Merlot ruby

A dichroic gem, the merlot ruby appears as a deep purple-tinged red when viewed at one angle, and as a bright raspberry hue when viewed at a tilt. An ever-so-slight silky lustre is visible within the stone, making it a bit less transparent than the average ruby, but greatly enhancing scintillation even when uncut. Merlot rubies are frequently highly faceted to create an effect that mimics light shining through a glass of rich red wine.