as a lab-defined colour term with their own criteria, and fine Mozambique rubies can qualify where those criteria are met. Because the criteria differ, a stone may receive the term at one lab and not another. The term describes colour and appearance; it does not by itself set a value.

Mozambique Rubies