Ruby
A precious stone almost equal in value to the diamond. Some regard the ruby as a red variety of the sapphire. There are balas, or rose-red rubies; alamantine, or violet and brown rubies; and oriental rubies from Burmah and Ceylon, which are the finest red. The ruby is a silicate of magnesia and alumina, with lime, manganese, and iron in varying admixtures. See PRECIOUS STONES.