The world of birthstones is a fascinating one! Each month has a gemstone or two connected to it, which gives the stone(s) a more divine meaning. If you are a July born, find out what’s your birthstone!
Ruby, the king of precious gems, is the stunning birthstone for those born in July. Coveted for its vibrant hue, this gemstone effortlessly catches people’s attention. After all, who can possibly turn a blind eye to the gorgeous crimson of rubies? If you are curious to learn more about this gemstone, you have come to the right place. Let’s delve into the enchanting world of ruby and explore its history, symbolism, and more.
Ruby Gemstone
Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum, the same mineral that sapphire belongs to! It owes its splendid red hue to the presence of traces of chromium. With a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, it is one of the durable gemstones that comes next to diamonds (Mohs hardness score of 10).
History and Origin
Rubies have a long history that dates back thousands of years. This gemstone maintains a special place in mythology and old cultures and customs. The name ‘ruby’ comes from the Latin term ‘rubeus,’ which means red. Rubies were known as the king of gemstones by several ancient civilizations due to their rarity and brilliance.
The aristocratic and religious authorities in Europe treasured rubies highly. Crowns, religious artifacts, and jewelry pieces featured this red gem. Furthermore, ruby gemstone was also coveted in the Far East. These gemstones were considered a symbol of wealth and longevity in China.
When it comes to fine rubies, Myanmar (formerly Burma) was once renowned as the world’s top producer, and even today you can find high-quality rubies there. Aside from Myanmar, India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique have also become significant ruby-producing nations.
Symbolism of Ruby
In addition to its alluring look, ruby has a rich symbolic history that cuts across cultures. The sun, which in many cultures is believed to possess the power of life and creation, was once identified with the ruby. Its blazing hue was believed to mirror the strength and vigor of the sun.
Some people even considered ruby to have a shielding effect that would protect the wearer from bad omens and danger.
In relation to the matters of the heart, ruby is said to stand for love and devotion. It fosters loyalty, commitment, and emotional bonding. As red is the color of love, it only makes sense why many people go for ruby engagement and wedding rings to celebrate such romantic occasions!
Apart from being the July birthstone, ruby is also the traditional gem to celebrate the 40th wedding anniversary.
The Enchanting Hue of Rubies
Rubies come in different shades of red, from light to dark, with some of them having a hint of purplish hue. The finest and most valuable ruby stones exhibit a pure and rich shade of red to a slightly purplish red color.
Among the different types of rubies, Pigeon blood rubies are considered to be the finest ones and are renowned for showcasing an incredible crimson hue.
Ruby Jewelry
You are lucky to have a beautiful and symbolic gemstone ruby as your birthstone if you are a July baby! Having a ruby stone with you can be beneficial for you. If you are not thrilled to have a loose stone with you, you can always level up your game by donning a jewelry piece featuring this stunning red stone. Whether you are a man or a woman, there is a jewelry piece for everyone. From a ring or bracelet to a pair of earrings or a pendant, you can find it all.
Conclusion
Ruby holds a special place in the hearts of many. Not only is Ruby a beautiful and durable stone, but it is also a stone of love, courage, passion, fidelity, and strength. At GemsNY, you can find stunning and high-quality rubies suitable for every budget.
