Greenland Ruby: A brand new corundum that will soon be globally recognised

December 6, 2018

By Katerina Perez

5 min read

How often do you hear about the discovery of a new ruby source? This only happens once every few decades, or even only every few hundred years. Today, the main exporters of these particularly valuable gemstones are Myanmar, Mozambique, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. But last year, a recently discovered deposit of the rare red gem that has been hidden by mother nature for billions of years was unearthed in Greenland.

The ruby crystals found there were formed in strata covered by ice between 2.9 to 3.1 billion years ago. It would – therefore – be fair to say that these are the most ancient gemstones on earth. Members of the local population first came across these rubies several centuries ago, while hunting deer in the mountains.

Greenlandic rubies being inspected for quality

Greenlandic rubies being inspected for quality

 Greenlandic rubies being inspected for quality

Greenlandic rubies being inspected for quality

Extraction began last year in the southwest part of Greenland under the supervision of two companies: LNS of Norway’s Rana Gruber (92%), and Greenland Venture (8%). Natives have given a special name to this place – Aappaluttoq (pronounced “Aa-puh-lu-tok”) which translates as “red”. Needless to say, mining for the gemstones is carried out in an exclusively responsible manner, making this new source of red corundum even more attractive.

Best-practice mining, environmental and human resources, as well as state-of-the-art processing will ensure that Greenland rubies have the best reputation, devoid of the negative press that rubies of other origins might have suffered in the past. Because the discovery is recent, minerals are currently being mined and new owners can be assured that their gems have come straight out of the ground after being buried under ice and snow for literally billions of years. It’s pretty cool! – Hayley Henning, VP Sales and Marketing at Greenland Ruby

A vista of Greenland, home of the Aappaluttoq mine

A vista of Greenland, home of the Aappaluttoq mine

I have known Hayley for a few years now, and I remember last year she told me about this new ruby mine. Even then, I was intrigued to find out what properties these Greenlandic gems possessed, as well as what distinguished them from other rubies already available on the market. The first thing I focused on was the colour, which is obviously fundamental when it comes to precious stones. As it turns out, rubies from the Aappaluttoq mine range from light pink to burgundy and dark red, although the lightest specimens are regarded as pink sapphires.

The incredible colour of Greenland rubies is similar to that of the Burmese varieties: deep red, purplish and pinkish reds. Some of the laboratory certificates that have already been issued include the sought-after ‘pigeon blood red’ classification which is considered one of the most highly prized colour descriptions of a ruby, Hayley tells me. Incidentally, the team at Greenland Ruby has already considered the introduction of its own colour classification system for red corundum, and plans to call the most precious red hues ‘Viking red’.

A selection of the Greenlandic Aappaluttoq mine rubies

A selection of the Greenlandic Aappaluttoq mine rubies

Rubies mined in Greenland partly owe their beauty to Borax, a flux that helps to enhance gemstones by healing small fissures and fractures. It does not in any way affect the colour of rubies, but makes them more durable and prevents them from flaking apart, making it easier to cut larger specimens which would have not been made possible if it was not for treatment. Borax enhancement is a part of the process done in Thailand that includes cleaning, cutting and polishing gems. According to Hayley, “it is an acceptable way of treating rubies and pink sapphires as long as it is honestly disclosed”.

 The natural crystalline form of Greenlandic Aappaluttoq mine rubies

The natural crystalline form of Greenlandic Aappaluttoq mine rubies

  The natural crystalline form of Greenlandic Aappaluttoq mine rubies

The natural crystalline form of Greenlandic Aappaluttoq mine rubies

 Sorting process of Greenlandic Aappaluttoq mine rubies

Sorting process of Greenlandic Aappaluttoq mine rubies

 Cleaning process of Greenlandic Aappaluttoq mine rubies

Cleaning process of Greenlandic Aappaluttoq mine rubies

 Inspection process of Greenlandic Aappaluttoq mine rubies

Inspection process of Greenlandic Aappaluttoq mine rubies

Several gemmology labs have already run tests on the new rubies and documented a series of intrinsic characteristics. I personally cannot wait to discover the inner world of these stones and get to know their idiosyncratic features, formed millions of years ago! It also should not be forgotten that Greenland rubies are not mined in alluvial deposits or river beds where crystals are found through filtration, but chiselled from hard rock. You can imagine rubies being some sort of inclusions in giant rocks that need to be split open in order to obtain the treasure inside.

A vista of Greenland, home of the Aappaluttoq mine

A vista of Greenland, home of the Aappaluttoq mine

So after a number of years of research, geology, feasibility studies, bulk-sampling and millions of dollars of investment, a new mine for some of the rarest and most sought-after gemstones in the world finally started functioning last year. What effect, if any, has this had on the jewellery industry? Here is what Hayley thinks: “The introduction of a new and responsible source of the rarest and more precious of all the gems will have a profound effect on the market. The industry will now be able to enjoy a consistent supply of rubies and pink sapphires from a new reliable and responsible source. This means that jewellery manufacturers will be able to plan their collections and campaigns in advance, making ruby and pink sapphire pieces suitable for their clients in all price categories. The fact that these gems come in good sizes at affordable prices will encourage new and young buyers to own something they may never have dreamed of having. Not to mention being able to own something so unique and unusual.”

The Greenland Aappaluttoq mine

The Greenland Aappaluttoq mine

The very first collection to include Greenlandic rubies has already been released and is available exclusively at the boutique of renowned Copenhagen retailer Hartmann’s. Do you want to know what this collection has to offer? Well, this is something I will cover in a separate article very soon.

Azza Fahmy: Discovering the Latest Collections at the Brand New Boutique

continue reading

Exceptional Splendour: Jaipur Gems Celebrates 50 Years with Abu Dhabi Opening and New High Jewels 

Let me take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Abu Dhabi boutique and share some of my sparkling highlights

by Katerina Perez

Radiating Confidence: The Mother-Daughter Energy Behind Growing Brand Aponine

As one of this year’s Couture show debutants, Turkish brand Aponine impressed me with its blend of colourful creativity, timeless elegance, and stylish femininity. Let’s take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Sensual Silhouettes: Jewels with Curves in All the Right Places

Is it getting hot in here, or is it just us? As jewellers swap sharp lines for shapely swirls, we look at new collections that are embracing the raw power of sensuality inspired by the female form

by Rachael Taylor

Artistic Realms: The Enchanting Natural World of Histoire D’Elle

I had the pleasure of speaking with Pascale Van Maele, the Brand Manager of Histoire d'Elle, which celebrates the deep-rooted connection between quiet femininity, elegance and natural forms. Let's explore together…

by Sarah Jordan

Spinel Stories: Celebrating the Special Allure of Spinels with the House of Gübelin 

I visited the Geneva boutique of the family-owned business to indulge my passion for this overlooked gemstone and explore some of its beautiful creations…

by Katerina Perez

Golden Hour: Cosmic Creations in the Chanel Reach for the Stars High Jewellery Collection

The Reach for the Stars collection bounces between cosmic constellations of diamonds, elaborate, almost mythological neckwear, and starbursts of coloured stones, all with the Maison’s Parisian flair

by Sarah Jordan

Ultimate Guide to Promise Rings: What They Mean, How to Wear One and Where to Buy

While the promise ring's meaning has evolved, its emotional weight remains, making it especially popular among Gen Z and millennial couples seeking the perfect, personal pre-engagement jewel

by Claire Roberts

Exquisite Escapes: The Idyllic Inspirations Behind the Diorexquis High Jewellery Collection

In early May 2025, Dior Joaillerie's Artistic Director Victoire de Castellane showcased an unprecedented high jewellery collection, Diorexquis, to more than 300 VIPs at the Château de la Colle Noire in the heart of Provence. Let's take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Millionaire Products: Celebrating the No-Expense-Spared Bvlgari Polychroma High Jewellery Collection

Bvlgari is opening a magnificent new chapter in the world of high jewellery, and high jewellery watches with the Polychroma collection. Here's what I have discovered so far…

by Katerina Perez

Sea of Wonder: Celebrating the Ocean’s Endless Bounty with the Tiffany & Co. Blue Book 2025

Here are some of the creations that became an integral part of the Tiffany & Co. underwater world, including starfish, crashing waves and sea turtles…

by Katerina Perez

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Epic Evolution:Miseno Launches the Arco Collection to Celebrate a Fabulous Decade

I am pleased to present to you my highlights of the new Arco High Jewellery collection, which was formally showcased to the jewellery world at Couture from June 4-8, 2025

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

In Conversation:Discussing Paraiba - The Legacy of a Color

with Vogue Singapore

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.