Ruby, a gemstone celebrated for its vibrant red hue, holds a unique position in both gemology and popular culture. While historically valued for its beauty and durability, recent recognition stems from its association with the animated series Steven Universe, where it is notably the birthstone of creator Rebecca Sugar. This article will explore the multifaceted nature of ruby, drawing upon available information regarding its gemological properties, symbolic meanings, and cultural significance, as well as its portrayal within the Steven Universe narrative.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The very name “ruby” originates from the Latin word ruber, meaning red, underscoring the gem’s most defining characteristic. Throughout history, the ruby’s coloring has been central to its symbolic meaning. While specific historical details are limited within the provided sources, the gem’s inherent value is established; rubies are described as the most expensive colored stone, measured by karat.
More recently, ruby has gained prominence through its connection to Rebecca Sugar, the creator of Steven Universe. The gem serves as Sugar’s personal birthstone, adding a layer of personal significance to its already rich history. The narrative of Steven Universe itself heavily features ruby, not as a singular entity, but as one half of a fusion – Garnet – alongside sapphire. This fusion is central to the show’s themes of love, acceptance, and the power of unity.
Gemological Properties
Rubies are composed of corundum, a crystalline material second in hardness only to diamond, registering a 9-10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. This exceptional hardness contributes to the ruby’s durability and suitability for jewelry. Interestingly, corundum in its pure form is colorless. The characteristic red coloration of rubies arises from the presence of chromium impurities within the crystal structure.
As a member of the corundum group, ruby shares properties with sapphire, including hardness, composition, and double refraction. This close relationship highlights the subtle chemical differences that determine a gem’s color and identity. The sources do not provide details on clarity, cut, or specific gravity, focusing instead on the fundamental composition and hardness.
Ruby in Steven Universe: Character and Relationship Dynamics
The Steven Universe narrative provides a detailed exploration of ruby as a character, offering insights into its personality and relationship with sapphire. According to Rebecca Sugar, ruby “has no sense of what’s going on around her” and “can only focus on one thing only at the expense of all things.” This intense focus is contrasted with sapphire’s calm and collected nature, highlighting the complementary dynamic within their fusion, Garnet.
Ruby is depicted as passionate and emotional, prone to a short temper and demonstrative displays of anger. Instances of this are noted in the series, such as her reaction in “Keystone Motel,” where she boiled a motel pool in a fit of rage. Despite this fiery temperament, ruby is also capable of acknowledging her mistakes and prioritizing the well-being of sapphire. Her devotion to sapphire is a central theme, driving her actions and influencing her reactions to perceived threats.
The series illustrates how ruby and sapphire’s individual personalities manifest within Garnet. Ruby embodies Garnet’s strength and courage, while sapphire represents her cool composure. When Garnet is disturbed, the emotional response is most visibly displayed through ruby’s side, specifically through tears falling from the right eye. Furthermore, during times of conflict, ruby and sapphire can communicate directly with each other through Garnet, demonstrating the enduring connection between their individual consciousnesses.
Fusion and Interdependence
The concept of fusion is integral to the Steven Universe universe, and ruby and sapphire’s relationship exemplifies this. The sources highlight that ruby and sapphire’s relationship is based on the real-life relationship between Ian Jones-Quartey and Rebecca Sugar, adding a layer of personal resonance to their story.
The narrative demonstrates the interdependence of ruby and sapphire. In one instance, they re-fuse when baby Steven cries due to missing Garnet, illustrating the comfort and stability their fusion provides. Their ability to separate and rejoin at will, while maintaining a deep connection, underscores the strength and resilience of their bond. The sources also note that ruby and sapphire’s fusion is a rejection of Homeworld’s rejection of fusion, adding a political dimension to their relationship.
Physical Characteristics and Abilities within the Narrative
Within the Steven Universe context, ruby possesses unique physical characteristics. She is denser than water, as demonstrated in “Keystone Motel,” where she sinks in a pool. Her weapon, while not explicitly detailed, is implied to be powerful, and her design is noted to resemble the character Hellboy’s “Right Hand of Doom.”
Ruby’s instrument is described as “a crude waveform in between a square and a saw wave,” a detail that adds to the unique sonic landscape of the series. This instrument was even reverse-engineered from Garnet’s, further emphasizing the interconnectedness of the two gems.
Potential for Further Fusion
The sources suggest that ruby’s fusion potential extends beyond sapphire. Given that Rhodonite is a fusion of a ruby and a pearl, it is theorized that ruby could also form Rhodonite if fused with a pearl. This highlights the complex and versatile nature of gem fusion within the Steven Universe universe.
Observations on Character Traits
The series portrays a fascinating dynamic where the fusion, Garnet, influences and balances the individual personalities of ruby and sapphire. When fused, they appear more balanced; ruby seems calmer, and sapphire appears more upbeat. This suggests that Garnet represents a harmonious integration of their strengths and weaknesses. Ruby is also shown to exhibit signs of toughness, such as cracking her knuckles, while sapphire displays grace and composure through interlocking her fingers.
Conclusion
Ruby, both as a gemstone and as a character in Steven Universe, embodies passion, strength, and the power of connection. Its vibrant red color and exceptional hardness have made it a prized gem throughout history, while its portrayal in the animated series has resonated with audiences through its exploration of love, acceptance, and the beauty of fusion. The sources, while limited in scope, provide a compelling glimpse into the multifaceted nature of this remarkable gem, highlighting its enduring appeal and cultural significance.