July's birthstone, ruby, is one of the most coveted and revered gems in the world of gemology. Known for its rich red color and deep historical significance, ruby has captivated people for centuries with its beauty and symbolic meaning. This article explores the history, properties, cultural symbolism, and care of ruby, the official birthstone for July.
Introduction
Ruby, the official birthstone for July, is a gemstone of extraordinary beauty and deep significance. It is the most valuable red variety of corundum, a mineral that also includes sapphire when it exhibits blue hues. The ruby’s intense red color is caused by trace amounts of the element chromium. In the trade, the finest ruby color is known as "pigeon's blood," a deep red with a slight purple undertone. Ruby has been highly valued for its beauty and rarity, as well as for its symbolic association with passion, protection, and vitality.
This article will explore the history and lore of ruby, its geological formation and sources, its gemological properties, its symbolism and metaphysical beliefs, and how to care for ruby jewelry. Drawing on a variety of sources, this piece provides a comprehensive overview of ruby and its enduring place in the world of gemstones.
History and Lore
Ruby has a long and storied history that spans cultures and centuries. In ancient India, ruby was known as the "king of precious stones" and was associated with power and youthful energy. The gemstone was believed to possess mystical properties, including the ability to predict misfortune or danger and to cure inflammatory diseases and soothe anger. Burmese warriors believed that rubies made them invincible in battle, and medieval Europeans believed that rubies could bestow health, wisdom, wealth, and success in love.
Ruby has also been mentioned in biblical texts, where it is associated with wisdom and beauty. The gemstone has long been a symbol of royalty and nobility, earning it the nickname "the stone of nobility." Ruby has been used in royal jewelry and has been passed down through generations as a sign of status and power. In Vedic astrology, ruby is associated with the Sun, and it is believed to bring harmony, protection, and wisdom to its wearer.
Ruby is also associated with the month of July in several different cultural traditions. It is the modern birthstone for July and is traditionally given for the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries. In Vedic astrology, ruby is the zodiacal stone of Capricorn. In addition to ruby, July has several other historical and alternative birthstones, including carnelian, onyx, sardonyx, and sapphire. These stones were believed to bring different benefits to those born in July, from promoting vigor and power to offering protection and spiritual truth.
Geological Formation and Sources
Ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum, which is one of the hardest minerals on Earth, second only to diamond on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Corundum is composed of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), and the presence of trace amounts of chromium gives ruby its characteristic red color. The more chromium present, the stronger the red color of the ruby. The finest rubies are found in Myanmar (formerly Burma), where they are known for their vibrant "pigeon's blood" color.
Rubies can also be found in other locations around the world, including Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Tanzania, and Madagascar. Each of these sources produces rubies with slightly different characteristics, such as color, clarity, and inclusions. The geological conditions required for ruby formation are specific and rare, making ruby a relatively rare gemstone compared to other corundum varieties like sapphire.
The process of ruby formation involves high pressure and temperature deep within the Earth's crust. Ruby forms in metamorphic rocks, particularly in marble and in rocks that have undergone contact metamorphism due to the intrusion of magma. The presence of chromium in the surrounding rock is crucial for the development of ruby's red color. Once formed, ruby is brought to the surface through tectonic activity or volcanic processes, where it can be mined and cut into gemstones.
Gemological Properties
Ruby is a highly valued gemstone due to its exceptional hardness, vibrant color, and rarity. The following are the key gemological properties of ruby:
- Chemical Composition: Ruby is a variety of corundum, with the chemical formula Al₂O₃ (aluminum oxide). The presence of chromium (Cr) impurities gives ruby its red color.
- Hardness: Ruby ranks a 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making it one of the hardest and most durable gemstones. Only diamond (which ranks 10) is harder than ruby.
- Refractive Index: The refractive index of ruby ranges from 1.76 to 1.78, which means that light bends as it passes through the gemstone, creating a brilliant sparkle.
- Specific Gravity: Ruby has a specific gravity of 4.00, which is relatively high for a gemstone and contributes to its dense, substantial feel.
- Color: The color of ruby ranges from pinkish red to deep red, with the finest rubies exhibiting a "pigeon's blood" color. This term refers to a deep red with a slight purple undertone and is considered the most valuable ruby color.
- Clarity: Rubies can vary in clarity, with some exhibiting eye-clean clarity and others containing visible inclusions. Inclusions in ruby are often referred to as "silk" and can contribute to the gemstone's unique character.
- Cut: Ruby is typically cut into round brilliant cuts, cushion cuts, or other faceted shapes to maximize its brilliance and color. The cut of a ruby can significantly affect its appearance and value.
- Origin: The finest rubies are found in Myanmar (Burma), where they are known for their vibrant red color. Rubies from other sources, such as Thailand, Cambodia, and Madagascar, can also be of high quality but may have slightly different color and clarity characteristics.
These properties make ruby a highly desirable gemstone for jewelry and a valuable investment for collectors and gemstone enthusiasts.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Ruby has long been associated with powerful symbolism and metaphysical beliefs. It is considered a stone of passion, protection, and vitality. In ancient times, ruby was believed to possess mystical properties that could bring good fortune, ward off evil, and enhance physical and emotional well-being. Some of the most notable metaphysical beliefs associated with ruby include:
- Passion and Love: Ruby is often associated with love and passion. It is believed to strengthen romantic relationships and enhance feelings of love and desire. Wearing a ruby ring or necklace is thought to attract love and deepen emotional connections.
- Protection and Strength: Ruby is considered a powerful protective stone. It is believed to offer protection from negative energies, promote courage and strength, and enhance one's ability to face challenges with confidence.
- Vitality and Energy: Ruby is associated with vitality and energy. It is believed to stimulate the base chakra, which is the energy center associated with grounding, physical strength, and life force. Wearing a ruby is thought to increase energy levels and promote a sense of vitality and well-being.
- Wisdom and Harmony: Ruby is believed to promote wisdom, clarity, and inner harmony. It is associated with the Sun in Vedic astrology and is thought to bring balance and positivity to the wearer.
- Spiritual Connection: Ruby is believed to enhance spiritual connection and intuition. It is associated with the heart and soul and is thought to bring a sense of closeness to the divine.
These beliefs have contributed to ruby's enduring popularity and its association with July as a birthstone. Ruby is often used in jewelry not only for its beauty but also for its symbolic meaning and metaphysical properties.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its high hardness and durability, ruby is a relatively easy gemstone to care for. However, like all gemstones, it requires proper care to maintain its beauty and value over time. The following are some tips for caring for ruby jewelry:
- Cleaning: Ruby can be cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Simply mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water, and use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean the surface of the gemstone. Rinse the gemstone thoroughly with lukewarm water and dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the surface of the ruby.
- Storage: Store ruby jewelry in a soft cloth or in a jewelry box to prevent scratches and damage. Avoid storing ruby jewelry with other gemstones that may scratch its surface, as ruby is one of the hardest gemstones.
- Avoiding Heat and Chemicals: While ruby is highly durable, it should be avoided exposure to high heat and harsh chemicals. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause the gemstone to lose its color or become brittle. Harsh chemicals, such as those found in household cleaners or chlorine, can damage the surface of the ruby.
- Avoiding Impact: Although ruby is a very hard gemstone, it can still be damaged by impact. Avoid dropping or knocking the ruby against hard surfaces, as this can cause chips or cracks.
By following these care tips, ruby jewelry can be enjoyed for many years and passed down through generations as a treasured heirloom.
Conclusion
Ruby is a gemstone of exceptional beauty, rarity, and significance. As the official birthstone for July, it carries deep historical and cultural meaning, symbolizing passion, protection, and vitality. Its vibrant red color and high hardness make it a highly desirable gemstone for jewelry, and its metaphysical properties have contributed to its enduring popularity. With proper care and maintenance, ruby jewelry can be enjoyed for many years, serving as a beautiful and meaningful reminder of the month of July and its symbolic connection to the ruby birthstone.
Ruby's enduring appeal is a testament to its timeless beauty and deep significance. Whether worn as a piece of jewelry or admired as a gemstone, ruby continues to captivate people with its brilliance and symbolism.