The ruby, a gemstone steeped in history and revered for its vibrant red hue, holds the distinction of being the primary birthstone for July. Often called the “King of Colored Stones,” this captivating gem has been prized for millennia, symbolizing passion, protection, and prosperity. Its enduring appeal stems not only from its beauty but also from the rich lore and geological origins that contribute to its mystique. This article will delve into the history, geological formation, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of the ruby, drawing exclusively from available sources.
History and Lore
The ruby’s history is interwoven with tales of power, courage, and romance, stretching back to ancient civilizations. Its presence is noted in the Bible on four separate occasions, highlighting its significance even in early religious texts. Throughout history, rubies have been associated with royalty and the elite. In ancient India, the ruby was known as the “king of precious stones,” valued for its rarity, hardness – second only to diamond – and perceived mystical powers. Indian jewelry frequently featured rubies as symbols of life force and youthful energy.
Medieval Europeans believed rubies bestowed health, wisdom, wealth, and success in love. They were also thought to predict misfortune or even cure inflammatory diseases and soothe anger. Burmese warriors, according to historical accounts, carried rubies into battle, believing the gemstone rendered them invincible. This belief in the ruby’s protective qualities extended beyond the battlefield, with many cultures attributing healing properties to the stone.
Beyond personal adornment and perceived magical abilities, rubies have marked significant life events. They are traditionally gifted to celebrate both the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries, symbolizing enduring love and commitment.
Geological Formation and Sources
Rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum, an aluminum oxide mineral species. Interestingly, the term “ruby” actually refers to the color – red – rather than a distinct mineral species; red sapphires are, in essence, rubies. The characteristic red color is derived from trace amounts of the element chromium present during the gem’s formation. The intensity of the red is directly proportional to the amount of chromium present – the more chromium, the stronger and more vibrant the red hue. The most highly prized rubies exhibit a deep red color with a hint of purple, a shade known in the trade as “pigeon’s blood.”
Rubies form in metamorphic and igneous rocks. Primary deposits are found in marble, while secondary deposits occur in alluvial gravels. Several locations around the world are renowned for their ruby production. Myanmar (formerly Burma), particularly the Mogok area, has been a significant source of high-quality rubies for over five centuries. The Mogok rubies are particularly sought after for their exceptional color and clarity.
Other notable ruby sources include Vietnam, where rubies tend to exhibit red to purple-red hues. Thailand, specifically the Chanthaburi region, also produces rubies, though of varying qualities. More recently, Mozambique has emerged as an important ruby-producing nation, with significant mines located in Montepuez. Additional sources include Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, and Madagascar.
Gemological Properties
The ruby’s appeal extends beyond its color to its exceptional physical properties. As a variety of corundum, it boasts a remarkable hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it exceptionally durable and suitable for everyday wear. This hardness is surpassed only by diamond.
Here's a summary of key gemological properties:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Corundum (Aluminum Oxide) |
| Color | Red (varying shades) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 |
| Luster | Adamantine (glass-like) |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 – 1.778 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.97 – 4.05 |
The name “ruby” itself originates from the Latin word ruber, meaning red. The quality of a ruby is assessed based on the “four Cs”: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Color is the most important factor, with “pigeon’s blood” red commanding the highest prices. Clarity refers to the absence of inclusions, though some inclusions are often present and can even serve as a fingerprint, proving the gem’s natural origin. Cut refers to the proportions, symmetry, and polish of the gemstone, maximizing its brilliance and fire. Carat weight measures the size of the ruby, with larger, high-quality rubies being exceptionally rare and valuable.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, the ruby has been imbued with profound symbolic meaning. As previously mentioned, it represents passion, love, and romance. Its association with blood has also linked it to vitality, energy, and courage. In many cultures, rubies were believed to offer protection against evil and misfortune.
The ruby’s symbolism extends to the zodiac. It is the traditional birthstone for those born under the sign of Cancer (June 21 – July 22), representing passionate love and a strong connection to emotions. For those born under the sign of Leo (July 23 – August 22), peridot is the traditional birthstone, though the ruby’s fiery energy can also complement the Leo personality.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its exceptional hardness, the ruby is a relatively durable gemstone. However, it is still susceptible to damage from improper care. Rubies should be cleaned regularly with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals, as these can potentially damage the stone. It is also advisable to store rubies separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching. Given its hardness, rubies can scratch other, softer gemstones.
Conclusion
The ruby, with its captivating red hue and rich history, remains one of the most coveted and cherished gemstones in the world. From its ancient origins as a symbol of power and protection to its modern status as the birthstone for July and a token of enduring love, the ruby continues to fascinate and inspire. Its exceptional durability, combined with its stunning beauty, ensures that the “King of Colored Stones” will continue to reign supreme for generations to come.