Ruby, the July birthstone, is a gem of profound significance, celebrated for its vibrant red hue and deep-rooted historical and cultural symbolism. As one of the most coveted gemstones in history, it represents passion, protection, and prosperity. This article provides a detailed exploration of the ruby, drawing from its historical lore, geological origins, gemological properties, and its esteemed place in the world of modern birthstones.
History and Lore
The history of the ruby is as rich and fiery as its color, stretching back centuries across diverse cultures. Its name is derived from the Latin word rubeus, meaning red, a testament to the gem’s most defining characteristic. For millennia, the ruby has been a symbol of power and nobility. Ancient warriors in India believed that rubies would protect them in battle, and some even embedded the stones under their skin to render themselves invincible.
In the 13th century, French jewelers theorized that a ruby’s quality could be determined by its color, with the finest stones being described as "pigeon's blood"—a deep, vibrant red with a subtle bluish tint. This term remains a benchmark for assessing the value of top-quality rubies today.
The journey of the ruby to its status as a modern birthstone is a more recent development. The tradition of assigning specific gemstones to each month is largely attributed to the breastplate of Aaron, a religious garment described in the Old Testament, which was set with twelve different gemstones. While the exact identification of these ancient stones is debated, the ruby has long been associated with the month of July. This connection was formalized in 1912 when the American National Association of Jewelers (now known as Jewelers of America) established an official list of birthstones. The ruby was designated as the birthstone for July, a status it has maintained through subsequent updates to the list. This official recognition solidified the ruby’s place in contemporary culture, making it a popular choice for jewelry intended to celebrate a July birthday.
Geological Formation and Sources
Rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum, which is composed of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). The presence of trace amounts of chromium is what gives the ruby its characteristic red color. If the chromium content is too low, the stone will be a pink sapphire; if it is higher, the red becomes more intense. The formation of rubies occurs under extreme geological conditions, typically within metamorphic rocks such as marble or in basalts. The process requires immense heat and pressure, often deep within the Earth's crust, for the aluminum and oxygen to crystallize into corundum.
The most historically significant sources of rubies are located in Southeast Asia. The "Mogok" valley in Myanmar (formerly Burma) has been the primary source of the world's finest rubies for centuries. The rubies from this region are renowned for their exceptional color and are often the source of the coveted "pigeon's blood" designation. Another important mining area in Myanmar is the "Mong Hsu" region, which began producing rubies in the 1990s.
Beyond Myanmar, other notable sources of rubies include:
- Thailand: Historically a major trading hub for rubies, Thailand also has its own mining operations, particularly in the "Bo Wa" and "Bo Sang" areas. Thai rubies often exhibit a slightly darker, browner red compared to those from Myanmar.
- Sri Lanka: Known for producing a wide range of gem-quality corundum, Sri Lanka is a source of rubies that are often lighter in tone but highly valued for their clarity and brilliance.
- Cambodia: The "Pailin" region of Cambodia is known for producing rubies with a vibrant red hue, though they are often smaller in size.
- Vietnam: Rubies from Vietnam, particularly from the "Luc Yen" and "Quy Chau" districts, have gained recognition for their rich color and quality.
While these are the primary traditional sources, other locations such as Tanzania, Pakistan, and Afghanistan have also yielded rubies, though often in smaller quantities or of varying quality.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the gemological properties of a ruby is essential for appreciating its value and durability. As a member of the corundum family, it shares many characteristics with sapphire, but its chromium content sets it apart.
- Chemical Composition: Aluminum Oxide (Al₂O₃) with Chromium (Cr³⁺).
- Color: The most critical factor in a ruby's value. The finest color is a vivid, pure red to slightly purplish-red. Saturation and tone are key; the stone must be vibrant without being too dark.
- Hardness: On the Mohs scale of hardness, ruby ranks at a 9. This makes it an exceptionally durable gemstone, second only to diamond. Its hardness means it is highly resistant to scratching and is an excellent choice for everyday wear, such as in rings and bracelets.
- Clarity: Natural rubies almost always contain inclusions, which are internal characteristics. The presence of inclusions is often accepted as a sign of a natural, untreated stone. A flawless large ruby is exceptionally rare and commands an extremely high price.
- Cut: Rubies are cut into various shapes to maximize their color and minimize the visibility of inclusions. The most common cuts are oval, cushion, and round, but they can also be found in emerald, pear, and marquise cuts.
- Carat Weight: Like other gemstones, rubies are weighed in carats. However, price per carat increases exponentially with size, especially for stones with superior color and clarity.
Here is a summary of key gemological data for Ruby:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Corundum |
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 |
| Color | Red (due to Chromium) |
| Luster | Vitreous (glass-like) |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, the ruby has been imbued with a wide array of symbolic meanings and metaphysical beliefs. Its vibrant red color has long been associated with life force, blood, and passion, leading to its reputation as a stone of intense energy and emotion.
In many cultures, the ruby is a talisman for protection. It was believed to warn its wearer of impending danger by turning a darker color. This protective quality extended to both physical harm and negative spiritual influences. The ruby is also strongly linked to love and passion. It is said to kindle the flame of romance, enhance devotion, and bring harmony to relationships. For this reason, it is a popular choice for romantic jewelry beyond just engagement rings.
Metaphysically, the ruby is associated with the Root Chakra, which is located at the base of the spine and governs feelings of grounding, security, and survival. By stimulating this chakra, rubies are believed to increase vitality, passion, and drive. They are thought to be a powerful stone for overcoming exhaustion and lethargy, providing a surge of energy and enthusiasm for life. Furthermore, the ruby is linked to prosperity and success. It is believed to attract good fortune in business and career pursuits, making it a favored stone among entrepreneurs and leaders.
Care and Cleaning
Given its exceptional hardness, the ruby is a relatively easy gemstone to care for. Its durability makes it resistant to scratches and abrasions from everyday wear. However, proper care is still necessary to maintain its brilliance and ensure its longevity.
- Cleaning: The safest way to clean a ruby is with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, such as a toothbrush. Gently scrub the stone, paying particular attention to the area underneath the setting where dirt and oil can accumulate. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for untreated and heat-treated rubies, but caution is advised if the stone has fractures or has been treated with fracture filling, as the vibrations could potentially damage the stone. Steam cleaning is not recommended for rubies that may have been treated with fillings.
- Storage: When not being worn, store your ruby jewelry separately from other pieces to prevent it from scratching softer gemstones. A fabric-lined jewelry box with individual compartments is ideal.
- Durability Considerations: While ruby is very hard, it can still be brittle. This means it can be chipped or fractured by a hard blow, particularly at its facets or if it has existing inclusions. It is advisable to remove ruby jewelry before engaging in activities where the stone could be struck or damaged.
Conclusion
The ruby stands as a testament to the enduring power and beauty of nature. Its journey from deep within the Earth to a celebrated piece of jewelry is a story of geological marvel, human history, and cultural significance. As the official birthstone for July, it offers those born in this month a gem that is not only visually stunning but also rich in symbolism. Its unparalleled hardness ensures it can be cherished for generations, while its association with passion, protection, and prosperity makes it a meaningful and powerful adornment. Whether valued for its scientific properties, its historical lore, or its sheer aesthetic appeal, the ruby remains one of the world's most treasured and magnificent gemstones.