The ruby, a gemstone steeped in history and revered for its vibrant red hue, holds a prominent place in the world of gemstones. As the birthstone for July, it symbolizes passion, protection, and prosperity. This article delves into the ruby’s fascinating history, geological origins, gemological properties, cultural significance, and care, drawing exclusively from available sources.
History and Lore
The ruby’s history stretches back millennia, with evidence of its appreciation dating to ancient civilizations. Referred to as the “king of precious stones” in ancient India, the ruby was prized for its rarity, beauty, and perceived mystical powers. Long associated with blood, the ruby symbolized life force, power, and youthful energy in Indian jewelry. Ancient warriors in Burma (now Myanmar) believed the ruby rendered them invincible in battle, while medieval Europeans attributed to it the bestowal of health, wisdom, wealth, and success in love.
Early ruby mining sites reveal the stone’s importance across centuries, with prehistoric tools discovered near significant deposits. The ruby made its way along the North Silk Road around 200 B.C. and appeared in classical Greek texts, as noted by the scholar Pliny in the first century A.D. In ancient India, rubies were highly prized in China and throughout the Roman Empire.
The ruby’s association with royalty is enduring, earning it the moniker “the gem of kings.” It is traditionally given to celebrate the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries, a fitting tribute to a gemstone representing enduring love and commitment. The ruby’s fiery allure is reflected in ancient mythology, where it was believed to be the petrified blood of dragons.
Geological Formation and Sources
Rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum, and their distinctive red color arises from trace amounts of the element chromium. The more chromium present, the more intense the red hue. The finest ruby color is a deep red with a hint of purple, known in the trade as “pigeon’s blood.”
Historically, Myanmar (formerly Burma) has been the most significant source of fine rubies, particularly the Mogok area, which has yielded sought-after rubies for over five centuries. These Burmese rubies are often characterized by vibrant red colors softened by light-scattering inclusions and a glowing red fluorescence. The region’s landscape is marked by weathered marble and ancient Buddhist temples.
More recently, Vietnam has emerged as an important source, with rubies from the Luc Yen region exhibiting red to purplish-red colors. Further south, the Quy Chau district has also produced fine rubies. Mozambique is a newer, prolific source, with rubies from the Montepuez mines often compared to those from Mogok.
Other notable ruby-producing regions include Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, and Madagascar. Deposits along the border between Thailand and Cambodia were also major sources in the late 20th century. Sri Lanka has been mining rubies since around 800 B.C.
Gemological Properties
The ruby is renowned for its exceptional hardness, second only to diamond on the Mohs scale. This durability makes it an excellent choice for jewelry intended for everyday wear. Rubies belong to the corundum family, with all other colors of corundum classified as sapphire.
While sources do not provide specific refractive index or density data, they emphasize the importance of color in determining a ruby’s value. Medium to medium-dark red rubies with minimal purple or orange tones generally command the highest prices. The quality of a ruby is also influenced by its clarity, with fewer inclusions generally increasing its value.
Rubies are found in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them versatile for different jewelry designs. Oval and cushion cuts are popular choices for larger gems, enhancing their natural shine. Round and emerald cuts are often used for smaller rubies.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, the ruby has been imbued with symbolic meaning. In ancient India, it represented the life force and was associated with power and vitality. Medieval Europeans believed it conferred health, wisdom, wealth, and success in love.
While some modern sources suggest rubies heighten intuition and pleasure, these claims are not widely accepted in formal gemology. The ruby is often seen as a symbol of passion, courage, and nobility. It is believed to stimulate the heart chakra and promote vitality.
Astrological associations link the ruby to the zodiac signs of Cancer (July 1st – 22nd) and Leo (July 23rd – 31st), with emerald and onyx serving as alternate birthstones for these periods.
Care and Cleaning
Rubies are durable gemstones, but they still require proper care to maintain their brilliance. Due to their hardness, rubies are resistant to scratching, but they can be chipped or fractured with a sharp blow.
Cleaning rubies is relatively straightforward. They can be safely cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, as they may damage the stone. It is also advisable to remove ruby jewelry before engaging in strenuous activities to prevent damage.
Celebrating July: Wearing Rubies
Rubies are exceptionally versatile in jewelry design. They look particularly striking set in sterling silver, yellow gold, or rose gold. They pair beautifully with diamonds, alexandrite, or pearls. Some jewelers, like Roberto Coin, incorporate a small ruby inside each piece of their jewelry, flush-set against the skin, believing it bestows the ruby’s beneficent properties upon the wearer.
Conclusion
The ruby remains one of the most coveted and historically significant gemstones. Its vibrant red color, exceptional durability, and rich symbolism have captivated cultures for millennia. As the birthstone for July, the ruby continues to represent passion, protection, and prosperity, making it a cherished gem for those born under its fiery glow. Its enduring appeal ensures its place as a timeless treasure in the world of gemstones.