July's birthstone, the ruby, is one of the most cherished and coveted gemstones in the world. Known for its deep red hue and rich historical significance, ruby has long been associated with power, vitality, and protection. As a member of the corundum family, ruby is second only to diamond in hardness on the Mohs scale, making it both durable and desirable. This article explores the ruby's geological properties, historical and cultural significance, and its enduring appeal as a symbol of nobility and passion.
July is one of the months that proudly boasts a single, iconic birthstone: the ruby. Unlike some months that offer multiple options, July is uniquely defined by the ruby, a gemstone that has captivated people for centuries with its intense color and symbolic power. Whether admired for its beauty, worn for its protective qualities, or studied for its geological composition, the ruby holds a special place in the world of gemstones.
This article will delve into the ruby's geological formation and sources, its historical and cultural significance, its gemological properties, and how to care for ruby jewelry. We will also explore the ruby’s place in metaphysical beliefs and its enduring appeal in modern times.
History and Lore of the Ruby
The ruby has a long and storied history that spans across cultures and centuries. In ancient India, ruby was revered as the "king of precious stones" due to its rarity, hardness, and striking color. It was believed to possess mystical powers and was often worn by royalty and warriors for protection in battle. The ruby's deep red color was associated with the life force of blood, making it a symbol of vitality and youthful energy.
Throughout history, rubies have been treasured by many civilizations. In medieval Europe, they were thought to bestow health, wisdom, and success in love. Some believed that rubies could predict danger or misfortune, while others claimed they could cure inflammatory diseases and soothe anger. Burmese warriors, in particular, believed that rubies made them invincible in battle, a belief that contributed to their popularity in Southeast Asia.
In the modern era, the ruby remains a powerful symbol of passion and nobility. It is often given as a gift to celebrate the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries, reflecting its enduring significance in both personal and cultural contexts. The ruby's historical associations with royalty and power continue to influence its perception today, making it a gemstone that transcends time and trends.
Geological Formation and Sources
Rubies are a type of corundum, which is an aluminum oxide mineral (Al₂O₃) that forms in both volcanic and metamorphic environments. The deep red color of rubies is caused by trace amounts of the element chromium, which replaces some of the aluminum atoms in the crystal structure. The more chromium present, the stronger the red color. The finest rubies exhibit a deep red with a hint of purple, a color known in the trade as "pigeon's blood."
Rubies are typically found in metamorphic rock formations, particularly in areas where heat and pressure have altered the surrounding rock. These conditions create the perfect environment for corundum to form. Some of the most famous ruby deposits are located in Myanmar (formerly Burma), which has been a primary source of high-quality rubies for centuries. Other notable sources include Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, Vietnam, and Madagascar.
The process of forming a ruby can take millions of years. Once formed, rubies are extracted through mining, often in small-scale operations that require careful excavation to avoid damaging the gemstones. After extraction, rubies are cut and polished by skilled artisans to enhance their natural beauty and brilliance.
Gemological Properties of the Ruby
The ruby's exceptional beauty is not only due to its color but also to its gemological properties, which make it one of the most valuable and durable gemstones. On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, ruby ranks at 9, second only to diamond. This high hardness makes it resistant to scratches and suitable for everyday wear in jewelry.
Rubies are typically cut into shapes that maximize their brilliance and color. The most common cuts include the emerald cut, round brilliant cut, and cushion cut. The choice of cut depends on the shape and clarity of the rough stone, as well as the desired final appearance.
Clarity in rubies can vary, with some stones containing inclusions that are visible to the naked eye. These inclusions are often considered natural characteristics that add to the ruby's individuality. However, very clean rubies with minimal inclusions are rare and highly prized.
The most valuable rubies are those that exhibit a deep red color with a slight purplish hue, known as "pigeon's blood." This color is most commonly found in Burmese rubies, which are considered the finest in the world. The size of the ruby also affects its value, with larger, high-quality stones commanding extremely high prices.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, rubies have been associated with a wide range of symbolic and metaphysical beliefs. In many cultures, rubies are seen as symbols of love, passion, and vitality. Their deep red color is often linked to the heart and emotions, making them a popular choice for engagement rings and romantic gifts.
In metaphysical traditions, rubies are believed to stimulate the base chakra, which is associated with grounding, stability, and physical energy. They are also thought to promote courage, confidence, and a sense of empowerment. Rubies are often used in meditation and healing practices to enhance vitality and emotional strength.
In some cultures, rubies are considered protective stones. They are believed to ward off negative energy, attract good fortune, and provide a sense of security and confidence. These beliefs have contributed to the ruby's enduring popularity as a talisman and protective stone.
Care and Cleaning of Ruby Jewelry
Because of its high hardness and durability, ruby jewelry is relatively easy to care for. However, to maintain its beauty and longevity, it is important to handle ruby jewelry with care and clean it properly.
Ruby jewelry should be cleaned with a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water. A soft cloth can be used to dry the stone after cleaning. It is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the surface of the ruby or its setting.
Ruby jewelry should also be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratching. It is best to store ruby jewelry in a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box to protect it from dust and physical damage.
When wearing ruby jewelry, it is advisable to avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or sudden temperature changes, as this can cause the stone to crack. It is also best to avoid wearing ruby jewelry during activities that may cause physical damage, such as sports or heavy manual labor.
The Ruby in Modern Times
In modern times, the ruby remains a highly sought-after gemstone, both for its beauty and its historical significance. It is a popular choice for engagement rings, anniversary gifts, and fine jewelry. The ruby's association with passion, love, and vitality continues to make it a symbol of enduring romance and commitment.
In the world of gemology, the ruby is one of the "Big Three" gemstones, alongside sapphire and emerald. These gemstones are known for their exceptional beauty, rarity, and value. The ruby's position in this elite group reflects its status as one of the most prestigious gemstones in the world.
The ruby has also been the subject of some of the most expensive gemstone sales in history. In May 2015, the 25.59 carat Burmese "Sunrise Ruby" was sold by Sotheby's for $32.4 million USD, setting a world record for the highest price per carat for a ruby. In 2023, the 55.22 carat Estrela de Fura ruby was sold by Sotheby's for $34.8 million USD, making it the most expensive ruby ever sold at auction.
These record-breaking sales highlight the ruby's enduring appeal and its status as one of the most valuable gemstones in the world. Whether worn as a piece of fine jewelry or studied for its geological properties, the ruby continues to captivate people with its beauty and significance.
Conclusion
The ruby is a gemstone of extraordinary beauty, history, and significance. As July's birthstone, it symbolizes passion, vitality, and nobility, and it has been treasured by many cultures throughout history. Its deep red color, caused by trace amounts of chromium, makes it one of the most distinctive and valuable gemstones in the world. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, the ruby is both durable and desirable for everyday wear.
The ruby's geological properties, combined with its rich cultural and historical significance, make it a gemstone that continues to captivate people around the world. Whether admired for its beauty, worn for its protective qualities, or studied for its scientific properties, the ruby remains one of the most enduring and cherished gemstones of all time.