Ruby

Ruby is a Mineral that can be obtained from Ruby Nodes and Gem Nodes in the Mines, Skull Cavern, Quarry, and Volcano Dungeon. Ruby Nodes begin appearing on Floors 80 and above, and after reaching the bottom of the Mines they can also be found on any floor. It can also be obtained by defeating Dwarvish Sentries, opening Fishing Treasure Chests, panning, breaking crates and barrels in the Mines, Skull Cavern, and Volcano Dungeon, finding it in a Garbage Can after reaching the bottom of the Mines, receiving it as a Feast of the Winter Star gift from an adult villager other than Clint, Evelyn, Marnie, Robin, or Willy, and from Gem Birds on Ginger Island during rainy days.

Ruby has several practical uses. It can be used at the Forge to increase the damage of a melee weapon, making it useful for players who want to improve combat performance. It is also used in tailoring: combining Ruby with Cloth at the Sewing Machine produces an outfit, and placing it in the Sewing Machine with a dyeable clothing item will apply a red dye. Ruby can additionally be placed in the red dye pot at Emily and Haley's house, 2 Willow Lane, for dyeing.

It also appears in several quests and special requests. The Ruby may be randomly requested on the Help Wanted board outside Stone's General Store, where it rewards gold and Friendship points. This request will not appear until the player has reached Floor 80 or lower? Actually, the requirement is that it will not be requested until the player has reached Floors 80+ of the Mines. Ruby is also requested by Emily as part of the Rock Rejuvenation Special Order, and it may be needed for the Gem Birds puzzle on Ginger Island.

In trading, one Ruby can be exchanged with the Desert Trader for 1 Spicy Eel. Because it has both combat and utility applications, Ruby is one of the more versatile gems in the game, especially once the Mines and Ginger Island become available.