For those born in July, the vibrant red ruby and the striking black onyx serve as the traditional birthstones. While ruby has come to be recognized as the primary gem for this month, onyx holds a significant historical connection and remains a popular alternative. Both stones boast rich histories, captivating symbolism, and unique geological origins, making them cherished gemstones for centuries. This article will delve into the history, geological formation, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of these two compelling July birthstones.
History and Lore
Onyx’s association with July dates back to the 15th century, enjoying widespread recognition across Jewish, Roman, and European cultures. For centuries, it was the accepted birthstone for the month, valued for its aesthetic appeal and perceived metaphysical benefits. However, a pivotal shift occurred in 1912 when the National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America) standardized birthstone lists, designating ruby as the primary July birthstone in the United States. Despite this change, onyx has persevered as a recognized secondary or alternative birthstone, particularly favored for its modern and bold aesthetic. Its connection to the zodiac sign Leo, which partially falls within July, further reinforces its symbolic link to the month.
Ruby, conversely, boasts an even longer and more illustrious history. In ancient India, it was revered as the “king of precious stones,” prized for its rarity, hardness, beauty, and perceived mystical powers. The gem was intrinsically linked to the life force, symbolized by blood, and represented power and youthful energy in Indian jewelry. Ancient beliefs attributed various powers to ruby, including the ability to predict misfortune, cure inflammatory diseases, and quell anger. Burmese warriors believed the stone rendered them invincible in battle, while medieval Europeans associated it with health, wisdom, wealth, and success in love.
Beyond its birthstone status, ruby is traditionally gifted to celebrate the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries, signifying enduring passion and commitment.
Geological Formation and Sources
Ruby belongs to the corundum family, a crystalline mineral composed of aluminum oxide. Its characteristic red hue arises from trace amounts of chromium within its structure; the greater the chromium content, the more intense the red color. The most coveted ruby color is a deep, vivid red with a hint of purple, known in the trade as “pigeon’s blood.”
The search for fine rubies historically began in Myanmar (formerly Burma), specifically the Mogok area, which has yielded exceptional rubies for over five centuries. These Burmese rubies are often characterized by light-scattering inclusions and a vibrant red fluorescence. More recently, Vietnam has emerged as a significant source, with rubies originating from the Luc Yen and Quy Chau regions exhibiting red to purplish-red colors.
Mozambique is a relatively new, yet increasingly important, source of high-quality rubies, with gems comparable to those from Mogok. In the late 20th century, deposits along the Thailand-Cambodia border were major suppliers, but today, rubies are also sourced from Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, and Madagascar.
Onyx, unlike ruby, does not have a specific geological formation detailed in the provided sources.
Gemological Properties
Ruby’s exceptional hardness, second only to diamond, contributes to its durability and suitability for jewelry. It is a variety of the mineral corundum, with a chemical formula of Al₂O₃. The quality of a ruby is determined by its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Medium to medium-dark red rubies with minimal purple or orange tones generally command the highest prices.
The following table summarizes key gemological properties of ruby:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Corundum |
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 |
| Color | Red |
| Luster | Adamantine |
The sources do not provide specific gemological properties for onyx.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Ruby has long been associated with passion, vitality, courage, and love. Its vibrant red color symbolizes energy, strength, and protection. Historically, it was believed to bestow health, wisdom, wealth, and success in love. The stone’s connection to blood further reinforces its symbolism of life force and power.
Onyx is described as a grounding stone believed to absorb negative energy. While the sources do not detail extensive metaphysical beliefs surrounding onyx, its sleek, sophisticated appearance contributes to its modern appeal.
Care and Cleaning
Ruby’s durability makes it relatively easy to care for. Routine cleaning with warm, soapy water and a soft brush is generally sufficient to maintain its brilliance. Given its hardness, ruby is resistant to scratching, but it’s still advisable to avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Professional inspection and cleaning are recommended to check for loose stones or damaged settings.
The sources do not provide specific care instructions for onyx.
Conclusion
Ruby and onyx, the birthstones of July, represent a captivating blend of history, beauty, and symbolism. While ruby has ascended as the primary gem for this month, onyx retains a significant historical connection and continues to be a favored choice for those seeking a bold aesthetic. Both stones offer unique qualities and enduring appeal, making them cherished gemstones for generations to come. The vibrant energy of ruby and the grounding presence of onyx perfectly encapsulate the spirit of those born under the July sun.