Ruby is the birthstone of July and is known to have fire and emotional properties. Ruby is also known as being the anniversary gemstone for the 15th and 40th wedding anniversary. Ruby mining began well over 2,500 years ago and is still to be found in areas such as Burma, Thailand, Kenya, Tanzania, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Cambodia, America, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Ancient Hindus referred to rubies as the “Lord of Gems” and they are well known as one of the most loved of all gems throughout all periods of history. The intense blazing glow of rubies is thought to have come from its inner eternal flame.
The ruby is also an icon for many as everlasting love and is a combination of the mineral Corundum which is also called sapphire when it is any other color except red. Only the color red is to be referred to as ruby.
However there are many exquisite shades of red rubies ranging from an orangey red to a more purplish red. The most valued rubies are true red in color.
Rubies are known for being a lasting gemstone and are only surpassed by the magnificent diamond in regards to its hardness. Ancient myths say that you should not make faces at a ruby in a museum or overlook it as it will grow dull if not suitably appreciated.
Royalty chose rubies believing they could help to protect them against evil by anticipating its arrival. Monarchs thought that rubies had the ability to grow dark when it sensed danger, and then return to its previous color once the peril had ended.
The Balas Ruby is a special type of “spinel” which is a hard glassy mineral. Bohemian rubies are derived from rose quartz, while Siberian “rubies” are in reality red or pink tourmaline. Rubies are a truly magnificent gem stone and are great as a gift for anyone.
By: Martin Mallett