July, the month that celebrates the peak of summer, is adorned with two of the most captivating birthstones in the gemstone world: Ruby and Onyx. These stones are not only prized for their beauty and rarity but also for their deep historical roots, rich symbolism, and cultural significance across centuries. While Ruby is the most iconic and widely recognized of the two, Onyx brings an equally compelling story of elegance and strength, making July a month of dual gemstone charm. This article delves into the geological, historical, and cultural aspects of July’s birthstones, offering a comprehensive exploration of their properties, origins, and enduring appeal.
A Dual Legacy: Ruby and Onyx as July Birthstones
July is unique in the world of birthstones, as it is associated with two primary gemstones: Ruby and Onyx. This duality reflects the month’s rich spiritual and historical heritage. Ruby, with its fiery red hue and regal associations, is often seen as the more traditional and modern birthstone. Onyx, on the other hand, brings a contrasting depth and strength, often symbolizing protection, balance, and endurance.
The Modern and Traditional Designation
The modern designation of Ruby as a birthstone was officially established in the 1950s by the American National Retail Jewelers Association, now known as the Jewelers of America. This list was designed to standardize the association of gemstones with months and to promote consistency in jewelry marketing. However, the traditional list of birthstones—dating back to the early 20th century and even earlier—includes Onyx as another gemstone for July. These traditional stones were often based on ancient beliefs and symbolic meanings.
The reason for having two birthstones lies in the distinction between these modern and traditional lists. While Ruby is widely accepted in both, Onyx is more commonly associated with the traditional list and is now considered an alternative. This dual designation is not unique to July, but it highlights the month’s rich symbolic and historical tapestry.
History and Lore of July’s Birthstones
Ruby: The "King of Gemstones"
Ruby, known in the gemological world as corundum with a red coloration due to the presence of chromium or vanadium, has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious and powerful gemstones. Its vibrant red color has made it a symbol of passion, love, vitality, and courage. In ancient times, rubies were believed to possess protective and healing powers. Some cultures even considered them to be the "hearts of dragons", with legends claiming that the gems were formed from the blood of serpents.
Ruby’s association with July dates back to its use in medieval and Renaissance Europe, where it was often worn by nobility and royalty as a symbol of status and divine favor. The gemstone’s red color was also closely linked to the sacred and the spiritual, often representing the blood of Christ in religious iconography.
The modern designation of ruby as the July birthstone was formalized in the 20th century, but its symbolic and historical significance stretches back thousands of years. In Buddhist and Hindu traditions, rubies were considered sacred and were used in religious rituals and royal regalia. In ancient India, ruby was believed to be the "stone of kings", and it was thought to bring prosperity, vitality, and protection to the wearer.
Onyx: The Stone of Strength and Balance
Onyx, a form of chalcedony quartz, has a long and storied history in both Roman and Egyptian cultures, where it was used in amulets and signet rings. The deep, black color of onyx made it a symbol of strength, protection, and resilience. Unlike ruby, onyx does not have the same regal associations, but it has been valued for its endurance and grounding properties.
In ancient Rome, onyx was worn as a protective talisman, especially by warriors and leaders, who believed it could enhance their courage and provide a sense of calm in times of stress. Greek and Egyptian cultures also used onyx in jewelry and decorative objects, often carving intricate designs into its smooth surface.
While onyx is not as widely recognized as ruby in the modern birthstone list, its inclusion in the traditional July birthstone list reflects its enduring appeal and symbolic power. Onyx is often associated with emotional balance, discipline, and protection, making it a complementary gemstone to ruby’s passionate and fiery nature.
Geological Formation and Sources of July’s Birthstones
Ruby: A Product of Intense Geological Forces
Rubies are formed under extreme pressure and heat, typically in metamorphic rocks such as gneiss and marble. The presence of chromium or vanadium in the crystal lattice of corundum gives the gemstone its characteristic red color. The most prized rubies have a deep red to slightly purplish-red hue, often referred to as "pigeon’s blood".
The primary sources of ruby include:
- Myanmar (Burma): Known for producing some of the finest and most valuable rubies, especially those with the pigeon’s blood color.
- Madagascar: A major source of high-quality rubies in the 20th and 21st centuries.
- Thailand: Historically a key market for ruby trade and treatment.
- Sri Lanka: Produces smaller, but often vibrant, ruby specimens.
- India and Afghanistan: Also have ruby deposits, though not as renowned as the others.
Ruby’s hardness on the Mohs scale is 9, making it one of the hardest natural gemstones, second only to diamond. This durability makes it ideal for jewelry, especially in rings and bracelets.
Onyx: A Variety of Chalcedony with a Timeless Appeal
Onyx is a microcrystalline form of quartz, characterized by its distinct layering and opacity. The most common type is black onyx, which is often dyed to enhance its color and contrast. However, natural onyx can come in a range of colors, including white, gray, and brown, and is prized for its smooth texture and durability.
Onyx forms in volcanic and sedimentary rocks, where it is often found in veins and nodules. The primary sources of onyx include:
- Brazil: The largest and most consistent source of onyx in the modern market.
- India and Pakistan: Known for producing large, high-quality slabs of onyx used in jewelry and decorative objects.
- Nepal and Madagascar: Also have onyx deposits, though they are not as widely traded.
Onyx has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it more delicate than ruby but still suitable for jewelry. However, it is often recommended to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning methods, as it can be prone to etching and surface damage.
Gemological Properties of July’s Birthstones
Ruby
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ (with trace amounts of chromium or vanadium) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 |
| Refractive Index | 1.76–1.78 |
| Color | Red (due to chromium or vanadium) |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Cut | Round, oval, cushion, and princess cuts are common |
| Origin | Myanmar, Madagascar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India |
| Special Features | “Pigeon’s blood” color is the most prized variety |
Rubies are not only beautiful but also resilient, making them ideal for daily wear in jewelry. Their deep red color and high refractive index give them a captivating brilliance that is hard to match.
Onyx
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | SiO₂ (quartz) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5–7 |
| Refractive Index | 1.48–1.53 |
| Color | Black, white, gray, or brown (often dyed for contrast) |
| Transparency | Opaque to translucent |
| Luster | Waxy to vitreous |
| Cut | Cabochon, beads, and faceted cuts |
| Origin | Brazil, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Madagascar |
| Special Features | Known for its smooth texture and durability |
Onyx is often cut into cabochons or beads, as its layered structure and opaque nature make it less suitable for faceting. Despite its lower hardness than ruby, it is still a popular choice for rings, pendants, and bracelets, especially when well-maintained.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Ruby: The Stone of Passion and Protection
Ruby has long been associated with passion, vitality, and protection. In ancient India, it was believed to be the "stone of kings" and was worn to enhance leadership, courage, and prosperity. In medieval Europe, rubies were thought to protect the wearer from disease and harm, and they were often included in amulets and talismans.
Modern metaphysical beliefs continue to embrace ruby as a stone of transformation and empowerment. It is believed to stimulate the heart and circulatory system, and to enhance confidence and motivation. In New Age spirituality, ruby is associated with the root chakra, grounding the wearer and promoting emotional stability.
Onyx: The Stone of Grounding and Balance
Onyx is often considered a stone of protection and emotional balance. In ancient Rome, it was worn to ward off negative energies and to provide strength in times of adversity. It was also used in funerary rites, symbolizing the passage from life to death.
In modern metaphysical practices, onyx is believed to help with emotional stability, especially during times of stress or grief. It is associated with the base chakra and is thought to provide grounding and a sense of security. It is often recommended for those seeking to overcome anxiety, fear, or emotional turmoil.
Onyx is also associated with discipline and willpower, making it a popular gemstone for those seeking to improve their focus and determination.
Caring for July’s Birthstones
Proper care is essential for preserving the beauty and longevity of both ruby and onyx. While ruby is very durable, onyx requires more careful handling due to its lower hardness and susceptibility to etching.
Caring for Ruby
- Cleaning: Use mild soapy water and a soft brush to clean ruby. Avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage treatments or inclusions.
- Storage: Store ruby separately from other gemstones to avoid scratches.
- Wearing: Ruby is ideal for daily wear, but it should be removed during activities that could cause impact or abrasion.
Caring for Onyx
- Cleaning: Clean onyx with mild soapy water and a soft cloth or brush. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and steamers, as they can damage the surface or dye.
- Storage: Store onyx in a soft cloth or pouch to prevent scratches from harder gemstones.
- Wearing: Onyx is durable enough for daily wear, but it should be avoided in situations involving harsh chemicals or abrasion.
Conclusion
July’s birthstones—Ruby and Onyx—offer a rich tapestry of history, symbolism, and beauty. Ruby, with its deep red color and regal associations, is a symbol of passion, vitality, and protection. Onyx, with its dark, grounding presence, complements ruby with strength, balance, and emotional stability.
Together, these gemstones provide a unique duality that reflects the complexity and richness of July. Whether you are drawn to the fiery brilliance of ruby or the quiet strength of onyx, these stones offer a meaningful and beautiful way to celebrate your birth month.