The ruby, a gemstone celebrated for its vibrant red hue, holds a prominent place in the world of colored stones. Revered throughout history for its beauty and rarity, the ruby is the recognized birthstone for July. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the ruby boasts a rich history, fascinating geological origins, and enduring symbolism. This article will delve into the multifaceted world of the ruby, exploring its historical significance, geological formation, gemological properties, and cultural associations, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
The ruby’s history is steeped in lore and legend, stretching back millennia. Ancient cultures attributed various powers to the ruby, associating it with passion, protection, and prosperity. The name “ruby” itself derives from the Latin ruber, meaning red, a testament to the gem’s most defining characteristic.
Throughout history, rubies have adorned the crowns and jewelry of royalty and the elite. A striking example of this is the Burmese Ruby Tiara commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973, featuring 96 rubies gifted to her by the people of Burma (now Myanmar) upon her marriage. This tiara exemplifies the ruby’s long-standing association with power and prestige.
Notable rubies, such as the “Prince of Burma,” a 950-carat uncut ruby discovered in Mogok, Myanmar, in 1996, have become legendary. While this particular ruby experienced a period of theft in 2008, its eventual recovery underscores the value and desirability of exceptional specimens. The “Rosser Reeves Ruby,” a 138.7-carat star ruby donated to the Smithsonian in 1965, further illustrates the ruby’s cultural significance and enduring appeal. The “Sunrise Ruby,” sold for $28.25 million in 2015, holds the record as the most expensive ruby and colored gemstone ever sold, highlighting its exceptional clarity, brilliance, and proportions. The Graff Ruby, an 8.62 ct. pigeon’s blood ruby, was purchased by Graff for $8.6 million in 2014, demonstrating the continued high demand for top-quality rubies.
Geological Formation and Sources
Rubies belong to the mineral family of corundum, a crystalline form of aluminum oxide. Their characteristic red color is caused by the presence of chromium, which absorbs certain wavelengths of light. Rubies are essentially the red variety of sapphire; sapphires exhibiting insufficient redness are classified as pink sapphires.
Rubies are mined across the globe, with significant deposits found in various regions. Sources include Africa, Asia, and South America. Myanmar (Burma) is particularly renowned for producing rubies of exceptional quality, often referred to as “pigeon’s blood” rubies due to their intense, pure red color. Other notable sources include Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Gemological Properties
Rubies are highly valued for their durability and brilliance. Ranking 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, rubies are exceptionally resistant to scratching and abrasion, second only to diamonds. This hardness makes them suitable for everyday wear in jewelry.
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 the most desirable rubies exhibiting a vivid, saturated red hue. Clarity refers to the absence of inclusions, though some inclusions can be tolerated. Cut refers to the proportions and symmetry of the gemstone, which affect its brilliance. Carat weight measures the size of the ruby.
Rubies are often cut as cabochons, a smooth, rounded shape, to maximize their brilliance and display any asterism (star effect). However, striking examples are also faceted to enhance their sparkle.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, rubies have been imbued with symbolic meaning. They are often associated with passion, love, courage, and vitality. In some cultures, rubies were believed to possess protective powers, warding off evil spirits and ensuring good health.
Ancient beliefs surrounding rubies were diverse. Some believed they could turn the sun red when placed in water, while others attributed properties such as increasing strength, granting invisibility, and preserving youth. In modern times, rubies are still considered lucky charms, particularly prized by athletes seeking to enhance their performance. In India, fine bloodstones (a variety of chalcedony with red inclusions) were even crushed into powder and used as an aphrodisiac.
Care and Cleaning
Due to their exceptional hardness, rubies are relatively durable gemstones. However, they still require proper care to maintain their brilliance. Rubies should be cleaned regularly with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaners, as these can damage the gemstone. It is also advisable to store rubies separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching.
The Evolution of Birthstone Designation
The connection between gemstones and birth months evolved over time. Initially, zodiac signs were linked to specific stones, but the concept of dedicated birthstones gained traction in the 15th and 16th centuries in Poland. The official list of birthstones, as recognized today, was established in 1912 by the Jewelers of America. This list prioritized commercially available stones, influencing the final selection. The designation of ruby as the July birthstone reflects both its historical significance and its accessibility in the gemstone market.
Rarity and Value
While all gemstones are considered rare to some degree, the perceived rarity can be misleading. Diamonds, despite their high price, are less rare than rubies, emeralds, and alexandrite. Alexandrite is currently the rarest gemstone on the birthstone list, commanding a significant price. Black opals are also exceptionally rare. The value of a ruby is determined by its quality, size, and origin, with exceptional specimens fetching millions of dollars at auction.
Other Red Gemstones
While the ruby is the primary red gemstone, it is often compared to garnet. Garnets are typically darker red and less expensive than rubies, and generally less durable. Spinel, particularly red spinel, is a cheaper alternative to rubies and can also exhibit pink hues. Tourmaline is another gemstone that can be found in a range of colors, including a breathtaking pink.
Conclusion
The ruby remains one of the most captivating and highly prized gemstones in the world. Its rich history, vibrant color, exceptional durability, and enduring symbolism have cemented its place as a symbol of passion, power, and enduring value. From adorning royal tiaras to serving as a cherished birthstone, the ruby continues to inspire and enchant generations. Its geological origins, coupled with its unique gemological properties, make it a fascinating subject for both enthusiasts and professionals alike. The ruby’s legacy is assured, continuing to shine as a beacon of beauty and brilliance for centuries to come.