Ruby, the vibrant red gemstone, holds a prestigious place in the world of birthstones as the official birthstone for July. Known for its striking color and rich symbolism, ruby has captivated cultures and individuals for centuries. This article explores the historical significance, geological properties, cultural lore, and practical care of ruby, offering a comprehensive look at this remarkable gemstone.
Introduction
Ruby is not just a gemstone; it is a symbol of passion, power, and vitality. As the birthstone for July, ruby carries centuries of tradition and meaning. This article delves into the historical context of ruby, its geological formation, and the cultural significance attributed to it. Additionally, it provides essential information on how to care for ruby jewelry, ensuring its beauty and value are preserved for generations.
History and Lore
Ancient Origins and Royal Associations
Ruby has long been revered for its beauty and power. In ancient India, ruby was known as the "king of precious stones," a title that underscores its rarity, hardness, and perceived mystical properties. The gemstone was believed to possess the ability to predict misfortune or danger, and some cultures even claimed that it could cure inflammatory diseases and soothe anger.
Burmese warriors, in particular, held ruby in high esteem, believing it made them invincible in battle. Medieval Europeans also maintained that rubies bestowed health, wisdom, wealth, and success in love. These beliefs underscore the deep cultural significance of ruby across different regions and eras.
Ruby in the Modern Era
Ruby's enduring appeal has made it a favorite among royalty and nobility throughout history. It has adorned crowns, scepters, and ceremonial robes as symbols of strength, prosperity, and protection. In the modern era, ruby remains a symbol of love and commitment, often given as a gift to celebrate the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.
Geological Formation and Sources
The Science Behind Ruby
Ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum, which is composed of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). The iconic red color of ruby is due to trace amounts of chromium within the crystal structure. A ruby requires just one part chromium per 1,000 parts in order to display a rich red color. The more chromium present, the stronger the red hue. This chemical composition makes ruby one of the hardest natural minerals, ranking 9 on the Mohs hardness scale—second only to diamond.
Where Rubies Are Found
Rubies are primarily found in several key locations around the world:
- Myanmar (Burma): One of the oldest recorded sources of fine rubies. The Mogok area has produced some of the most sought-after rubies for over five centuries.
- Sri Lanka, Thailand, Madagascar, and Mozambique: These regions are also significant sources of ruby. In particular, Mozambique has emerged as an important new source, with the prolific mines at Montepuez.
- Vietnam: The Luc Yen and Quy Chau regions in northern Vietnam have yielded fine rubies of red to purplish red color.
Artisanal miners in these regions work the soil in hopes of finding a gem that will change their fortunes. The unique geological conditions in these areas allow for the formation of rubies, which are often found in metamorphic rocks such as marble.
Famous Rubies
Some of the most famous rubies include the Graff Ruby (8.6 carats), the Sunrise Ruby (25.5 carats), and the Carmen Lúcia Ruby (23 carats), all of which are Burmese in origin. These rubies are highly valued not only for their size but also for their exceptional color and clarity.
Gemological Properties
Color
The most desirable rubies display a deep, vivid red, often referred to as "pigeon’s blood red." This term describes a bright red stone with a tint of purple, which is considered the most valuable and sought-after color for ruby. The depth of the red color depends on the amount of chromium present in the stone. Rubies may also exhibit hues of orange, pink, or purple, but the most prized stones are those with a pure red hue.
Hardness and Durability
Ruby ranks 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it one of the hardest natural minerals. This high hardness makes ruby highly durable and suitable for use in jewelry that is worn daily. However, despite its hardness, ruby can still be scratched or chipped if exposed to harsh conditions or impacts. It is also important to note that rubies can have inclusions, which are natural imperfections that can affect the stone's durability and appearance.
Clarity
Inclusions are common in rubies, but high-quality rubies are relatively clear with minimal visible imperfections. These inclusions can often be seen with the naked eye or under magnification and are considered part of the stone's natural character. In some cases, the presence of inclusions can even enhance the value of a ruby, as they are considered to be evidence of the stone's authenticity and natural origin.
Luster
A fine-quality ruby exhibits a bright, glassy, and vitreous luster. This luster is a result of the stone's high refractive index and excellent light transmission properties. When cut and polished properly, a ruby can display a brilliant sparkle and a deep, rich color that is captivating to the eye.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Cultural Significance
Ruby has been a symbol of power, vitality, and love in many cultures. In ancient India, ruby was associated with the life force blood and was believed to represent power and youthful energy. The gemstone was also used in Indian jewelry to symbolize these qualities.
In some cultures, ruby was believed to have the ability to predict misfortune or danger. Others claimed that it could cure inflammatory diseases and soothe anger. These beliefs highlight the mystical and symbolic significance of ruby in various historical contexts.
Modern Symbolism
Today, ruby continues to be associated with love, passion, and commitment. It is often given as a gift to celebrate the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries. The gemstone is also believed to promote feelings of love and affection, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and other romantic jewelry.
Ruby is also associated with protection and strength. In ancient times, warriors in Burma and China adorned their armor with rubies to provide protection in battle. Some even inserted the gems into their flesh, believing they created invincibility. While these beliefs are not supported by scientific evidence, they reflect the deep cultural and historical significance of ruby.
Care and Cleaning
Maintaining Ruby Jewelry
Given its high hardness and durability, ruby is relatively easy to care for. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind to ensure the longevity and beauty of ruby jewelry.
- Cleaning: Ruby can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners are generally safe for use with ruby, but it is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could scratch the stone.
- Storage: To prevent scratches, ruby should be stored separately from other gemstones, particularly those that are softer. A soft cloth or a jewelry box with individual compartments is ideal for storing ruby jewelry.
- Avoiding Exposure to Heat and Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to heat and sunlight can cause the color of ruby to fade. It is best to store ruby jewelry in a cool, dark place when not in use.
Conclusion
Ruby, the "king of gemstones," has captivated cultures and individuals for centuries with its striking red color, rich history, and deep cultural significance. As the birthstone for July, ruby symbolizes passion, power, and vitality. Its geological properties, including its high hardness and vibrant color, make it a highly desirable gemstone for use in jewelry and other applications. Whether worn as a symbol of love and commitment or admired for its beauty and rarity, ruby continues to be a treasured gemstone that holds a special place in the world of birthstones.