The birthstone for July is the ruby, a gem celebrated for its passionate red hue and profound historical significance. As one of the four precious gemstones, the ruby stands as a symbol of vitality, love, and power. Its status as the official birthstone for the seventh month is undisputed, though alternative stones such as carnelian and onyx are also associated with the period. This article explores the ruby's geological origins, its journey through history, its exceptional gemological properties, and the symbolic meanings attributed to it across various cultures.
History and Lore
The history of the ruby is as vibrant as its color, stretching back centuries and spanning multiple continents. In ancient India, the ruby was revered as the "king of precious stones." Its rarity, hardness, and beauty led to it being associated with the life force of blood, symbolizing power and youthful energy. Ancient Indian legends claimed that the gem could predict misfortune or danger, while others believed it possessed the power to cure inflammatory diseases and soothe anger.
The reverence for this gemstone was not limited to the East. Across the globe, rubies have been treasured by royalty and the elite. From ancient India and China to medieval Europe, the stone was a coveted possession. Its deep red color, often linked to fire and blood, made it a potent symbol of passion and vitality. Burmese warriors held a particularly strong belief in the ruby's protective powers, inserting the stones into their flesh under the belief that it would render them invincible in battle.
The ruby’s association with royalty continued through the ages. It frequently decorated royal crowns and jewelry as a symbol of divine favor and power. The allure of the ruby was so great that it often led to misidentification; famous historical gemstones, such as the Timor Ruby and the Black Prince's Ruby found in the British Crown Jewels, were later discovered to be red spinel, a different gemstone entirely. This confusion highlights the immense value and prestige associated with the red gemstone category, with the ruby sitting at the pinnacle.
The journey of the ruby to becoming the modern July birthstone is rooted in historical trade and lore. The name "ruby" itself is derived from the Latin word ruber, meaning "red," a direct nod to its defining characteristic. The establishment of birthstones is often traced back to historical texts, including the Breastplate of Aaron described in the Bible, which held twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Over time, these stones were associated with the zodiac and eventually the months of the year. The ruby's placement in July aligns with its fiery nature, mirroring the heat of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
Geological Formation and Sources
Rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum, which consists of crystalline aluminum oxide (Al2O3). The red coloration is the result of trace amounts of the element chromium within the crystal structure. The presence and concentration of chromium are critical; the more chromium present, the stronger and more intense the red hue. However, if the chromium levels are too high, the crystal may become opaque, reducing its value as a gemstone.
The formation of ruby occurs under specific geological conditions. It requires high temperatures and low silica environments, typically found in metamorphic rocks. Rough ruby is often found in limestone deposits and in gem gravels, which are secondary deposits formed by the erosion of primary source rocks.
Myanmar (formerly Burma) is the most well-known source of high-quality rubies. Burmese rubies are renowned for their exceptional "pigeon's blood" color and a distinctive glowing fluorescence that sets them apart from rubies found elsewhere. The Mogok region in Myanmar is particularly famous for producing these exquisite gems.
While Myanmar is the traditional source, rubies are also mined in other parts of the world. Secondary shades of pink, orange, and violet found in rough rubies can sometimes indicate their country of origin. Other notable sources include Thailand, Cambodia, and parts of Africa. The geological conditions in these regions vary, leading to subtle differences in the color and clarity of the gemstones extracted.
Gemological Properties
The ruby is distinguished not only by its color but also by its remarkable physical properties, making it a durable and desirable gem for jewelry.
Color The most prized color of the ruby is a deep red with a slight hint of purple, known in the trade as "pigeon's blood." This specific hue represents the highest standard of quality. The color is solely due to the presence of chromium; other trace elements can influence the secondary tones, but chromium is the primary cause of the red.
Hardness and Durability One of the ruby's most significant attributes is its hardness. On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, ruby scores a 9 out of 10, second only to diamond. This exceptional hardness means that ruby jewelry is highly resistant to scratching and abrasion, making it suitable for everyday wear, including engagement rings. Its durability ensures that the stone maintains its polish and brilliance over time.
Chemical Composition As a member of the corundum family, ruby has a chemical formula of Al2O3. The presence of chromium is what differentiates it from other corundum varieties, specifically sapphires. While corundum occurs in many colors, only the red variety is classified as ruby; all other colors, including blue, yellow, and pink, are classified as sapphires.
Crystal Structure Rubies possess a trigonal crystal structure. This internal arrangement contributes to the stone's optical properties, including its refractive index and pleochroism (the display of different colors when viewed from different angles).
Fluorescence Rubies often exhibit strong fluorescence under ultraviolet light due to the chromium content. This can enhance the perceived color of the stone, making it appear more vivid in sunlight, which contains UV rays.
Summary of Key Gemological Properties
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Corundum |
| Chemical Formula | Al2O3 (Aluminum Oxide) |
| Color | Red (due to Chromium), "Pigeon's Blood" is most valued |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Specific Gravity | ~4.00 |
| Refractive Index | ~1.76 - 1.77 |
| Sources | Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Cambodia, Africa |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The ruby has been a vessel for deep symbolism throughout human history. Its connection to the color of blood has imbued it with meanings related to life, passion, and protection.
Love and Passion Perhaps the most universal association with the ruby is that of love and passion. Its fiery red hue is seen as the embodiment of strong emotions. In many cultures, it is given as a gift to express deep love and commitment. It is a symbol of romantic love, desire, and intimacy.
Vitality and Life Force The connection between ruby and blood has led to its symbolism as the "stone of life." It is believed to invigorate the body and mind, boosting energy levels and stamina. In Indian lore, it was tied to the life force, promoting vitality and youthfulness.
Protection and Power Historically, the ruby was considered a talisman against danger. It was believed to warn its wearer of impending misfortune by changing color or losing its luster. The belief that it could make warriors invincible in battle speaks to its association with protection and courage. It is also linked to wealth and glory, often worn by those seeking to assert their status and power.
Integrity and Happiness In modern metaphysical beliefs, the ruby is associated with integrity, devotion, and happiness. It is thought to promote mindfulness and help in the pursuit of one's goals with passion and focus.
Care and Cleaning
Given its exceptional hardness and durability, the ruby is relatively easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for jewelry that is worn frequently.
Cleaning To clean ruby jewelry, warm soapy water and a soft brush are sufficient. The stone's hardness ensures that it will not be scratched by the brush or by the dirt being removed. It is important to rinse the jewelry thoroughly to remove any soap residue, which can leave a film on the stone.
Ultrasonic and Steam Cleaners Rubies can generally be cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaner or a steam cleaner. However, caution should be exercised if the ruby has been fracture-filled or if it is included, as the heat or vibrations could potentially damage the stone or the filling material. It is always best to consult with a professional if there is any doubt about the stone's treatment history.
Storage When storing ruby jewelry, it should be kept separately from other gemstones to prevent scratching. While ruby is very hard, it can still scratch softer stones like quartz or opal. Placing the jewelry in a soft cloth pouch or a compartmentalized jewelry box is ideal.
Chemical Exposure Avoid exposing ruby jewelry to harsh chemicals, such as bleach or chlorine, which can damage the metal settings and, over time, affect the stone's surface. It is advisable to remove ruby jewelry before swimming in chlorinated pools or using household cleaners.
Conclusion
The ruby remains a cornerstone of the gemstone world, holding its position as the official birthstone for July with unwavering prestige. Its journey from the limestone deposits of Myanmar to the crowns of kings and the jewelry boxes of today is a testament to its enduring appeal. The combination of its stunning red color, exceptional hardness, and rich history makes it a gemstone that is both beautiful and resilient. Whether valued for its scientific properties, its historical lore, or its symbolic meaning of love and vitality, the ruby continues to captivate gemstone enthusiasts, jewelry buyers, and students of gemology alike. For those born in July, it offers a birthstone that is as passionate and powerful as the month itself.