The July birthstone is celebrated for its vibrant color, enduring beauty, and profound symbolism. Among the many gemstones associated with this month, ruby stands out as the primary and most revered birthstone. Known as the “king of gemstones,” ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum and is distinguished by its deep red hue, caused by trace amounts of chromium. For centuries, ruby has been cherished for its rarity, durability, and association with power, vitality, and emotional strength. This article delves into the rich history, gemological properties, cultural significance, and practical care of ruby, the radiant July birthstone.
History and Lore
Ruby has long held a place of honor among the world’s most treasured gemstones. The name "ruby" is derived from the Latin word ruber, meaning “red,” a fitting tribute to the gem’s striking color. In ancient civilizations, ruby was believed to possess mystical powers and was often associated with life, vitality, and protection. In India, ruby was known as the "king of precious stones," a title reflecting its rarity, beauty, and perceived supernatural qualities. Indian royalty and warriors alike wore ruby as a symbol of power and invincibility, believing it to protect the wearer from harm and enhance their courage.
In medieval Europe, ruby was similarly revered and often featured in royal regalia and religious artifacts. It was believed to bring good fortune, ward off evil, and even predict danger. Some historical accounts suggest that ruby was thought to have healing properties, including the ability to cure inflammation and soothe anger. Burmese warriors, in particular, wore ruby in battle, convinced it granted them invincibility on the battlefield.
The association of ruby with July as a birthstone is not a recent development. Although ruby was officially designated as the July birthstone by the American and British jewelry industries in 1912, its connection with the month of July dates back much further. Prior to this formal designation, both onyx and turquoise were also recognized as appropriate July birthstones in various traditions. In the ancient Polish, Russian, Tibetan, and Hindu (Ayurvedic) calendars, ruby was already celebrated as a July birthstone for its symbolic and protective qualities.
Ruby has also appeared in numerous cultural and literary references. For example, in the Gregorian birthstone poem, ruby is praised for its ability to free those born in July from “love’s doubts and anxiety.” This poetic tribute underscores the gemstone’s enduring reputation as a symbol of love, passion, and emotional strength.
Geological Formation and Sources
Ruby’s deep red color and exceptional hardness make it one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. Chemically, ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum, which has the chemical formula Al₂O₃. What distinguishes ruby from other corundum varieties, such as sapphire, is the presence of trace amounts of chromium. Chromium is responsible for ruby’s characteristic red color, with the most desirable shade being a deep red with a hint of purple, often referred to in the trade as “pigeon’s blood.”
Ruby forms deep within the Earth’s crust under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. It typically occurs in metamorphic rocks, such as marble, and is often found in association with other gem minerals. The formation of ruby requires specific geological conditions, which is one of the reasons it is relatively rare and highly valued.
The most famous and historically significant ruby deposits are found in Burma (now Myanmar), particularly in the Mogok region. These Burmese rubies are renowned for their intense red color and are considered some of the finest in the world. Other notable ruby sources include Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Madagascar. Each of these locations produces rubies with slightly different characteristics, such as variations in color tone and clarity.
Despite its global distribution, ruby remains a rare gemstone, and high-quality specimens with vivid color and clarity are particularly valuable. The durability of ruby—rated at 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale—makes it suitable for everyday wear in jewelry, although care must still be taken to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures.
Gemological Properties
Ruby is one of the four most prized precious gemstones, alongside diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires. Its unique properties contribute to its enduring appeal and high value in the gemstone market.
Color: The most defining characteristic of ruby is its deep red color. The most valuable rubies exhibit a rich, saturated red with a slight purplish or violet secondary hue. This coloration, known in the trade as “pigeon’s blood,” is highly prized for its beauty and rarity. The intensity of ruby’s red color is directly related to the amount of chromium present in the gemstone. The higher the chromium content, the stronger the red color.
Clarity: Ruby can vary in clarity, ranging from eye-clean to inclusion-laden. Inclusions are common in ruby and are often referred to as “silk” or “gardens” due to their appearance under magnification. While some inclusions can affect the gemstone’s transparency, they are often accepted as natural features and do not necessarily detract from the stone’s value. In fact, inclusions can help gemologists identify a ruby and determine its origin.
Cut: Ruby is typically cut into a variety of shapes, including round, oval, cushion, and princess cuts. The most common cut for ruby is the emerald cut, which enhances the gemstone’s color and brilliance. The cut of a ruby is an important factor in its overall appearance and value, as it affects how light interacts with the stone.
Hardness and Durability: Ruby ranks at 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making it one of the hardest gemstones after diamond. This high hardness makes ruby resistant to scratches and ideal for use in jewelry. However, ruby is not entirely impervious to damage. It can be susceptible to chipping or breaking if struck against a hard surface, especially along cleavage planes. Therefore, care should be taken to avoid exposing ruby jewelry to heavy impacts.
Luster and Brilliance: Ruby has a vitreous (glassy) luster that contributes to its overall brilliance and beauty. When properly cut and polished, ruby can display a high degree of sparkle and fire, particularly when viewed under bright light. The interplay of light within the gemstone enhances its color and adds to its allure.
Refractive Index and Specific Gravity: Ruby has a refractive index ranging from 1.76 to 1.78 and a specific gravity of approximately 4.00. These properties help gemologists identify ruby and distinguish it from other red gemstones, such as garnet and spinel.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond its physical and gemological properties, ruby carries a rich legacy of symbolism and metaphysical beliefs. Throughout history, ruby has been associated with a wide range of meanings and powers, making it a popular choice for those born in July.
Love and Passion: Ruby is perhaps best known for its association with love and passion. Its deep red color is often linked to the heart and emotions, symbolizing intense love, desire, and commitment. In many cultures, ruby is considered a stone of romantic love and is often given as a gift to express affection and devotion.
Power and Protection: Ruby has long been regarded as a stone of power and protection. In ancient times, rulers and warriors wore ruby to enhance their strength, courage, and invincibility. It was believed that ruby could protect the wearer from harm, ward off evil spirits, and bring good fortune. This protective quality makes ruby a popular choice for those seeking a gemstone that offers emotional and spiritual support.
Vitality and Energy: Ruby is also associated with vitality and energy. Its fiery red color is often linked to the life force and the blood that sustains life. In many traditions, ruby is believed to boost physical energy, stimulate the circulatory system, and enhance overall well-being. It is considered a stone of vitality, making it a valuable companion for those who want to maintain their health and vitality.
Spiritual and Emotional Healing: In addition to its physical and emotional symbolism, ruby is also believed to have spiritual and healing properties. It is often used in meditation and spiritual practices to promote inner strength, clarity, and emotional balance. Ruby is said to help individuals overcome fear, anxiety, and self-doubt, making it a powerful stone for personal growth and transformation.
Zodiac and Astrology: Ruby is also associated with the zodiac signs of Cancer and Leo, both of which are linked to July. In astrology, ruby is believed to align with the emotional depth of Cancer and the personal power of Leo, making it a meaningful gemstone for those born under these signs. It is said to enhance confidence, passion, and creativity, helping individuals express their true selves.
Care and Cleaning
Given its durability and beauty, ruby is a wonderful gemstone for everyday wear. However, like all gemstones, it requires proper care and maintenance to preserve its luster and longevity.
Cleaning: Ruby can be cleaned using a soft cloth and mild soap and water. A gentle brush can be used to remove surface dirt, but care should be taken to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, which can damage the gemstone or its setting. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally safe for ruby, but it is important to ensure that the gemstone is free of inclusions that might be sensitive to these cleaning methods.
Storage: To prevent scratches and damage, ruby should be stored separately from other gemstones, especially softer ones like emerald and opal. It is best to keep ruby jewelry in a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box to protect it from dust and physical contact.
Avoiding Harsh Conditions: Although ruby is a durable gemstone, it should be avoided exposure to extreme temperatures, as rapid temperature changes can cause stress and potentially lead to cracks or fractures. It is also advisable to remove ruby jewelry before engaging in activities that could subject it to physical impact, such as sports or heavy manual labor.
Professional Cleaning and Inspection: For a thorough cleaning and inspection, it is recommended to have ruby jewelry professionally cleaned and checked by a qualified jeweler. A jeweler can assess the condition of the gemstone and its setting, ensuring that it remains secure and in good condition.
Conclusion
Ruby, the radiant birthstone of July, is a gemstone of exceptional beauty, strength, and symbolism. Its deep red color, derived from trace amounts of chromium, makes it one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, ruby is not only visually stunning but also durable enough for everyday wear. Its rich history of association with power, protection, and passion has made it a cherished gemstone across cultures and centuries.
As the official July birthstone, ruby is believed to bring good fortune, emotional strength, and protection to those born in this month. It is also associated with the zodiac signs of Cancer and Leo, making it a meaningful gemstone for those who resonate with these astrological energies. Alongside ruby, other gemstones like onyx, turquoise, and carnelian have also been historically linked to July, offering a range of options for those who seek the unique properties and symbolism of different stones.
Whether worn for its beauty, its symbolic meaning, or its metaphysical properties, ruby remains a timeless and treasured gemstone. Its enduring appeal and rich legacy make it a perfect choice for those born in July, as well as for anyone who appreciates the beauty and power of this remarkable stone.