The ruby, a gemstone celebrated for its vibrant red hue, holds a prominent position as the birthstone for July. Revered throughout history for its beauty, rarity, and perceived mystical properties, the ruby is often referred to as the “king of gemstones.” This designation stems not only from its striking color but also from its exceptional hardness, ranking second only to diamond. The ruby’s association with passion, love, and vitality makes it a popular choice for jewelry, particularly for commemorating significant life events like engagements, anniversaries, and birthdays. This article will delve into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of this remarkable gem, drawing exclusively from available sources.
History and Lore
The ruby’s history is deeply intertwined with human civilization, stretching back millennia. In ancient India, the ruby was known as the “king of precious stones,” valued for its rarity, durability, and believed mystical powers. It was associated with the life force, symbolized by blood, and believed to bestow vitality and youthful energy upon its wearer. Ancient Indian jewelry frequently incorporated rubies, reflecting their high status and perceived protective qualities.
Burmese warriors, in ancient times, embedded rubies into their armor, believing the stones would render them invincible in battle. This belief highlights the ruby’s historical association with courage, protection, and power. Medieval Europeans similarly attributed various benefits to the ruby, believing it could promote health, impart wisdom, ensure wealth, and foster success in love.
The ruby’s significance extends beyond mere adornment. It is traditionally given as a gift to celebrate the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries, symbolizing enduring passion and commitment. This tradition underscores the ruby’s enduring association with love and lasting relationships.
Geological Formation and Sources
Rubies belong to the corundum family, a mineral composed of aluminum oxide. Their characteristic red color arises from trace amounts of the element chromium present during their formation. The intensity of the red hue is directly proportional to the amount of chromium – the more chromium, the stronger and more vibrant the red.
Historically, the Mogok Valley in Myanmar (formerly Burma) was the most significant source of high-quality rubies. For over five centuries, this region produced rubies renowned for their intense “pigeon’s blood” color – a deep, vivid red with a subtle purple undertone, considered the most desirable hue in the trade. These Burmese rubies were often characterized by light-scattering inclusions and a distinctive red fluorescence.
In recent decades, new sources of rubies have emerged. Vietnam, particularly the Luc Yen region, has become an important producer of rubies exhibiting red to purplish-red colors. Mozambique, specifically the Montepuez mines, has yielded rubies comparable in quality to those from Mogok. Other notable ruby sources include Thailand, Cambodia, India, the Middle East, East Africa, and even the United States.
Gemological Properties
The ruby’s gemological properties contribute to its desirability and value. As a variety of corundum, it shares many characteristics with sapphire, the other prominent member of this mineral family. The key distinction lies in the presence of chromium, which imparts the ruby’s red color.
Here's a summary of key gemological properties:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Corundum (Aluminum Oxide - Al₂O₃) |
| Color | Red, ranging from pinkish-red to deep, vivid red ("pigeon's blood") |
| Hardness | 9 on the Mohs scale |
| Luster | Adamantine (brilliant) |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 – 1.778 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.97 – 4.05 |
The ruby’s hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale makes it exceptionally durable, suitable for everyday wear. Its high refractive index contributes to its brilliance and fire, enhancing its visual appeal. The presence of chromium also causes rubies to exhibit strong fluorescence, causing them to glow beautifully under certain lighting conditions.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, the ruby has been imbued with rich symbolism and metaphysical beliefs. As previously mentioned, it is widely associated with passion, love, vitality, and courage. The ruby’s red color has often been linked to blood, representing life force, energy, and power.
Some historical beliefs attributed protective qualities to the ruby, with warriors believing it would make them invincible. Others claimed it could predict misfortune or danger, or even cure inflammatory diseases and soothe anger. While these beliefs are not scientifically substantiated, they demonstrate the ruby’s enduring cultural significance and the reverence it has commanded for centuries.
Modern interpretations often associate the ruby with heightened intuition and pleasure. Regardless of the specific belief, the ruby continues to be seen as a powerful and auspicious gemstone.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its exceptional hardness, the ruby is a relatively durable gemstone. However, proper care is essential to maintain its brilliance and prevent damage. Rubies are susceptible to scratching from other gemstones, so they should be stored separately in a soft cloth or jewelry box.
Cleaning rubies is generally straightforward. They can be safely cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid using harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, or steam cleaners, as these may damage the stone or its setting. After cleaning, rinse the ruby thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth. Regular cleaning will help preserve the ruby’s luster and ensure it continues to sparkle for years to come.
Conclusion
The ruby, July’s captivating birthstone, stands as a testament to the enduring allure of gemstones. From its ancient origins as a symbol of power and protection to its modern association with love and passion, the ruby has captivated hearts and minds for centuries. Its exceptional hardness, vibrant color, and rich history contribute to its status as one of the most coveted gemstones in the world. Whether admired for its beauty, cherished for its symbolism, or valued for its durability, the ruby remains a timeless treasure, worthy of its title as the “king of gemstones.”