The treatment of precious gemstones, including rubies, significantly affects their overall value in addition to the 4 C's and origins. Treatment involves various cutting and enhancement processes that are applied to improve the gemstone's luster and enhance its natural state. Different gemstones undergo specific treatment processes based on their flaws and requirements. When it comes to rubies, there are three main types of treatments available that aim to reduce inclusions, fractures, and enhance the gem's color. Let's explore these treatments further.

1. Heat Treatment: Heat treatment is a widely used method for enhancing rubies. During this process, rubies are heated between 800°C to 2,000°C for varying durations, ranging from several minutes to weeks. The primary purpose of heat treatment is to enhance the color saturation of the ruby. This treatment is commonly applied to the brilliant red gem known as Manik Stone. It is a stable and permanent process that eliminates blue or brown tints, corrects color zoning, reduces inclusions, heals fractures, and lightens dark stones.
2. Flux Heat Treatment: Flux heat treatment involves adding a flux, such as borax, during the regular heating process to lower the required temperature for desired results. Flux heat treatment is commonly applied to rubies to enhance their gem clarity by effectively healing fractures, even when using lower heat temperatures. This treatment also enhances the stone's stability by sealing cracks with the help of flux.
3. Composite or Glass-Filled Treatment: Glass filling is a prevalent treatment for rubies that have numerous fractures and inclusions. This treatment is typically combined with heat treatment. It involves melting lead glass, which has a higher refractive index, and filling the breaches, cracks, fractures, and inclusions in the ruby. While not stable or permanent, this treatment significantly improves the clarity of lower-quality crystals. It is commonly performed on rough pieces that would otherwise be unsuitable for sale. It's important to note that this treatment makes the rubies no longer considered purely natural, and sellers should disclose the type and treatment of the ruby to buyers. However, due to their affordability, some people still choose to purchase these composite rubies.
4. Oil Treatment: Oiling is another commonly used treatment for rubies. Rubies are often oiled before the cutting process to facilitate carving, and oil application is also done after cutting to enhance color concentration and polish the gem. This treatment is primarily focused on enhancing clarity by filling and masking fractures.
5. Dye Treatment: Unlike the previous treatments, dye-treated rubies are not natural rubies but synthetic stones that have been artificially treated. They are purely colored gems. Dye treatment is not generally recommended, especially for astrological purposes.

These are some of the widely accepted treatments for rubies. Global designers and jewellers continually innovate to adapt the latest fashion trends in ruby stone jewellery. When seeking stunning statement pieces, it is advisable to choose certified ruby stones. For astrological purposes, it is always recommended to opt for a genuine and natural ruby gemstone.