July is a month of vibrant energy and warmth, and its birthstones—Ruby and Onyx—reflect this dynamic duality. While Ruby is the most widely recognized and cherished birthstone for July, Onyx holds its own as a powerful and historically significant gemstone. This article delves into the rich history, geological properties, cultural symbolism, and practical care of both Ruby and Onyx, providing a comprehensive overview of these remarkable stones.
July's dual birthstone tradition dates back to the early 20th century and is rooted in the distinction between traditional and modern birthstones. Traditional birthstones were widely accepted in the early 20th century and even earlier, often based on ancient or medieval beliefs. In contrast, modern birthstones were officially standardized by the Jewelers of America in the 1950s, with Ruby replacing Onyx as the primary birthstone for July in the United States. Despite this shift, Onyx has retained its symbolic and cultural significance and continues to be recognized as an alternative birthstone for the month.
This article explores the following key topics:
- The historical and cultural significance of Ruby and Onyx
- The geological formation and mining locations of both gemstones
- The gemological properties that define their beauty and value
- The symbolism and metaphysical beliefs associated with Ruby and Onyx
- Practical care and maintenance tips for preserving these stones
History and Cultural Significance of Ruby and Onyx
Ruby: The King of Gemstones
Ruby has long been revered as the "king of precious stones", particularly in ancient India, where it was prized for its rarity, hardness, and beauty. The gemstone's deep red color has been associated with power, youthful energy, and mystical properties. In ancient times, Ruby was believed to possess the life force of blood, making it a symbol of vitality and strength.
In Burmese culture, warriors carried rubies into battle, believing them to make them invincible. This belief persisted in various forms across different civilizations, where Ruby was thought to ward off danger, cure diseases, and soothe anger. During the medieval period in Europe, Ruby was considered a stone of good fortune, believed to bestow health, wisdom, and success in love.
Ruby's legendary status is further reinforced by its rarity and beauty. It is a corundum gemstone, with its red color derived from chromium impurities. The most highly valued Ruby exhibits a deep red with a hint of purple, known in the trade as "pigeon's blood". This intense color is both visually striking and scientifically fascinating.
Ruby is also associated with love and passion, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and romantic jewelry. Its hardness (9 on the Mohs scale) ensures that it can endure the rigors of daily wear, making it a practical and enduring gemstone for jewelry.
Onyx: The Stone of Strength and Balance
While Ruby is the more widely recognized July birthstone, Onyx has its own rich history and symbolism. In ancient times, Onyx was valued for its protective qualities and grounding energy. It was believed to absorb negative energy, making it a popular stone for warriors and leaders. Onyx was also associated with strength, boldness, and self-confidence, making it a symbol of resilience.
In ancient Greek mythology, there is a legend that Onyx was formed from the fingernail clippings of the goddess Venus. According to the story, as Venus slept, her son Eros (Cupid) clipped her fingernails and scattered them across the Indus River. These clippings transformed into stone and became known as Onyx.
Cleopatra is one of the most famous historical figures associated with Onyx. She is said to have worn dark Onyx for its protective properties and powerful symbolism. This connection to strength and protection has endured through the centuries, with Onyx remaining a popular alternative birthstone for July.
In modern times, Onyx is appreciated for its aesthetic qualities and metaphysical properties. It is often used in jewelry and decorative objects for its bold, sophisticated look and reputation as a grounding stone. Onyx is also linked to the zodiac sign Leo, which spans part of July, further reinforcing its symbolic tie to the month.
Geological Formation and Mining Locations
Ruby Formation and Sources
Ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum, which is composed of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). The red color of Ruby is caused by chromium impurities. The presence of chromium in the crystal lattice gives Ruby its characteristic red hue, while the intensity of the color depends on the concentration of chromium and the amount of light absorbed and reflected by the stone.
Ruby forms in metamorphic rock environments, typically under high pressure and high temperature conditions. The most famous sources of high-quality Ruby include:
- Myanmar (Burma): Known for producing some of the finest "pigeon's blood" Rubies
- Madagascar: A major source of vibrant red Rubies
- Sri Lanka: Produces Rubies with a soft red or pinkish hue
- Thailand: A historic source of Ruby, though most of the Rubies sold in Thailand are imported
- Afghanistan, Vietnam, and Tanzania: Also produce notable Rubies
The availability of high-quality Ruby is limited, and the most valuable stones are those that exhibit vivid red color, clarity, and exceptional cut. Due to its rarity and desirability, Ruby is considered one of the most valuable gemstones in the world.
Onyx Formation and Sources
Onyx is a type of chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline form of quartz. It is composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) and is formed through the slow deposition of silica in cavities within volcanic rock. The distinct banding patterns in Onyx are the result of periodic changes in the chemical composition of the mineral-rich water that forms the stone.
The most significant sources of Onyx include:
- Brazil: One of the largest producers of Onyx, known for its black and white banded varieties
- India: Produces high-quality Onyx, particularly black and white Onyx
- Uruguay and California (USA): Also produce notable Onyx, particularly black Onyx
Onyx is relatively abundant compared to Ruby, and it is often cut and polished for use in jewelry and decorative objects. While it is not as hard as Ruby (it has a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7), it is still a durable gemstone when properly cared for.
Gemological Properties of Ruby and Onyx
Ruby: A Hard and Lustrous Gemstone
Ruby is one of the hardest gemstones, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, just below Diamond (10). This high hardness makes it ideal for everyday wear, especially in rings and bracelets. However, Ruby is also prone to cleavage, meaning it can split or chip along certain planes if struck at the wrong angle.
The refractive index of Ruby ranges from 1.76 to 1.78, and it exhibits strong double refraction, meaning it splits light into two rays as it passes through the stone. This property is often visible as twin images when viewed through the table of a well-cut Ruby.
The color of Ruby is its most distinguishing feature. The finest Ruby exhibits a deep red with a hint of purple, known as "pigeon's blood". This color is highly valued in the gem trade and commands premium prices. The intensity of the color is influenced by the concentration of chromium, as well as the amount of light absorbed and reflected by the stone.
Ruby is also pleochroic, meaning it can display different colors when viewed from different angles. This property is most noticeable in uncut or cabochon-cut Rubies, where the red and purple hues can be seen as the stone is rotated.
Onyx: A Durable and Striking Stone
Onyx has a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7, making it less hard than Ruby but still durable enough for jewelry. It is not as prone to cleavage as Ruby and is generally more resistant to scratches and chips. However, it can fade or discolor if exposed to harsh chemicals or prolonged sunlight, so it should be handled with care.
The refractive index of Onyx ranges from 1.48 to 1.53, and it does not exhibit double refraction like Ruby. Onyx is typically opaque to translucent, depending on the type and quality of the stone. The most common types of Onyx include:
- Black Onyx: The most popular and widely used type of Onyx, known for its deep black color and polished finish
- White Onyx: A light-colored Onyx that is often dyed or treated to enhance its appearance
- Banded Onyx: Characterized by distinct bands of color, typically black and white
- Rainbow Onyx: Contains multiple colors due to internal impurities and light reflection
Onyx is often cut and polished into cabochons, beads, or faceted stones, depending on the intended use. It is popular in rings, pendants, and bracelets, particularly in modern and minimalist designs.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Ruby: A Stone of Passion and Power
Ruby has long been associated with passion, love, and courage. In many cultures, it is considered a stone of vitality and strength, symbolizing the fire of life. It is often used in jewelry to express romantic love, particularly in engagement rings and heart-shaped pendants.
In ancient India, Ruby was believed to ward off danger and protect the wearer from harm. It was also thought to enhance physical and mental energy, making it a popular stone for warriors and leaders. In Burmese culture, warriors carried Ruby into battle, believing it would make them invincible.
In medieval Europe, Ruby was considered a stone of good fortune, believed to bestow health, wisdom, and success in love. It was also associated with the blood of Christ, making it a symbol of sacrifice and redemption.
In modern times, Ruby is still widely used in jewelry and is often given as a gift to celebrate love, passion, and vitality. It is also associated with the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries, making it a traditional gift for long-lasting relationships.
Onyx: A Stone of Strength and Balance
Onyx is often described as a stone of strength, balance, and protection. It is believed to absorb negative energy, making it a popular stone for grounding and emotional stability. In ancient Greece, Onyx was used to protect warriors and leaders, and it was thought to enhance courage and resilience.
In ancient Rome, Onyx was used in seals and signet rings, and it was believed to protect the wearer from harm. In Celtic traditions, Onyx was associated with the moon and was used in jewelry to enhance intuition and emotional balance.
In modern times, Onyx is still used in jewelry and decorative objects, and it is often associated with the zodiac sign Leo, which spans part of July. It is also popular in modern and minimalist designs, where its bold, black color and smooth finish make it a statement piece.
Care and Maintenance of Ruby and Onyx
Caring for Ruby
Ruby is a hard and durable gemstone, but it is prone to cleavage, so it should be handled with care. To clean Ruby, use mild soap and warm water with a soft brush to remove dirt and debris. Avoid using harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, or steam cleaners, as these can damage the stone or cause it to crack.
When storing Ruby, keep it in a soft pouch or padded box to prevent scratches from other gemstones. If the Ruby is set in a ring or bracelet, avoid exposing it to hard surfaces or sharp objects that could cause it to chip or crack.
Ruby can be exposed to light, but it should not be left in direct sunlight for long periods, as this can cause color fading or discoloration in some stones. If the Ruby is treated or enhanced, it should be handled with even more care, as some treatments can be sensitive to heat or chemicals.
Caring for Onyx
Onyx is less hard than Ruby, but it is still durable and relatively easy to care for. To clean Onyx, use mild soap and warm water with a soft cloth or brush. Avoid using harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, or steam cleaners, as these can damage the stone or cause it to fade.
Onyx can be exposed to light, but it should not be left in direct sunlight for long periods, as this can cause color fading or discoloration. It is also important to avoid exposing Onyx to harsh chemicals, such as cleaning agents or perfumes, as these can damage the stone or cause it to lose its luster.
When storing Onyx, keep it in a soft pouch or padded box to prevent scratches from other gemstones. If the Onyx is set in a ring or bracelet, avoid exposing it to hard surfaces or sharp objects that could cause it to chip or crack.
Conclusion
July is a month of vibrant energy and warmth, and its dual birthstones—Ruby and Onyx—capture this duality in both beauty and symbolism. Ruby, with its deep red color and fiery brilliance, has long been associated with passion, vitality, and strength. It is one of the hardest gemstones, second only to Diamond, and it has a rich history of cultural and spiritual significance.
Onyx, with its bold, black color and grounding energy, has also been revered for its protective and stabilizing properties. While it is less well known than Ruby, it is still a powerful and meaningful gemstone that has retained its symbolic importance through the centuries.
Both Ruby and Onyx are beautiful and durable gemstones, and they make excellent choices for jewelry and personal adornment. Whether you choose Ruby for its fiery brilliance or Onyx for its grounding energy, you will carry the essence of July with you—a month of passion, strength, and balance.