Indian Jewelry » Rubies India

Some areas in India produce better quality ruby, while still others yield lesser stones, but most of the production has been erratic and disorganized. Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are ruby producing States. Lately Orissa has also joined this list. Faceting grade ruby occurs in the Kangayam area ofthe State ofTamil Nadu. Stones mined from this area are of a pale red color with a light-darkish tint, but they display full light and brightness. Karnataka State is the other important source where the Shanna Patna area is known for ruby deposits. The yield lacks enough transparency for brilliants but is ideally suited for quality beads and cabochons, even in large'sizes.

There have been several experiments of mining in the private, public and joint sectors, but none proved to be of a regular systematic nature.

There is yet another Indian ruby quality which, although not bright red in color, is valued for its asterism. This star ruby occurs in Kangayam (Tamil Nadu) and Mysore (Karnataka). Rough from the latter source produces very sharp lined stars. Another southern state Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar towards the east yield cheaper qualities.