Ruby, the designated birthstone for the month of July, stands as one of the most coveted and historically significant gemstones in the world. Renowned for its vibrant red hue, which symbolizes passion, love, and vitality, this precious stone has captivated humanity for centuries. Its status as the "King of Gemstones" is not merely a marketing term but a title earned through centuries of reverence, rarity, and enduring beauty. As a variety of the mineral corundum, the ruby shares its genetic lineage with the sapphire, distinguishing itself solely through the presence of chromium, which imparts its signature red color.
This article explores the multifaceted nature of the ruby, tracing its journey from ancient geological formations to royal treasuries and modern jewelry boxes. We will examine the historical lore that elevated the ruby to a position of power and protection, delve into the specific gemological properties that define its quality, and identify the primary sources that supply this extraordinary stone to the global market. Furthermore, we will address the cultural symbolism and metaphysical beliefs associated with the ruby, offering a comprehensive guide for collectors, enthusiasts, and those born in the seventh month of the year.
The Historical Significance of the Ruby
The history of the ruby is steeped in legend and luxury. Across diverse civilizations, this red gemstone was revered as a talisman of power and a protector against misfortune. In ancient India, the ruby was known by the Sanskrit name ratnaraj, translating to "king of precious gemstones." This designation reflected its perceived rarity, hardness—second only to the diamond—and mystical properties. Indian lore suggested that the ruby embodied the life force of blood, serving as a potent symbol of youthful energy and power. It was believed that the stone could predict danger and even cure inflammatory diseases if worn correctly.
The stone’s reputation for invincibility extended to the warriors of Burma (modern-day Myanmar), who believed that rubies made them impervious in battle. This belief in the ruby's protective capabilities is echoed in other historical accounts. A 19th-century French text, the "Lapidaire en Vers," describes the ruby as the "lord of gems," placed upon the neck of Aaron by Christ's command. The text highlights the stone's "gay color" and high esteem.
Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder offered an early geological theory regarding the ruby's origin, suggesting it was of igneous origin, created by a "fire from heaven"—essentially lightning strikes. This belief was shared in Germany, where the stone was called Donnerkeil, meaning "thunderbolt."
The journey of the ruby as a formal birthstone began to solidify in the early 20th century. The American National Retail Jewelers Association (now Jewelers of America) officially listed ruby as the birthstone for July in 1912, a tradition that has been reinforced and maintained by the jewelry industry ever since. While some modern online discussions debate the ruby's status—citing alternatives like spinel or garnet due to the high cost of natural rubies—the historical weight and official recognition of ruby remain dominant.
Geological Formation and Global Sources
Ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum, which consists of aluminum oxide ($Al2O3$). The distinct red color is the result of trace amounts of the element chromium replacing aluminum within the crystal lattice. The concentration of chromium is directly correlated to the intensity of the red hue; higher chromium content yields a deeper, more saturated red. The most prized color, often described in the trade as "pigeon's blood," is a deep red with a slight hint of purple.
Historically, Burma (Myanmar) has been the primary source for the world's finest rubies. The Mogok and Mong Hsu regions are particularly famous for producing gems with the vivid saturation that collectors prize. In ancient times, the Burmese Crown held a monopoly on large, high-quality gemstones extracted from the region. The ruby's igneous origin, as theorized by Pliny, aligns with the geological conditions found in these marble-hosted deposits, which are the result of metamorphic processes influenced by heat and pressure.
While Burma remains the benchmark for quality, other sources contribute to the global supply. The search for rubies has expanded to various locations, including parts of Africa and Asia. However, the specific mining locations detailed in the provided sources are limited primarily to historical references to Burma. The sources note that the name "ruby" itself derives from the Latin ruber, meaning "red," and that the stone has been a monopoly of the Burmese Crown in the past.
Gemological Properties of Ruby
Understanding the physical and optical properties of ruby is essential for appreciating its value and durability. As a member of the corundum family, ruby is exceptionally hard and suitable for all types of jewelry, including rings and bracelets intended for daily wear.
Key Gemological Properties:
- Mineral Species: Corundum
- Chemical Formula: $Al2O3$ (Aluminum Oxide) with Chromium ($Cr$)
- Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale (second only to diamond)
- Crystal System: Trigonal
- Refractive Index: 1.762 – 1.770
- Specific Gravity: 4.00 (+/- 0.05)
- Colors: Red, ranging from pink to deep blood-red; color is caused by Chromium ($Cr$)
The durability of the ruby is one of its most significant attributes. Ranking 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, it is highly resistant to scratching and abrasion. This makes the ruby an ideal choice for engagement rings and other pieces that endure frequent wear. The hardness is a direct result of the corundum structure, which is one of the hardest minerals in nature.
The color of the ruby is its most defining characteristic. While the mineral corundum is typically colorless, the presence of chromium impurities creates the red spectrum. If the chromium content is low, the stone may appear pink; these are classified as pink sapphires rather than rubies. The distinction between a ruby and a pink sapphire is sometimes a matter of trade definition, particularly in the United States, where a corundum variety must achieve a certain color saturation to be called a ruby. However, the "pigeon's blood" red remains the gold standard for quality and value.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The ruby's symbolism is deeply rooted in its intense red color, which is universally associated with strong emotions. The Latin origin of the name, ruber, directly links the stone to the concepts of "red" and, by extension, love, passion, and vitality.
Beyond romantic connotations, the ruby has long been a symbol of protection and prosperity. The belief that rubies could protect warriors in battle is a recurring theme in Burmese and Asian history. This protective quality extended to everyday life, where the stone was thought to ward off misfortune and danger.
In the realm of health and well-being, ancient beliefs attributed curative properties to the ruby. Some historical sources claimed that the gemstone could cure inflammatory diseases and soothe anger. This association with the "life force blood" suggests a belief in the ruby's ability to stimulate circulation and vitality. Even today, metaphysical practitioners often associate the ruby with the root chakra, grounding the wearer and enhancing their zest for life.
While some modern consumers debate the necessity of adhering to traditional birthstones, the ruby's historical and symbolic weight makes it a meaningful choice for those born in July. Despite the high cost of natural rubies leading some to choose alternatives like pink sapphire, the ruby remains the definitive stone for the month.
Care and Cleaning
Given its exceptional hardness, the ruby is a relatively durable gemstone that is easy to care for. However, as with all fine jewelry, proper maintenance is required to preserve its brilliance.
- Durability: With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, rubies are highly resistant to scratching. They can be worn daily without significant risk of damage from contact with most other materials.
- Cleaning: Rubies can be safely cleaned using warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush (such as a toothbrush). It is important to scrub gently behind the stone where dirt and oils can accumulate.
- Ultrasonic and Steam Cleaners: Generally, untreated and fracture-filled rubies can be cleaned using ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners. However, if the stone has undergone fracture filling or other treatments with lead glass, these methods should be avoided as they can damage the fillers. It is always best to consult a professional jeweler if the treatment history of the stone is unknown.
- Storage: To prevent scratching other softer gemstones, rubies should be stored separately in a fabric-lined box or wrapped in a soft cloth.
Conclusion
The ruby stands as a testament to the enduring allure of colored gemstones. As the official birthstone for July, it carries a legacy of royalty, protection, and intense passion. From its geological formation as a chromium-tinted variety of corundum to its extraction from the storied mines of Burma, the ruby represents the pinnacle of red gemstones. Its hardness and durability ensure that it remains a practical choice for jewelry, while its deep historical roots and rich symbolism provide a depth of character that few other stones can match. Whether appreciated for its scientific properties, its vibrant history, or its connection to the month of July, the ruby rightfully holds its title as the "King of Gemstones."