The birthstone for July is the ruby, a gemstone celebrated for its vibrant red hue, exceptional hardness, and profound symbolism. Revered as the "King of Gemstones," the ruby has a storied history that spans ancient civilizations, royal treasuries, and modern jewelry collections. Its primary identity as the July birthstone is firmly established in contemporary standards, though historical alternatives exist. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of the ruby, detailing its historical journey, geological origins, gemological properties, and the metaphysical beliefs that have surrounded it for centuries. We will also examine the practical aspects of caring for this durable and precious gem.
History and Lore
The ruby has been a symbol of power, passion, and protection for millennia. Its name is derived from the Latin word rubeus, meaning "red," a direct reference to its most prized color. For centuries, it has been held in the highest esteem, often placed in the same category as diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds as one of the four most precious gemstones.
Ancient cultures attributed significant power to the ruby. It was believed to contain a deep, internal fire that could protect its wearer from harm and misfortune. This belief made it a favorite among warriors and royalty. Historical accounts mention rubies adorning the breastplates and sword pommels of brave soldiers, serving as talismans in battle. In the royal courts of the world, rubies were set into crowns and scepters, symbolizing authority and divine right. The gemstone was also thought to amplify energy, heighten awareness, promote courage, and bring success in wealth, love, and battle. This perception of the ruby as a stone of vitality and passion has remained consistent throughout its history.
The journey of the ruby to its status as the official July birthstone is more specific. While it has long been associated with the month, its formal designation is a relatively modern development. Prior to 1912, other gemstones were also considered appropriate for July. In the ancient Russian calendar, sardonyx was a zodiac stone for Leo, a sign that falls partly in July. Sardonyx is a variety of onyx characterized by bands of white and red, composed of white chalcedony and sard. It was believed to instill bravery in its wearer. Turquoise was also a traditional birthstone for July, though it is more commonly associated with December. The official adoption of ruby by the Jewelers of America in 1912 solidified its position as the primary and most recognized birthstone for July, a standard that has been widely accepted ever since.
Geological Formation and Sources
Rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum, an aluminum oxide ($Al2O3$). The vibrant red color is caused by trace amounts of the element chromium within the crystal lattice. The presence of chromium is what differentiates a ruby from other corundum varieties; for instance, sapphire is the same mineral but occurs in a range of other colors.
The formation of rubies occurs under specific and intense geological conditions. They are created in metamorphic rocks, which are rocks that have been transformed by extreme heat and pressure deep within the Earth's crust. This process typically happens when aluminum-rich rocks, such as limestone, are subjected to these conditions, allowing the corundum crystals to grow. The presence of chromium is essential for the red color, but it is also an element that can inhibit crystal growth, making large, high-quality rubies exceptionally rare.
The primary sources of rubies in the modern market are a few key regions known for producing gems of exceptional quality. * Myanmar (formerly Burma): The Mogok region of Myanmar has been the most famous source of rubies for centuries. Burmese rubies are renowned for their rich, vibrant "pigeon's blood" red, a term used to describe the most coveted pure red to slightly purplish-red color. The historical significance and quality of Burmese rubies have made them the benchmark for all other rubies. * Thailand: The gemstone trade in Thailand, particularly in the Chanthaburi and Trat provinces, has been a central hub for rubies for decades. Rubies from this area often exhibit a darker, slightly brownish-red hue compared to those from Myanmar. The stones are frequently treated with heat to improve their color and clarity, a standard practice in the industry. * Mozambique: In recent years, Mozambique has emerged as a significant source of high-quality rubies, particularly from the Montepuez area. These rubies are known for their excellent color saturation and clarity, rivaling those from traditional sources. * Other Sources: Other notable sources include Vietnam, which produces rubies with a distinct reddish-pink hue, and Afghanistan, which has historically supplied rubies from the Jegdalek region.
Gemological Properties
The ruby is one of the most durable gemstones, making it an excellent choice for all types of jewelry, including rings and bracelets that are subject to daily wear. Its physical and chemical characteristics are a testament to its resilience and beauty.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral Species | Corundum |
| Chemical Formula | $Al2O3$ (Aluminum Oxide) |
| Color | Red, ranging from pinkish-red to deep, purplish-red. The most valued color is a vibrant, pure red with a slight purplish tint. |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 9 |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 - 1.770 |
| Luster | Vitreous (glass-like) |
Color: The most critical factor in determining a ruby's value is its color. The ideal color is a vibrant, saturated red. The term "pigeon's blood" is used to describe the finest Burmese rubies, which display a pure, intense red with a slight bluish undertone in certain lights. Rubies that are too dark (appearing almost black) or too light (approaching pink) are generally less valuable.
Hardness and Durability: On the Mohs scale of hardness, ruby ranks at 9, making it second only to diamond in hardness among naturally occurring minerals. This exceptional hardness means it is highly resistant to scratching and abrasion. However, like all gemstones, it can still be chipped or broken by a hard blow due to its cleavage properties. Its durability makes it a preferred stone for engagement rings and other pieces meant for everyday wear.
Clarity: Most natural rubies contain inclusions, which are internal characteristics like tiny needles of the mineral rutile (known as "silk"), crystals, or fingerprint-like fluid inclusions. In fact, a completely flawless ruby is exceedingly rare. The presence and type of inclusions can affect a ruby's value; while some inclusions can lower the price, fine silk inclusions can sometimes enhance the stone's color by scattering light, and a lack of major blemishes is always desirable.
Treatments: It is a common and generally accepted industry practice to treat rubies to improve their color and clarity. Heat treatment is the most widely used method, involving heating the stones to high temperatures (often above 1,800°F or 1,000°C) to dissolve minute inclusions and intensify the red color. This treatment is stable and permanent. More significant treatments, such as fracture filling (where lead glass is used to fill surface-reaching cracks), are also performed but are considered less desirable and must be disclosed to the buyer. The value of a treated ruby is significantly lower than that of an untreated stone of equivalent quality.
Value: The value of ruby varies enormously based on the factors of color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Fine-quality rubies are among the most expensive gems on a per-carat basis. While poor-grade rubies can be acquired for as little as $1 per carat, the finest stones from top sources like Myanmar can command prices well over $100,000 per carat at auction, demonstrating the immense value placed on this exceptional gem.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Across cultures and throughout history, the ruby has been imbued with powerful symbolic meanings and metaphysical beliefs. Its fiery red color naturally lends itself to associations with passion, love, and life force.
In ancient times, the ruby was thought to contain a drop of the blood of Mother Earth, imbuing it with a vital, life-giving energy. It was believed to be a protective stone, warding off danger and misfortune. This belief was so strong that warriors would embed rubies in their armor or place them in the base of their weapons, convinced the stone would grant them victory in battle.
The ruby is also strongly connected to matters of the heart. It has long been a symbol of passionate love and romance. In many cultures, it was believed to bring harmony to relationships and rekindle love between partners. This association makes it a popular choice for romantic gifts, particularly for significant anniversaries.
Beyond its connections to love and protection, the ruby is also associated with vitality and well-being. It is believed to stimulate the heart chakra, encouraging circulation and energizing the body. Some traditions hold that wearing a ruby can help overcome exhaustion and lethargy, bringing a renewed sense of vigor and enthusiasm for life. It is also thought to promote courage, success in ventures, and a sharp, focused mind. These beliefs, passed down through generations, continue to add to the ruby's mystique and desirability as a gem of profound significance.
Care and Cleaning
Given its exceptional hardness, the ruby is a relatively easy gemstone to care for. Its durability means it is not easily scratched by everyday materials, but proper cleaning and storage are still essential to maintain its brilliance.
Cleaning Methods: * Warm, Soapy Water: The safest and most effective method for cleaning ruby jewelry is to use warm water with a mild dish soap and a soft brush, such as a baby toothbrush. Gently scrub the stone and its setting, then rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. * Ultrasonic and Steam Cleaners: For untreated, heat-treated, and lattice-diffusion treated rubies, ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally safe. These methods can effectively remove stubborn dirt and grime. * Caution for Treated Stones: Special care is required for rubies that have undergone more significant treatments. If a ruby has been fracture-filled, cavity-filled, or dyed, it should not be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner or steam cleaner. These processes can damage the fillers and worsen the stone's appearance. For these stones, only a damp cloth should be used for cleaning.
Storage and Handling: Because of its hardness, a ruby can scratch other, softer gemstones if stored together. It is best to store ruby jewelry in a separate compartment of a jewelry box, or wrapped in a soft cloth, to prevent damage to other pieces. While ruby is durable, it can still be chipped by a hard impact, so it is wise to remove ruby jewelry during activities that could subject it to sharp blows.
Conclusion
The ruby stands as a testament to the enduring allure of gemstones. As the birthstone for July, it represents passion, vitality, and protection, qualities that have been celebrated since antiquity. Its journey from the ancient battlefields and royal crowns to modern jewelry boxes is a reflection of its timeless appeal. The ruby's remarkable hardness, captivating red color, and rich symbolism make it a truly exceptional gem. Whether valued for its scientific properties, its historical significance, or its metaphysical beliefs, the ruby continues to be revered as the undisputed "King of Gemstones," a fitting tribute to the vibrant energy of the month of July.