The ruby, a gemstone steeped in history and revered for its vibrant color, holds a prominent position as the birthstone for July. Derived from the Latin word ruber, meaning “red,” the ruby has long been associated with love, passion, and power. This article delves into the fascinating world of the ruby, exploring its historical significance, geological origins, gemological properties, and enduring symbolism, drawing exclusively from available sources.
History and Lore
The ruby’s history stretches back millennia, with evidence of its use and admiration found in ancient civilizations. In ancient India, the ruby was hailed as the “king of precious stones,” prized for its rarity, exceptional hardness – second only to diamond – and perceived mystical powers. It was believed to possess the ability to predict misfortune, cure inflammatory diseases, and even soothe anger. Burmese warriors, according to historical accounts, believed wearing rubies rendered them invincible in battle.
Medieval Europeans shared similar beliefs, attributing health, wisdom, wealth, and success in love to the ruby. Its association with life force, symbolized by its blood-red hue, further cemented its status as a powerful and protective stone. Beyond its protective qualities, the ruby was also considered a symbol of royalty and passion, adorning the crowns and jewelry of kings and queens throughout history.
The ruby continues to hold significance in modern traditions, frequently given as a gift to celebrate 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries, representing enduring love and commitment.
Geological Formation and Sources
Rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum, an aluminum oxide mineral. Their characteristic red color arises from trace amounts of the element chromium within the crystal structure. The intensity of the red color is directly proportional to the amount of chromium present; the most desirable color, known as “pigeon’s blood,” is a deep, vivid red with a hint of purple.
Historically, Myanmar (formerly Burma) has been the most significant source of fine rubies, particularly from the Mogok area. For over five centuries, Mogok has yielded rubies renowned for their vibrant color, softened by light-scattering inclusions and a distinctive red fluorescence. The region’s unique geological setting, characterized by weathered marble and ancient Buddhist temples, has contributed to the formation of these exceptional gems.
In recent decades, other regions have emerged as important ruby sources. Vietnam, specifically the Luc Yen region, produces rubies ranging in color from red to purplish-red. Mozambique, with its prolific mines at Montepuez, has become a major player in the ruby market, yielding stones comparable in quality to those from Mogok.
Other notable ruby-producing countries include Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, and Madagascar. The ruby deposits along the border between Thailand and Cambodia were also significant sources in the late 20th century.
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 non-red variety of the same mineral.
Here’s a summary of key properties:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ (Aluminum Oxide) |
| Color | Red (varying shades) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9.0 |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 – 1.778 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.97 – 4.05 |
The ruby’s exceptional hardness, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale, makes it highly durable and suitable for everyday wear. Its high refractive index contributes to its brilliance and fire. The presence of inclusions, while sometimes detracting from clarity, can also serve as a natural fingerprint, confirming the gem’s authenticity.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, the ruby has been imbued with a rich tapestry of symbolism. As previously mentioned, its red color has long been associated with love, passion, and vitality. It has been considered a symbol of courage, energy, and protection.
Some cultures believe rubies possess the power to enhance intuition and promote pleasure. While these beliefs are not scientifically substantiated, they contribute to the ruby’s enduring appeal and mystique. The ruby’s association with royalty and power further reinforces its symbolic significance, representing leadership, nobility, and ambition.
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 can be safely cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaners, as these can potentially damage the stone or its setting.
It is also advisable to store rubies separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching. Regular inspection of the setting can help ensure the ruby remains securely mounted.
Zodiac and Alternative Birthstones
While the ruby is the traditional and modern birthstone for July, alternative birthstones exist. Some astrological traditions associate different gemstones with zodiac signs. For those born under the sign of Cancer (June 21–July 22), emerald is sometimes cited as a birthstone, differing from the typical June pearl.
Furthermore, some traditions link gemstones to specific days of the week. Tuesday is associated with ruby or garnet, believed to inspire creativity and passion. This practice stems from the belief that calendar days were named after planets, and their corresponding stones absorbed planetary energies.