Ruby, the designated birthstone for the month of July, stands as one of the most coveted and historically significant gemstones in the world. Revered for its vibrant red hue, which ranges from fiery crimson to deep pigeon's blood, this gem is a variety of the mineral corundum. Its name, derived from the Latin word ruber meaning "red," is synonymous with passion, power, and vitality. As a July birthstone, ruby has been celebrated for centuries, appearing in ancient lore, royal regalia, and modern jewelry charts alike. This article explores the multifaceted nature of ruby, delving into its historical journey, geological origins, gemological properties, and the cultural symbolism that has secured its status as the "king of precious gemstones."
The significance of ruby extends beyond its aesthetic appeal; it is a stone steeped in mythology and scientific fascination. Sources confirm its placement as the primary birthstone for July, a tradition upheld by both historical precedent and modern organizations like the Jewelers of America. However, the stone's story is not limited to a single month; it is also recognized as a guardian angel birth rock for March and a birth gem for August in Hindu traditions. For enthusiasts and collectors, understanding ruby involves appreciating its rare color, formidable hardness, and the geological conditions required for its formation. From the ancient mines of Burma to contemporary markets, ruby continues to command respect and desire, serving as a timeless symbol of life force and emotional resilience.
History and Lore
The history of ruby is as rich and intense as its color. Ancient civilizations attributed mystical powers to the stone, viewing it not merely as a jewel but as a talisman of great significance. In Sanskrit, the ruby was known by several evocative names, most notably ratnaraj, meaning "king of precious gemstones," and padmaraga, which translates to "red as a lotus." These names reflect the high esteem in which the gem was held in early Asian cultures.
Roman historian Pliny the Elder, in his writings, described the ruby as a gem of igneous origin, believing it was formed by a "fire from heaven" or the intense heat of lightning strikes. This belief was so pervasive that in Germany, the stone was referred to as Donnerkeil, meaning "thunderbolt." This mythological origin story added to the stone's mystique, suggesting a connection between the earth and the heavens.
In ancient India, ruby was revered for its association with the life force of blood, symbolizing power, youthful energy, and vitality. It was believed to possess the ability to predict misfortune or danger and was even thought to cure inflammatory diseases and soothe anger. Burmese warriors held a particularly strong belief in the stone's protective powers, inserting rubies under their skin to make them invincible in battle. This military connection highlights the stone's perceived strength and resilience.
The gem's association with royalty is a recurring theme throughout history. In ancient Burma, which was the primary supplier of rubies for centuries, large gemstones were considered the monopoly of the Burmese Crown. The stone was also linked to biblical history; a 19th-century French book titled Lapidaire en Vers claims that, "by Christ’s command the ruby was placed on Aaron’s neck, the ruby, called the lord of gems." This religious and royal lineage cemented ruby's status as a gemstone for kings and high-ranking figures, a reputation it retains in the modern luxury market.
Geological Formation and Sources
Ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum, which also includes sapphire. The distinct red color of ruby is caused by trace amounts of the element chromium within the crystal structure. The concentration of chromium is critical; the higher the chromium content, the more intense and vivid the red. Other trace elements, such as iron, can influence the specific shade, sometimes adding a brownish or purplish tint.
The formation of ruby requires unique geological conditions. It is typically found in metamorphic rocks, where high temperatures and pressures facilitate the growth of corundum crystals. While the belief that rubies are created by lightning strikes (Donnerkeil) is a historical myth, the gem's actual formation process is equally dramatic, occurring deep within the earth's crust under extreme conditions.
Historically, Burma (modern-day Myanmar) has been the most significant source of high-quality rubies, particularly those from the Mogok region, known for producing the prized "pigeon's blood" red color. The sources indicate that in ancient times, Burma was the primary supplier, and its rubies were highly coveted. However, the sources provided do not detail specific modern mining locations beyond this historical context. The trade of these stones was tightly controlled, with the Burmese Crown holding a monopoly on large, significant gemstones. Today, while other sources such as Madagascar, Mozambique, and Vietnam contribute to the global supply, the Burmese origin remains synonymous with the highest quality rubies, a testament to the historical legacy detailed in the sources.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the physical and chemical properties of ruby is essential for gemologists, jewelers, and collectors. As a member of the corundum family, ruby shares many characteristics with sapphire but is distinguished by its color.
- Chemical Composition: Ruby is Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3) with Chromium (Cr) as the coloring agent.
- Hardness: On the Mohs scale of hardness, ruby scores a 9. This makes it an exceptionally durable gemstone, second only to diamond in hardness. This durability makes it ideal for all types of jewelry, including rings and bracelets that are subject to daily wear.
- Crystal System: Trigonal.
- Refractive Index: Approximately 1.762 - 1.770.
- Specific Gravity: 3.99 - 4.00.
The most prized color for a ruby is described in the trade as a "deep red with a hint of purple," known as "pigeon's blood." This specific hue is the benchmark for top-quality rubies. The intensity of the red is directly proportional to the amount of chromium present in the stone. While ruby is a variety of corundum, the distinction between ruby and sapphire is based on color. In the United States, a corundum gemstone can only be called a ruby if it achieves a certain color saturation of red. Pink sapphires, for example, are corundum that does not meet the saturation threshold to be classified as a ruby.
The following table summarizes the key gemological properties of ruby based on the provided sources:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Corundum |
| Chemical Formula | Al2O3 (with Chromium) |
| Mohs Hardness | 9 |
| Color | Red (various shades, most prized is "pigeon's blood") |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Specific Gravity | 3.99 - 4.00 |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Ruby's symbolism is deeply rooted in its passionate color and historical lore. Across cultures, it has been associated with intense emotions, vitality, and protection. The stone's connection to the color red naturally links it to love, passion, and power. The Latin origin of its name, ruber, reinforces this association.
In the context of modern birthstone lore, particularly for those born in July, ruby is said to enhance vitality, confidence, and emotional resilience. Sources suggest that individuals born in the first half of July (July 1-15) are often infused with the radiant energy of ruby, which symbolizes passion and strength. The stone is believed to help these individuals enhance their vitality and emotional resilience. For those born in the latter half of the month (July 16-31), ruby continues to be the dominant stone, but it is often complemented by alternative gems like alexandrite, onyx, and sardonyx, which promote balance, clarity, and spiritual evolution.
The metaphysical beliefs surrounding ruby are as potent as its visual appeal. Historically, it was considered a stone of protection, capable of warding off misfortune and providing strength in battle, as evidenced by the beliefs of Burmese warriors. It was also linked to youthful energy and power, making it a favorite among leaders and royalty. In some traditions, ruby was believed to have healing properties, specifically the ability to cure inflammatory diseases and calm anger. While these beliefs are rooted in ancient folklore rather than scientific evidence, they contribute to the stone's enduring allure and its reputation as a gem of life force and passion.
Care and Cleaning
Given its exceptional hardness, ruby is a relatively durable gemstone suitable for various jewelry applications. However, proper care is necessary to maintain its brilliance and integrity over time. As the July birthstone, regular care is essential to preserve its fiery appearance.
The high hardness rating of 9 on the Mohs scale means that ruby is resistant to scratching and abrasion from most other materials. This makes it an excellent choice for rings, bracelets, and other pieces that may encounter daily wear. However, like all gemstones, it can still be damaged by sharp blows or extreme temperature changes.
For cleaning, ruby can be safely washed with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for ruby, provided the stone does not have significant fractures or inclusions that could be exacerbated by the vibrations. Steam cleaning is also an option, but caution should be exercised if the stone has been treated with fractures or fillings, as heat can potentially damage these enhancements. Since the sources do not provide specific details on treatments or fractures, it is prudent for owners to consult with a professional gemologist or jeweler to determine the best cleaning method for their specific piece. Regular cleaning will ensure that the deep red color of the ruby remains as vibrant as the day it was set.
Conclusion
Ruby remains the undisputed birthstone for July, a gemstone of unparalleled beauty, historical depth, and scientific interest. Its journey from the ancient "king of precious gemstones" to a modern symbol of passion and power is a testament to its enduring appeal. Formed from corundum and colored by chromium, its "pigeon's blood" hue is one of the most sought-after colors in the gem world. With a hardness of 9, it offers both durability and elegance, making it a prized possession for jewelry lovers. Whether valued for its metaphysical properties, its rich history, or its stunning visual characteristics, ruby continues to captivate and inspire, solidifying its place as one of the most significant gemstones in human culture.