Trapiche Ruby

GIA Certified 14.95 ct natural trapiche ruby and diamond necklace in 18K white gold
Trapiche ruby and diamond necklace
Variety:  Trapiche Ruby
​Species:  Corundum
​​Mohs Hardness:  9 out of 10
Color:  Red.  (Can be light pink to orangy red to strongly purplish red, but red must be the dominant color.)
RI:  1.762 to 1.770 (+0.009 / -0.005)
Birefringence:  0.008 to 0.010
SR/DR/AGG:  DR
Clarity Type:  Type II
Optic Character:  Uniaxial negative
Pleochroism:  Orangy red & slightly purplish red
Spectrum:  Fine lines at 659nm, 668nm, 693nm.  Broad absorption at 500nm to 610nm.
Fluorescence:  Weak to strong red under LW & SW, with best reaction under SW.
SG:  4.00 (+0.10 / -0.05)
Routine Treatments:  None
Additional Enhancements:  Heating, dyeing

Trapiche Ruby Facts

GIA Certified 14.95 ct natural trapiche ruby and diamond necklace in 18K white gold
Trapiche ruby and diamond necklace


Trapiche ruby is a rare variety of ruby that is currently found in only 2 locations on earth:  Myanmar (Burma) and India.

Trapiche rubies are named after a six-spoked cogwheel used in sugar cane mills (trapiche de cańa azucar in Spanish).

Trapiche rubies often have sharp, hexagonal growth lines that create a fixed, 6-ray star.  They're often cut into slices to show off their unique appearance.

Burmese trapiche rubies rarely exceed 1 carat while Indian trapiche rubies can weigh over 70 carats.


Trapiche Ruby Gallery

All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA)

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