The month of July is traditionally represented by the ruby, a gemstone celebrated for its vibrant red hue and long association with passion, protection, and prosperity. However, the history of this birthstone is not without a fascinating twist, as evidenced by the story of the “Timur Ruby,” a celebrated gem within the British Crown Jewels later identified as a red spinel. This article will explore the history, geological origins, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of the ruby, drawing upon historical accounts and modern gemological understanding.
History and Lore
The association of gemstones with specific months and zodiac signs dates back to ancient civilizations. While the modern concept of a single birthstone per month is a relatively recent development, originating between the 16th and 18th centuries and formalized in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers, the practice of attributing powers and significance to gems has ancient roots. Historians trace the origins to the twelve gemstones on the breastplate of Aaron, linked to the twelve tribes of Israel, with subsequent connections made to the signs of the zodiac by Josephus and St. Jerome in the 1st and 5th centuries CE. These early associations suggested that wearing specific stones during corresponding astrological periods could offer special powers or therapeutic benefits.
The ruby itself has a rich and storied past, prominently featured in the lore of various cultures. One notable example is the “Timur Ruby,” named after the 14th-century conqueror Timur, whose vast military campaigns spanned across Asia. After capturing Delhi in 1398, Timur returned with a wealth of jewels, including the stone now known as the Timur Ruby. This massive, unfaceted gem bears inscriptions in Arabic script detailing the names of Mughal emperors and Persian rulers who once possessed it, dating from 1612 to 1771.
The ruby’s journey continued through the hands of various rulers until 1849, when the British East India Company acquired it, along with the Koh-i-Noor diamond, from the Punjab region. However, a surprising revelation in 1851 exposed the stone as a red spinel, a gem often mistaken for ruby due to its similar color. Despite this discovery, the stone retained its historical name and continues to be displayed among the British Crown Jewels.
Geological Formation and Sources
While the provided sources do not detail the geological formation of rubies, they do highlight the regions from which they have historically been sourced. The story of the Timur Ruby points to India as a significant historical source, with the gem originating from Timur’s conquest of Delhi. The sources do not provide information on the specific geological processes involved in ruby formation or other modern mining locations.
Gemological Properties
The sources do not provide detailed gemological properties of rubies, such as chemical composition, refractive index, or specific gravity. However, they do establish the ruby as a highly valued gemstone, historically and presently. The story of the “Timur Ruby” highlights the importance of accurate gem identification, as spinels can closely resemble rubies in color. The sources also mention diamonds, emeralds, pearls, and alexandrite as other notable gemstones, indicating a broader context of gemological diversity. The sources do not provide a comparison of ruby’s hardness to other gemstones on the Mohs scale.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, gemstones have been imbued with symbolic meanings and believed to possess metaphysical properties. While the sources do not explicitly detail the specific beliefs associated with rubies, they mention that gemstones were historically worn as talismans for therapeutic benefits or to harness special powers during specific astrological periods. Other birthstones are associated with specific qualities: aquamarine with youth, health, hope, and love; emerald with fertility, health, and faithfulness; and pearls with a rich history of legend. Opal, the other October birthstone, is believed to bring confidence and hope to the wearer. The sources suggest a continuing belief in the cultural and symbolic value of birthstones, representing a connection between personal identity and the allure of gemstones.
Care and Cleaning
The provided sources do not offer specific guidance on the care and cleaning of rubies. However, given that diamonds are described as the hardest known material, it can be inferred that rubies, while durable, may require careful handling to avoid scratches or damage. Further research into ruby’s specific properties would be necessary to provide comprehensive care instructions.
Modern and Traditional Birthstones
The concept of birthstones has evolved over time, with both traditional and modern lists available. The modern list, established in 1912, often includes a wider range of gemstones, while the traditional list reflects older associations. For July, both the traditional and modern birthstone is the ruby. Other months have multiple options, such as October, which recognizes both opal and tourmaline. The choice between traditional and modern birthstones often depends on personal preference, availability, and cost. Some traditional stones, like turquoise, are less expensive or more readily available than their modern counterparts, contributing to their continued popularity.
The Expanding Birthstone Chart
The birthstone chart continues to evolve, with recent additions like spinel, citrine, and tanzanite expanding the options available to consumers. This reflects a growing interest in gemstone diversity and a willingness to move beyond traditional choices. The availability of both traditional and modern lists allows individuals to select a stone that resonates with their personal preferences and values.
The Origins of Birthstone Tradition
The tradition of associating gemstones with birth months has a complex history, originating in biblical times with the twelve gemstones on the breastplate of Aaron. Over time, these stones were linked to the zodiac signs, and the practice of wearing all twelve gems throughout the year as talismans emerged. The modern practice of wearing only the stone connected to one’s birth month arose between the 16th and 18th centuries, with the National Association of Jewelers formalizing the modern list in 1912.
Conclusion
The ruby, as July’s birthstone, holds a significant place in history, lore, and gemological tradition. From its association with powerful rulers like Timur to its enduring symbolism of passion and protection, the ruby continues to captivate and inspire. The story of the “Timur Ruby” serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate gem identification and the fascinating complexities of the gemstone world. While the provided sources offer a glimpse into the ruby’s rich history and cultural significance, further research is needed to fully understand its geological formation, gemological properties, and metaphysical beliefs. The evolving nature of the birthstone chart reflects a continuing appreciation for the beauty, diversity, and enduring allure of gemstones.