The birthstone for July is the ruby, a gem celebrated for its passionate red hue and formidable presence in both the natural world and human history. As one of the four precious gemstones, alongside diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires, the ruby commands a position of high esteem. For those born in July, this stone is more than a beautiful adornment; it is a symbol of vitality, protection, and profound love. Its deep red color, a direct result of its unique chemical composition, has captivated cultures for centuries, from ancient warriors seeking invincibility to modern connoisseurs of fine jewelry. This article delves into the multifaceted nature of the ruby, exploring its geological origins, its distinguished gemological properties, the rich tapestry of its history and lore, and its practical care.
History and Lore
The ruby’s legacy is steeped in legend and reverence, earning it titles that underscore its power and rarity. Across various civilizations, this vibrant red gem has been a focal point of cultural and spiritual belief. Ancient Indian texts, for instance, hailed the ruby as the “king of precious stones,” a designation that speaks to its perceived superiority over all other gems. This esteemed status was not merely for its beauty but for its believed connection to life itself.
In medieval Europe, the ruby was thought to be a talisman of great power. It was believed to bestow upon its wearer health, wisdom, and success in matters of the heart. The stone’s association with blood and fire made it a potent symbol of life force and passion. This connection was taken to a practical extreme by warriors in Burma (modern-day Myanmar), a region historically renowned for its exceptional rubies. These soldiers would implant rubies under their skin, believing the gem would render them invincible in battle, a testament to the stone’s perceived protective qualities.
The ruby’s symbolism extends beyond the battlefield and into the realm of royalty and power. Its fiery red has long been associated with divine favor and authority, leading to its frequent use in royal crowns and ceremonial jewelry. The allure of the ruby is further enhanced by historical anecdotes, such as the discovery that famous rubies in the British Crown Jewels, like the Black Prince's Ruby and the Timor Ruby, were later identified as large red spinels. This misidentification highlights the historical difficulty in gemological classification and the enduring value placed on red gemstones, regardless of their precise mineral identity. The ruby’s journey from an ancient talisman of power to a modern symbol of devotion, integrity, and happiness is a reflection of its timeless appeal. Its historical significance is not just a story of a gemstone but a narrative woven through centuries of human belief, conflict, and aspiration.
Geological Formation and Sources
The ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum, which is crystalline aluminum oxide (Al2O3). What distinguishes the ruby from other corundum varieties, such as sapphire, is its defining red color. This vibrant hue is the result of trace amounts of chromium substituting for aluminum within the crystal lattice. The presence of chromium is what transforms an otherwise colorless corundum into the prized red ruby. If the chromium content is too low, the stone may be a pale pink sapphire; if other elements like iron and titanium are present, it may become a blue sapphire.
The formation of rubies occurs under specific and intense geological conditions. They are typically found in metamorphic rocks, which have been altered by extreme heat and pressure deep within the Earth’s crust. A primary host rock for rubies is limestone. As limestone undergoes metamorphism, the chemical reactions between the rock and existing minerals can produce corundum. Over geological time, weathering and erosion break down these host rocks, releasing the durable ruby crystals into surrounding gravels and alluvial deposits. This is why rough rubies are often found in gem gravels and riverbeds, washed away from their original source.
The most celebrated and historically significant source of rubies is Myanmar (formerly Burma). Rubies from this region, particularly the Mogok Valley, are renowned for their exceptional "pigeon's blood" red color and a distinctive glowing fluorescence that makes them appear to radiate light from within. This unique quality has made Burmese rubies the benchmark against which all other rubies are measured.
While Myanmar is the most famous source, rubies are also mined in other parts of the world. Secondary deposits can be found in countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. The specific geological conditions and trace elements present in each location can influence the final color and characteristics of the rough ruby, leading to subtle variations that experts can often use to determine a stone's country of origin.
Gemological Properties
The ruby is one of the toughest and most durable gemstones, a quality that makes it exceptionally well-suited for all types of jewelry, including pieces intended for daily wear. Its remarkable resilience is a direct result of its outstanding physical and optical properties, which are detailed below.
Key Gemological Properties of Ruby
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral Species | Corundum |
| Chemical Formula | Al2O3 (Aluminum Oxide) |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 9 |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 - 1.770 |
| Specific Gravity | 4.00 (+/- 0.05) |
| Luster | Vitreous (Glass-like) |
| Transparency | Transparent to Opaque |
| Primary Cause of Color | Chromium (Cr) |
The most notable of these properties is the ruby’s hardness. Ranking a 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, it is second only to diamond (which ranks 10). This exceptional hardness means that a ruby is highly resistant to scratching and abrasion. For jewelry owners, this translates to a gemstone that can withstand the rigors of everyday life without easily showing signs of wear. A ruby ring or pendant can be worn confidently, knowing its polished surface will remain brilliant for generations.
The trigonal crystal system of corundum gives rise to its characteristic hexagonal prismatic crystals. The refractive index, a measure of how much light bends when entering the gem, is also a key identifier for ruby. Its range of 1.762 to 1.770 is relatively high, contributing to the stone's potential for exceptional brilliance and "life" when properly cut. The specific gravity, a measure of density, is also characteristic, falling around 4.00. This density gives the gem a satisfying heft in the hand, a subtle but useful property for gemologists.
While the ruby is prized for its red color, the presence of chromium, the very element that creates this color, can also introduce inclusions. It is common for fine rubies to contain tiny silk-like needles (rutile) or other mineral inclusions. Rather than being seen solely as flaws, these inclusions are often accepted as evidence of the gem's natural origin and can even enhance its value if they contribute to a desirable optical effect like asterism (a star-like reflection).
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The ruby's symbolism is as vibrant as its color, rooted in centuries of cultural interpretation and metaphysical belief. Its association with the life-giving properties of blood and the energetic force of fire has made it a powerful symbol across the globe.
At its core, the ruby is a stone of passion, love, and energy. Its deep red hue is universally linked to the heart and the intensity of emotion. For this reason, it is often given as a token of profound love and devotion. It is believed to ignite passion in relationships and encourage the expression of deep-seated feelings. Beyond romantic love, the ruby is also a symbol of vitality and the life force. It is thought to energize and motivate, combating lethargy and inspiring a more dynamic and purposeful approach to life.
Protection is another key theme in the lore of the ruby. The historical practice of Burmese warriors embedding rubies in their skin is a dramatic example of the belief in the stone’s protective powers. It was thought to act as a shield, warding off harm and negative energies. This protective quality extends to the spiritual and emotional realms, where the ruby is believed to safeguard its wearer’s well-being and bring a sense of security and stability.
In addition to passion and protection, the ruby is associated with prosperity and good fortune. Its rarity and high value have naturally linked it to wealth and success. In some traditions, it is believed to attract abundance and help one achieve their goals. For those born in July, the ruby is said to bring happiness and integrity, encouraging its wearer to act with honor and righteousness. The stone is also connected to the zodiac sign of Cancer, further cementing its role as a source of emotional depth and comfort for those born under this sign. The ruby's multifaceted symbolism makes it a deeply personal gem, one that resonates with the wearer's innermost aspirations and desires.
Care and Cleaning
Given its exceptional hardness and durability, the ruby is a relatively easy gemstone to care for, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of jewelry applications. Its resilience means it can be worn daily without significant risk of damage, but proper care will ensure it retains its brilliant luster for a lifetime.
The ruby’s 9 on the Mohs scale makes it highly resistant to scratching. It can only be scratched by a handful of materials, most notably diamond, corundum (other rubies and sapphires), and some synthetic abrasives. This means that in everyday life, it is unlikely to be damaged by contact with other materials. However, while the ruby is hard, it is not indestructible. It can still be chipped or fractured by a hard blow, particularly at its facet junctions or along any cleavage planes (though corundum has no distinct cleavage, it has parting). Therefore, it is wise to remove ruby jewelry before engaging in activities where the stone could receive a sharp impact, such as heavy manual labor or vigorous sports.
Cleaning a ruby is straightforward. The most effective method is to use warm, soapy water and a soft brush, such as a toothbrush. Gently scrub the back and front of the stone and its setting to remove any accumulated oils, lotions, or dirt. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to ensure no soap residue remains. For a deeper clean, rubies can also be cleaned with commercial jewelry cleaning solutions, but it is always best to check that the solution is safe for the jewelry's setting as well.
Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for ruby itself, but they should be used with caution if the stone is included or has been fracture-filled. Steam cleaning is also an option, but like ultrasonic cleaning, it should be avoided if the stone has been treated in ways that could be affected by heat and steam. The primary concern when cleaning ruby jewelry is often the setting, not the stone itself. Delicate settings or settings that hold other, more fragile gemstones may not be suitable for harsh cleaning methods. When in doubt, a gentle approach with warm, soapy water is always the safest and most reliable method for maintaining the beauty of a ruby.
Conclusion
The ruby stands as a testament to nature’s ability to create objects of profound beauty and strength. As the official birthstone for July, it embodies the fiery energy of summer and the deep passions of the human heart. Its journey from the limestone and gravels of the Earth to the hands of royalty and modern jewelry lovers is a story of geological wonder and cultural reverence. With its impressive hardness, vibrant color derived from chromium, and a history rich with lore about power, protection, and love, the ruby is more than just a precious gem; it is an enduring symbol of life itself. For those born in July, it offers a connection to a legacy of strength and passion, a timeless treasure to be cherished and passed down through generations.