How to Identify a Real Ruby Gem
- 1). Get a clear light source, like an uncovered light bulb or a lamp without the lamp shade. You will need this to use the Hodgkinson Method, a simple way which helps to identify likely rubies without having to use any special equipment.
- 2). Hold the gem extremely close to your eye. You must hold the gem almost as close as a contact lens, as you'll be looking through the gem.
- 3). Look at the light through the gemstone. You should see a rainbow reflection in the gem. A full rainbow means it's most likely not a true ruby, as most green and yellow light will be absorbed by a true ruby.
- 4). Look for a reflection of red and blue. Rubies normally give off a red and blue reflection, while yellow and green colors in the rainbow mean it is likely a different gem.
- 5). Examine the gem from multiple angles, seeing if any angle reveals bright yellow or green light in the spectrum. This could be a sign that the stone is not a ruby, but a similar looking red rock.
Source...