The ruby, the captivating birthstone of July, has held a prominent place in human history and culture for millennia. Revered for its vibrant red hue, symbolizing passion, courage, and prosperity, this precious gemstone has adorned royalty, inspired legends, and been believed to possess mystical powers. This article delves into the rich history, geological origins, gemological properties, and enduring symbolism of the ruby, drawing upon historical accounts and gemological understanding.
A History Steeped in Lore
The ruby’s history is interwoven with tales of power, protection, and divine connection. Its name, derived from the Latin word “ruber” meaning red, immediately links the stone to concepts of love, energy, and vitality. Ancient civilizations across Asia, including those in India, Burma (now Myanmar), Sri Lanka (Ceylon), China, and Japan, held the ruby in exceptionally high regard. In India, the ruby was known as the “king of precious stones,” prized for its rarity, hardness – second only to diamond – and perceived mystical abilities. Presenting rubies to the god Krishna was believed to ensure rebirth as an emperor. Social hierarchy was even reflected in ruby ownership, with lighter-colored stones deemed appropriate for women and darker shades reserved for men.
The ruby’s significance extended beyond social status; it was considered a talisman against enemy attacks and a detector of poison. Across Asian cultures, the ruby was thought to attract happiness, good fortune, longevity, and good health, described as “A drop of the heart’s blood of Mother Earth.”
The ruby also features prominently in religious and mythological traditions of the West. It is mentioned more frequently than any other gemstone in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, considered the most precious of the twelve stones created by God. In the Old Testament, it was placed on Aaron’s neck by divine command. The book of Job highlights the ruby’s value, stating that “the price of wisdom is above rubies.”
Medieval Europeans believed rubies bestowed health, wisdom, wealth, and success in love. Burmese warriors carried rubies into battle, convinced they rendered them invincible. Even figures like Martin Luther, the founder of the Protestant Church, were associated with the stone, reportedly owning a ruby betrothal ring.
Roman culture also attributed significant power to rubies, particularly star rubies, believing they protected the wearer from evil and secured favor with authorities. A common belief held that a ruby would lose its brilliance and fade in color as a warning of impending danger. This belief persisted into the Middle Ages, with accounts of rubies changing color to foretell tragedy, as exemplified by Queen Catherine of Aragon’s ring, said to alter its hue when danger approached. One author documented a ruby losing its color before the death of his wife, regaining its brilliance only after her passing.
Geological Formation and Sources
Rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum, an aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) that, in its pure form, is colorless. The characteristic red hue of a ruby arises from trace amounts of the element chromium within the corundum’s crystal structure. The more chromium present, the deeper and more intense the red color. A strong fluorescence is visible under ultraviolet light in areas of higher chromium concentration. The most prized color is a deep red with a hint of purple, known in the trade as “pigeon’s blood.”
Historically, the finest rubies originated in the Mogok Valley of Burma (Myanmar). These Burmese rubies are renowned for their intense, vibrant red color with subtle purple undertones. In the 1990s, the Mong Hsu region of Myanmar began producing rubies after discovering that heat treatment could enhance color saturation.
However, ruby sources are not limited to Myanmar. Rubies are also actively mined in Afghanistan, Australia, Cambodia, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, the United States (North Carolina), and Vietnam. Vietnam emerged as a significant source in the late 20th century, with rubies found in the Luc Yen and Quy Chau regions. The border region between Cambodia and Thailand also yielded natural rubies during the same period.
Gemological Properties
The ruby’s appeal extends beyond its color. Its exceptional hardness, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale, makes it highly durable and suitable for everyday wear. This hardness, second only to diamond, contributes to its longevity and resistance to scratching.
The ideal ruby exhibits a pure red hue with strong to vivid saturation and tones ranging from medium to dark. While “pigeon’s blood” rubies are considered the most valuable, rubies can also display undertones of pink, orange, and violet.
Here's a summary of key gemological properties:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Corundum (Aluminum Oxide - Al₂O₃) |
| Color | Red (due to chromium traces) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 |
| Luster | Adamantine (brilliant) |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 - 1.778 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.97 - 4.05 |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, the ruby has been imbued with profound symbolism. Its association with blood has linked it to life force, passion, and courage. The stone has been seen as a symbol of power, nobility, and youthful energy.
Beyond its association with passion and vitality, rubies were believed to possess protective qualities. Romans believed they shielded wearers from evil, while medieval Europeans thought they promoted health and wisdom. The ruby’s ability to supposedly foretell danger, through changes in color or brilliance, further solidified its reputation as a guardian stone.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its exceptional hardness, the ruby is a relatively durable gemstone. However, like all gemstones, it requires proper care to maintain its brilliance. Rubies can be safely cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals, as these can potentially damage the stone. Regular cleaning will help preserve the ruby’s vibrant color and luster.
Conclusion
The ruby remains one of the most coveted and celebrated gemstones in the world. Its captivating red hue, exceptional durability, and rich history have cemented its place as a symbol of passion, power, and protection. From ancient civilizations to modern jewelry, the ruby continues to captivate and inspire, embodying a timeless beauty and enduring significance. As the birthstone of July, and a traditional gift for 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries, the ruby’s legacy is sure to endure for generations to come.