Greenlandic Rubies
In 1965, Martin Ghisler—then a geology student—traveled to Greenland to investigate deposits of the metal chromium. During his expedition, he made an extraordinary discovery: the first gemstone deposits in the Kingdom of Denmark—Greenland rubies.
Greenland rubies are estimated to be around 3 billion years old, hidden within some of the world’s oldest rock formations. Rubies are exceedingly rare, especially in the Northern Hemisphere; consequently, Greenland rubies are considered among the rarest and most valuable gemstones in the world. These rubies are formed at temperatures of approximately 600 degrees and under such immense pressure that the surrounding rock formations break down. This process releases minerals in a multitude of colors—including green, white, blue, and red. The rubies acquire their red hue from traces of chromium. The unique properties of Greenland rubies create a beautiful play of color—ranging from the intense red known as "pigeon's blood" to a light "icy pink."
Work began in 2015 to establish a mine in an area 200 km south of Nuuk. The mining operation is managed by the company Greenland Ruby, under an agreement with the Government of Greenland. The mine became fully operational in 2017, marking the debut of Greenland rubies on the global market. Although the mine closed indefinitely in late summer 2023, we still hold a significant stock of rubies. Please feel free to make inquiries. The rubies come in all sizes, cuts, and shades of red. To make the most of the material, the stones are cut based on what the raw material yields—resulting in a variety of sizes and cuts. This makes every single stone completely unique. Most of the material is best suited for cabochons, though faceted stones also occur.
Would you like to become an exclusive retailer of Greenland rubies in Denmark?
We are still seeking exclusive retailers for Greenland rubies. Please contact lone@frits.dk for more information regarding a potential partnership involving Greenland rubies. We also sell for export.
