Overview

The July birthstone ruby has been one of the most prevalent gemstones for centuries, alongside sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds. With its pinkish-red hue and complicated nature, this charming gemstone has been appreciated by many jewelers and artists to create gorgeous treasures that endure forever.

Origin of Ruby

Historically, rubies have appeared in various areas, especially in South Asia, the Middle East, and South Africa. But Myanmar has owned a variety of gem-quality rubies over the years. The renowned color is “pigeon’s blood red,” a slightly purplish red with vivid saturation and intense fluorescence.

Benefits and Properties

Ruby, the king of the colored stones, encourages passion, courage, knowledge, and prosperity. People believed that it could not only cultivate loving, nurturing, health, and wealth but also protect the evil and bring spiritual wisdom that shields against psychic illness.  

Differences Between Ruby, Spinel, and Garnet

1. In terms of color, arrange from shades of red. Spinel takes the top spot, with a purplish red color for the most part, and ruby comes second, with a purplish tinge hidden in the red. Lastly is garnet, which appears more with a classic and pure red color.
2. On a Mohs scale for hardness, ruby is the hardest of these three, with a score of 9 only next to the diamond. Spinel has a Mohs scale of 7.5-8, which is softer than ruby but harder than garnet. While the softest garnet is between 6.5-7.5.
3. Most rubies require an enhancement to elevate their clarity, so they often have visible inclusions. On the contrary, very few spinels own inclusions and are always uniquely beautiful. And garnet almost has no inclusions.

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What Is Ruby?

• It refers to corundum with a red color, the main component is Al₂O₃, and the red color comes from chromium (Cr).
• The word Ruby is derived from the Latin word “ruber” which means “red” reflecting the color of the stone.
• Natural rubies mostly come from Asia, Africa, Oceania and America. However, today’s rubies are mainly produced in Mozambique.
• Natural rubies are rare and therefore valuable, but it is not too difficult to synthesize rubies, so industrial rubies are all synthetic.

Lore And Legend

• The ancient book Lapidaire en Vers states that ruby is “the most precious of the twelve stones which God made in all creation”. The Bible also equates ruby with wisdom, and uses it to symbolize the Jewish tribes. The fourth gem in the holy garment worn by Moses’ brother Aaron is a ruby. This gem is engraved with the names of the Jewish ancestors. Since the ancient Jews proclaimed the establishment of the State of Israel, this precious gem has been the most valuable gem in the crown.
• The ancient Greeks believed that bright red rubies melted paraffin wax and left marks. They believed that the ruby contained great power and installed it on buildings to protect them from thunderstorms. The ancient Egyptians thought it was a symbol of the supremacy of Kings.

Symbolism And Significance

• People always associate the hot red ruby with passion and love. For instance, when people see this gemstone, they will think of “stone of love”, beauty, enernity, and loyalty of love.
• Red is always the messenger of beauty, and it is the best guide for sending your wishes to others.
• It is also the stone of Cancer, the stone of 15th and 40th wedding anniversary.

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