diff --git a/Gemfile b/Gemfile
index 5158fbcae..9f04393fc 100644
--- a/Gemfile
+++ b/Gemfile
@@ -14,7 +14,11 @@ gem 'jruby-openssl', :platforms => :jruby
 group :development do
   gem 'launchy', '>= 2.1.1'
   gem 'yard'
-  gem 'redcarpet'
+  if File.exist?('/usr/bin/gcc-4.2')
+    # Not a critically important gem to have around.
+    # If it's not going to build, skip it.
+    gem 'redcarpet'
+  end
 end
 
 group :examples do