The ruby, with its fiery crimson hue, has captivated humanity for millennia. As the designated birthstone for the month of July, it is a symbol of passion, protection, and prosperity. This deep red variety of the mineral corundum is one of the "precious" gemstones, a title it shares with diamond, sapphire, and emerald. Its journey from the ancient mines of Asia to the jewelry boxes of modern wearers is a story woven with geological wonder, historical intrigue, and enduring cultural significance. This article delves into the ruby's rich history, its formation deep within the Earth, its distinct gemological properties, the symbolism it carries, and the practical care it requires, all based on the factual information provided in the accompanying sources.
History and Lore
The history of the ruby is as vibrant and intense as its color. Its use can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was revered not only for its beauty but also for its perceived protective powers. The ruby’s association with the birthstone list is a relatively modern convention, but its place in human culture is ancient. The concept of birthstones itself has deep roots, with the earliest references found in the biblical era. The Book of Exodus describes the Breastplate of Aaron, a sacred garment adorned with twelve distinct gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. While the specific gemstones on the breastplate are a subject of scholarly debate, the idea of assigning symbolic power to specific stones based on their color and properties laid a foundation for later traditions.
The practice of linking specific gemstones to specific months is believed to have originated in Poland between the 16th and 18th centuries. This tradition, often referred to as the "traditional birthstone" list, spread throughout Europe and eventually to the United States. However, the list we often use today is a product of modern standardization. In 1912, the American National Retail Jeweler’s Association (now known as Jewelers of America) adopted a standardized list of monthly birthstones. This "modern birthstone" list was designed to include more transparent and readily available gems, making them more suitable for contemporary jewelry settings. The ruby was firmly established as the birthstone for July in this 1912 list, a status it has maintained ever since. This standardization helped to solidify the ruby's role in the commercial and cultural landscape of jewelry, making it a popular choice for birthday gifts, class rings, and sentimental pieces like mothers' rings, which often feature the birthstones of children.
Beyond its role in birthstone tradition, the ruby has been a centerpiece in royal and imperial regalia across the world. Its deep red color has long been associated with blood, life, and power, making it a favored gem for crowns, scepters, and ceremonial jewelry. The ruby’s historical journey is marked by a combination of revered status and perilous quests, as its value and rarity have driven exploration and trade for centuries.
Geological Formation and Sources
The ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum, which has a chemical composition of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). The presence of trace elements, primarily chromium, is what gives the ruby its characteristic red color. The intensity of the red hue is directly related to the concentration of chromium within the crystal structure; higher chromium content results in a more vivid and saturated red. This gemstone forms under extreme geological conditions, typically within metamorphic rocks. The process involves the transformation of existing rocks under intense heat and pressure, often in the presence of fluids that facilitate the incorporation of chromium into the growing corundum crystals.
Historically, some of the most renowned sources of ruby have been located in Southeast Asia. The Mogok region of Myanmar (formerly Burma) has been the epicenter of the world's finest rubies for centuries. Burmese rubies, particularly those from the Mogok Stone Tract, are celebrated for their "pigeon's blood" red—a term used to describe a pure, vibrant red with a subtle blue undertone. Another significant historical source is the marble-hosted ruby deposits in Vietnam, which have gained prominence for producing high-quality rubies with a rich red color. In South Asia, the mining areas in Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) have also been important sources, though they are more frequently associated with sapphires; however, they do produce some rubies, though often of a lighter or pinkish-red hue.
In recent decades, new and significant sources have emerged. Ruby deposits in East Africa, particularly in Tanzania and Mozambique, have become major players in the global market. These sources often produce rubies with a slightly different character, sometimes with a more purplish or orange undertone, but they are capable of yielding stones of exceptional quality and size. The ruby's formation is a rare geological event, requiring a precise and uncommon combination of elements and conditions, which contributes to its high value and desirability.
Gemological Properties
The ruby is prized for a specific set of physical and optical properties that define its quality and durability. As a member of the corundum family, it shares many characteristics with its blue counterpart, the sapphire.
- Hardness: The ruby is exceptionally hard, rating a 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This makes it one of the hardest natural substances known, second only to diamond. This high hardness means that rubies are highly resistant to scratching and abrasion, making them an excellent choice for jewelry that is worn daily, such as engagement rings and pendants. However, it is important to note that while rubies are hard, they are not indestructible and can still be chipped or fractured by a sharp, hard blow due to their crystal structure.
- Color: The most valued color for a ruby is a pure, vibrant red to a slightly purplish red. The ideal hue is often described as "pigeon's blood," a term that signifies a red with a faint bluish tint in certain lights. The color is caused by the chromium impurities mentioned earlier, and the absence of other trace elements like iron is crucial to prevent the stone from shifting towards a brownish or orange hue.
- Clarity: Natural rubies almost always contain inclusions, which are internal characteristics like tiny mineral crystals, needles, or fingerprints. These inclusions are accepted as part of the stone's natural identity. In fact, a completely flawless ruby is extremely rare and would be viewed with suspicion by gemologists. The presence and type of inclusions can affect both the stone's clarity grade and its value, with eye-clean stones (where inclusions are not visible to the naked eye) being highly desirable.
- Cut: Rubies are cut into various shapes to maximize their color and brilliance. Traditional shapes include oval, cushion, and round brilliant cuts. The cut must be carefully executed to balance the stone's color saturation, which is often deepest at the center of the crystal, with its light performance. A well-cut ruby will exhibit even color distribution and good brilliance.
- Carat Weight: Rubies are mined in a range of sizes, but large, high-quality rubies are exceptionally rare. Consequently, the price per carat for rubies increases exponentially with size. A one-carat ruby of fine quality is significantly more valuable than a one-carat ruby of lower quality, and the price difference becomes even more dramatic for stones over two or three carats.
- Chemical Composition: As stated, the ruby is aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) with chromium (Cr³⁺) as the chromophore. The presence of iron can sometimes be detected, which may affect the color, often introducing a brownish component.
The following table summarizes the key gemological properties of ruby as derived from the provided sources:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral Species | Corundum |
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ (Aluminum Oxide) |
| Color Cause | Chromium (Cr³⁺) impurities |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 9 |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Typical Inclusions | Mineral crystals, needles, fingerprint inclusions, silk |
| Common Sources | Myanmar, Vietnam, Tanzania, Mozambique, Sri Lanka |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The ruby's symbolism is deeply rooted in its intense color, which has been associated with the most powerful human emotions and vital forces: love, passion, and blood. Across cultures and through history, this gemstone has been attributed with a range of metaphysical and protective properties.
In many ancient traditions, the ruby was considered a stone of vitality and life. Its red color linked it to the heart and to blood, leading to beliefs that it could stimulate circulation, invigorate the body, and ward off illness. It was often worn as an amulet for protection, believed to guard against danger, negative energy, and even nightmares. The ruby's hardness and durability also contributed to its symbolism of strength and resilience, making it a talisman for warriors and leaders.
In the context of love and passion, the ruby has long been a symbol of deep, romantic love and desire. It is often associated with the heart chakra in metaphysical traditions, thought to open the heart to love and foster emotional balance. This association makes it a popular choice for engagement rings and anniversary gifts, where it represents enduring commitment and passion.
As a birthstone for July, the ruby is said to bring good fortune and prosperity to those born in that month. The symbolism attached to the modern birthstone list often includes themes of passion, protection, and prosperity for the ruby. These beliefs, while not scientifically verified, add a layer of personal significance to the gemstone, making it more than just a beautiful mineral but a meaningful symbol for the wearer. It is important to note that these metaphysical beliefs are part of cultural and personal traditions and are distinct from the gemological properties of the stone.
Care and Cleaning
Given its exceptional hardness, the ruby is a durable gemstone suitable for everyday wear. However, proper care is essential to maintain its beauty and integrity over time. The high hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale means that rubies are highly resistant to scratching from most common materials. They can be worn in rings, bracelets, and other jewelry without significant concern for surface abrasion from daily activities.
Despite their hardness, rubies can still be susceptible to damage from sharp impacts. A hard blow against a solid surface can cause chipping or even fracture, especially if the stone has pre-existing inclusions or cleavage planes. Therefore, it is advisable to remove ruby jewelry during activities that could expose it to such risks, such as heavy manual labor, sports, or gardening.
Cleaning ruby jewelry is relatively straightforward. The most effective method is to use warm water, a mild dish soap, and a soft brush. Gently scrub the stone and its setting to remove accumulated dirt and oils. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to avoid soap residue, which can dull the stone's appearance. Avoid using harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia, as these can potentially damage the metal settings or affect any treatments the stone may have undergone. Ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners are generally safe for untreated and fracture-filled rubies, but they should be used with caution for stones with significant fractures or oil treatments, as the heat and vibrations can cause damage. For valuable or antique ruby jewelry, consulting a professional jeweler for cleaning is always the safest course of action.
Conclusion
The ruby stands as a testament to the Earth's capacity to create objects of breathtaking beauty and profound significance. Its journey from a chromium-rich corundum crystal formed under immense pressure to a prized gemstone in royal collections and personal jewelry is a story of geological rarity and human admiration. As the birthstone for July, it carries the weight of centuries of symbolism—representing passion, protection, and prosperity. Its gemological properties, particularly its remarkable hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, make it a durable choice for jewelry, while its captivating red color ensures its enduring appeal. Whether valued for its scientific properties, its historical lore, or its personal meaning, the ruby remains one of the most revered and desired gemstones in the world.