The facts
What trapiche Ruby actually is
Mineralogically, trapiche Ruby is corundum — Al₂O₃, crystallising in the trigonal system.
The colour is caused by cr³⁺ gives the red; the six-spoke pattern is a skeletal growth texture with carbonate, rutile or aluminosilicate concentrated along the arms. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.762–1.770, and the specific gravity sits near 3.95–4.05; cleavage is none; parting.
Where trapiche Ruby comes from
The recognised sources are Mong Hsu, Shan State, Myanmar, Luc Yen, Yen Bai, Vietnam and Ratnapura, Sri Lanka.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How trapiche Ruby is treated
Trapiche ruby is usually left untreated because heating or glass filling would wreck the pattern — which matters, since ordinary Mong Hsu ruby is almost universally heated and lead-glass filled. Assembled imitations with printed or inlaid spokes exist.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What trapiche Ruby is confused with
The usual confusions are Trapiche emerald, Trapiche sapphire, Star ruby and Assembled imitations.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.762–1.770 and specific gravity 3.95–4.05 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What trapiche Ruby is used for
Trapiche Ruby is bought by jewellery and mineral collecting — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat or by the specimen.
Durability and care
Hardness 9; cleavage none; parting. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What trapiche Ruby costs
Indicative pricing for trapiche Ruby is 100–2,000 USD/ct; sharp symmetrical patterns at the top.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is trapiche Ruby treated, and how?
Trapiche ruby is usually left untreated because heating or glass filling would wreck the pattern — which matters, since ordinary Mong Hsu ruby is almost universally heated and lead-glass filled. Assembled imitations with printed or inlaid spokes exist.
Where does trapiche Ruby come from?
Mong Hsu, Shan State, Myanmar, Luc Yen, Yen Bai, Vietnam and Ratnapura, Sri Lanka. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is trapiche Ruby hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 9 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does trapiche Ruby cost?
Indicatively 100–2,000 USD/ct; sharp symmetrical patterns at the top. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is trapiche Ruby confused with?
Most often Trapiche emerald, Trapiche sapphire, Star ruby and Assembled imitations. A refractive index of 1.762–1.770 and a specific gravity near 3.95–4.05 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for trapiche ruby?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about trapiche ruby