The July birthstone, ruby, is one of the most captivating and revered gemstones in the world. Known for its intense red color and symbolic association with passion, vitality, and protection, ruby has been cherished for centuries across cultures and civilizations. This article delves into the geological and historical background of ruby, its physical properties, its cultural and metaphysical significance, and its role in modern jewelry and gemstone traditions.
Introduction
The July birthstone is ruby, a gemstone that embodies deep red hues and has long been associated with powerful symbolism. Ruby is not only a precious gemstone but also holds a unique place in the pantheon of gemstones, being one of the four classical "precious stones" alongside diamond, sapphire, and emerald. The name "ruby" comes from the Latin word ruber, meaning "red," a fitting name for a gemstone whose most prized form exhibits a rich red color often described as "pigeon's blood."
Ruby is the traditional birthstone for July and has been adopted as the official gemstone for the month since the early 20th century. Before 1912, both onyx and turquoise were considered appropriate for the month. However, ruby has since become the primary and most celebrated July birthstone due to its rarity, beauty, and historical significance.
This article will explore the geological formation of ruby, its sources around the world, its physical and optical properties, its historical and cultural significance, and its role in modern gemology and jewelry. The discussion will also touch upon ruby's metaphysical properties and care considerations for those who own ruby jewelry.
History and Lore
Ruby has a long and storied history that spans continents and centuries. Ancient cultures, especially in Asia, held ruby in high esteem. In India, ruby was known as the "King of Precious Stones" and was believed to bring power and vitality to its wearer. Indian warriors and royalty often wore ruby jewelry for protection and to enhance their courage in battle.
The gemstone was also highly valued in ancient Burmese and Thai cultures. In these regions, ruby was thought to possess mystical powers that could predict danger or misfortune. Some believed that rubies could cure inflammatory diseases and soothe anger. These beliefs contributed to the gem's widespread use in royal regalia and religious artifacts.
Ruby's association with the life force of blood has made it a symbol of vitality and passion. In many cultures, it was considered a stone of the heart and was often used in love charms and wedding rings. The red color of ruby was thought to represent the energy of life, making it a popular gemstone in rituals and ceremonies aimed at promoting strength and courage.
During the European Renaissance and beyond, ruby continued to be a prized gemstone. It was often set in royal crowns and scepters as a symbol of divine favor and power. The British Crown Jewels, for example, include several famous rubies, including the Black Prince's Ruby, which is actually a red spinel but was long mistaken for a ruby.
Geological Formation and Sources
Ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum, which is a crystalline form of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). The red color of ruby is due to the presence of trace amounts of chromium, which replaces some of the aluminum atoms in the crystal lattice. The more chromium present, the stronger the red color. In some cases, other trace elements like vanadium can contribute to the red hue as well.
Ruby forms in metamorphic and igneous rocks under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions. It is commonly found in marble deposits and in alluvial or placer deposits, where it has been eroded from its original rock and deposited in sediment by water. This process can result in high-quality ruby crystals being found in riverbeds and gravel deposits.
The most famous and highly valued ruby deposits are found in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), particularly in the Mogok region. These rubies are known for their intense red color and their "pigeon's blood" hue, which is considered the most desirable. Other important ruby-producing countries include Thailand, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Kenya, and Madagascar.
Each of these regions produces rubies with distinct characteristics. For example, Thai rubies tend to have a more purplish hue due to the presence of both chromium and vanadium, while Sri Lankan rubies are often lighter in color and have a more orangey tone.
Gemological Properties
Ruby is one of the hardest natural gemstones, with a rating of 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. This high hardness makes it suitable for daily wear and ideal for use in rings and other types of jewelry that are frequently worn. However, it is not the hardest gemstone—diamond, which has a hardness of 10, is the only gemstone harder than ruby.
In terms of color, the most valuable and sought-after rubies have a deep red color with a slight purple undertone, known as "pigeon's blood." This term is primarily used in the trade to describe high-quality Burmese rubies. The color can range from a bright red to a deep blood red, and the intensity of the color is influenced by the concentration of chromium in the crystal.
Ruby has a refractive index of approximately 1.76 to 1.78, which means it has a high degree of light refraction and sparkle. It also has a specific gravity of around 4.0, making it relatively dense for its size.
In terms of clarity, ruby can occur in a range of transparency levels, from completely transparent to opaque. The most valuable rubies are those that are transparent with only a few inclusions. Inclusions are natural features within the gemstone that can affect its clarity and value. In ruby, these inclusions are often referred to as "silk" and can create a star-like effect in certain lighting conditions, a phenomenon known as asterism.
Ruby can be found in a variety of shapes and cuts, including round brilliant cuts, emerald cuts, and custom cuts designed to maximize the stone's color and brilliance. Because of its hardness and durability, ruby is suitable for a wide range of jewelry designs and settings.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Ruby has long been associated with powerful symbolic meanings. In many cultures, it is seen as a stone of love, passion, and vitality. It is often given as a gift to express deep affection and is a popular choice for engagement rings and romantic jewelry. Ruby is also believed to bring courage, strength, and protection to the wearer.
In ancient times, ruby was thought to have mystical and protective powers. It was believed to predict danger or misfortune and was used in talismans and amulets to ward off evil spirits. Some cultures believed that ruby could enhance the life force and bring longevity, making it a popular gemstone in religious and healing practices.
In modern metaphysical traditions, ruby is associated with the root chakra and is believed to ground the wearer and enhance physical energy. It is also linked to the heart chakra and is thought to promote love, compassion, and emotional strength. Ruby is often used in meditation and healing practices to help individuals connect with their inner power and vitality.
In addition to its emotional and spiritual significance, ruby is also seen as a stone of prosperity and success. It is believed to enhance one's ability to take action and make decisions with confidence and courage.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its high hardness and durability, ruby is relatively easy to care for compared to other gemstones. However, it is still important to handle ruby jewelry with care to avoid damage and maintain its beauty over time.
Ruby should be cleaned with warm water and a soft cloth or a mild detergent. It is not recommended to use harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can damage the gemstone or its setting. Avoid exposing ruby to extreme temperatures, as sudden temperature changes can cause the stone to crack or become brittle.
When storing ruby jewelry, it is best to keep it in a soft cloth or a jewelry box to prevent scratches and abrasions. It is also a good idea to remove ruby jewelry before engaging in activities that involve physical contact or exposure to abrasive materials.
Despite its durability, ruby can still be damaged if dropped or subjected to strong impacts. It is important to handle ruby jewelry carefully and avoid wearing it during activities that may expose it to impact or stress.
Conclusion
Ruby, the July birthstone, is a gemstone of deep red hues and rich symbolism. It is a hard and durable gemstone that is highly valued for its beauty, rarity, and historical significance. Ruby has been cherished for centuries across cultures and civilizations, and its association with love, vitality, and protection continues to make it a popular choice for jewelry and personal adornment.
From its geological formation in high-pressure environments to its use in royal regalia and modern jewelry, ruby remains one of the most esteemed gemstones in the world. Whether worn for its beauty, its meaning, or its power, ruby is a gemstone that continues to captivate and inspire.