The tradition of associating specific gemstones with the days of the week offers a fascinating layer of personalization beyond the well-known monthly birthstones. Each day is believed to be governed by a planetary influence, and for millennia, cultures have assigned gemstones to harness these celestial energies. Among these, the gemstone for Tuesday stands out for its powerful symbolism and vibrant color. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of Tuesday's birthstone: the ruby. Drawing from historical records, astrological beliefs, and gemological knowledge, we will examine the ruby's journey to its status as the day's primary gem, its geological origins, its defining physical properties, and the cultural lore that has cemented its place as a symbol of passion and vitality.
The association of Tuesday with the ruby is not a modern invention but is rooted in ancient astrological systems. In many Western traditions, Tuesday is named for Tiw, the Norse god of war, or its planetary counterpart, Mars—the red planet. This celestial connection naturally leads to a red gemstone, and the ruby, with its intense crimson hue, is the quintessential choice. Vedic astrology, as referenced in the provided materials, also assigns a reddish gemstone to Tuesday to experience the martial quality of courage. While some sources list alternative stones like garnet or coral, the ruby is consistently presented as the primary and most significant birthstone for Tuesday. This article will delve into the evidence supporting this association, the gem's formation deep within the earth, its remarkable durability, and the meanings it has carried through history.
Historical and Astrological Associations
The link between Tuesday and the ruby is deeply embedded in historical and astrological traditions. The very name of the day provides a clue. In many languages, Tuesday is derived from the name of a war god or the planet Mars. For example, the English name "Tuesday" comes from the Old English "Tiw's Day," honoring Tiw, the Norse god of war. This deity is often equated with the Roman god Mars, who gives his name to the red planet. The provided sources explicitly state that "in many mythologies, the god of war is represented by Mars, the red planet, so it's fitting that Tuesday's main gem is red" (Source [1]). This planetary and divine association creates a direct symbolic line from the day to a red gemstone.
The ruby (Corundum variety) is the most prestigious of all red gemstones, making it the natural candidate for this role. Its color, ranging from fiery crimson to deep pigeon's blood, mirrors the planet Mars and the energy of its ruling deity. Source [1] identifies ruby as the definitive birthstone for Tuesday, symbolizing passion. This aligns with the martial energy attributed to the day—a force characterized by courage, action, and vitality.
However, the provided materials also reveal that gemstone assignments are not always uniform. Some sources introduce variations, indicating a lack of universal consensus. For instance, Source [2] lists Tuesday's birthstones as "Ruby, Emerald" in one classification and "Star Sapphire" in another. This divergence suggests that while the ruby is a dominant association, other traditions may have assigned different stones based on different astrological systems or interpretations. Source [3] provides a Vedic astrological perspective, stating that Tuesday is ruled by Mars and that "Vedic astrology assigns Orangey Red Coral to experience the martial quality of courage." This introduces coral as a traditional Vedic alternative to ruby for Tuesday.
Furthermore, Source [5] presents a table that includes both "Ruby or Garnet" for Tuesday. Garnet, another deep red stone, is a more accessible alternative to ruby and carries its own symbolism of faith and fidelity. The inclusion of garnet indicates that in some modern or simplified interpretations, a red gemstone of any kind may be acceptable, with ruby being the most prestigious option.
A synthesis of these sources suggests that the ruby is the most widely recognized and historically significant birthstone for Tuesday, particularly in Western traditions linked to the planet Mars. The alternatives—coral, garnet, and even star sapphire—represent different cultural or astrological streams. For the purpose of this article and based on the preponderance of evidence in the provided materials, the ruby will be treated as the primary gemstone for Tuesday, with these alternatives noted as contextual variations.
Geological Formation and Sources
The ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum, which has the chemical formula Al₂O₃ (aluminum oxide). The vibrant red color is caused by trace amounts of the element chromium substituting for aluminum in the crystal lattice. The presence of chromium is what distinguishes a ruby from other colored corundum varieties, such as sapphire. The formation of rubies is a testament to the immense geological forces of our planet.
Rubies are formed under specific conditions of high temperature and pressure, typically in metamorphic rocks. The primary sources of this heat and pressure are tectonic plate collisions, which create mountain ranges. One of the world's most famous ruby sources is the Mogok Valley in Myanmar (Burma). The rubies from this region are renowned for their exceptional color, often described as "pigeon's blood," a term for a vivid, slightly purplish red. The geological history of the region, involving the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, created the perfect environment for corundum crystals to grow with the necessary chromium content.
Other significant ruby deposits are found in: * Thailand: Known for rubies that often have a slightly darker, brownish-red hue due to higher iron content. * Vietnam: Produces rubies with a vibrant red color, often compared to those from Myanmar. * Africa: Countries like Tanzania (specifically the Winza region) and Mozambique have emerged as important sources of high-quality rubies in recent decades. * Sri Lanka: While more famous for sapphires, Sri Lanka also produces rubies, though they are often lighter in color.
The provided sources do not specify particular mining locations for the ruby in the context of its use as a Tuesday birthstone. However, the general knowledge of its formation and sources is consistent with established gemological understanding. The rarity of natural rubies with fine color and clarity makes them one of the most valuable gemstones in the world. The chromium that provides the color also contributes to the stone's fluorescence, which can enhance its apparent color under certain lighting conditions.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the physical and optical properties of the ruby is essential for appreciating its value and durability as a gemstone. As a member of the corundum family, ruby shares many properties with sapphire, but its chromium content sets it apart.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral Species | Corundum |
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ (with trace Cr³⁺ for red color) |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 9 |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 - 1.770 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.99 - 4.02 |
| Luster | Vitreous (glass-like) |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Cleavage | None (prone to parting) |
Hardness and Durability: The ruby's hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale makes it an exceptionally durable gemstone, second only to diamond among naturally occurring gems. This property makes it an excellent choice for all types of jewelry, including rings that are subject to daily wear. Its resistance to scratching ensures that a well-cared-for ruby will maintain its polish and brilliance for generations.
Color and Clarity: The most prized color for a ruby is a vivid, pure red with a slightly purplish undertone, often described in the trade as "pigeon's blood." The presence of chromium is the cause of this color, but it can also create inclusions. Natural rubies almost always contain some inclusions, which are considered part of their character. Flawless rubies are exceptionally rare. The clarity of a ruby is assessed by the type, size, and location of its inclusions.
Cut and Carat: Rubies are cut into various shapes to maximize their color and minimize the appearance of inclusions. The most common cuts are oval, cushion, and round. Due to the rarity of large, clean crystals, rubies over one carat in weight command a significant premium in price. The provided sources do not specify cut or carat weight for Tuesday's birthstone, but these are standard considerations in gemology for evaluating any ruby.
Treatments: It is important to note that many rubies on the market undergo treatments to enhance their color and clarity. Heat treatment is a common and accepted industry practice for rubies, as it can improve color and remove some inclusions without significantly altering the stone's structure. However, other treatments like fracture filling with lead glass or dyeing are less durable and must be disclosed to the consumer. The sources provided do not discuss treatments, but this is a critical aspect of modern ruby commerce.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolism of the ruby is as intense as its color. For centuries, it has been associated with power, passion, and protection. As the primary birthstone for Tuesday, its metaphysical beliefs are often linked to the day's planetary ruler, Mars.
Passion and Vitality: Source [1] directly states that Tuesday's birthstone (ruby) symbolises passion. This aligns with the ruby's historical association with love, desire, and emotional intensity. In many cultures, it was believed to kindle the fires of romance and protect the wearer's heart.
Courage and Protection: The connection to the god of war, Tiw (Tyr), and the planet Mars imbues the ruby with qualities of courage, strength, and victory. Ancient warriors were said to carry rubies into battle, believing the stone would protect them from harm and ensure their triumph. This belief in its protective power extended to various aspects of life, safeguarding against negative energies and misfortune.
Health and Vitality: In Vedic astrology, as noted in Source [3], reddish gems like coral (a Tuesday alternative) are believed to help with blood ailments and circulatory issues. While coral is specified, the symbolic connection to Mars and vitality extends to the ruby. The stone's vibrant red color is often linked to life force, energy, and physical strength. Some traditions hold that wearing a ruby can boost energy levels, improve circulation, and promote overall vitality.
Spiritual and Emotional Balance: Although Wednesday's stone is amethyst for wisdom, the ruby's influence on Tuesday is not solely about aggression. By channeling the energy of Mars in a balanced way, the ruby is believed to foster confidence, leadership, and motivation. It is seen as a stone that helps overcome lethargy and procrastination, encouraging the wearer to take decisive action. The passion it symbolizes is not limited to romantic love but encompasses passion for life, work, and personal goals.
The alternatives to the ruby also carry their own symbolism. Garnet, for example, is associated with faith, fidelity, and protection during travel. Coral, particularly in Vedic traditions, is linked to courage and the appeasement of Mars. These variations show that the core theme for Tuesday—energy, action, and passion—is maintained across different gemstone choices.
Care and Cleaning
The exceptional hardness of the ruby (9 on the Mohs scale) makes it relatively easy to care for. It is resistant to scratching by most other materials, including dust and everyday abrasives. However, proper care is still necessary to maintain its beauty and longevity, especially in jewelry settings.
Cleaning Methods: * Ultrasonic and Steam Cleaners: Untreated and heat-treated rubies are generally safe for ultrasonic cleaning. However, rubies that have undergone fracture filling with lead glass should never be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner or steam cleaner, as the vibrations and heat can cause the filling to crack or become dislodged. When in doubt, it is always safest to use a gentle method. * Warm, Soapy Water: The safest and most recommended method for cleaning almost all rubies is to use warm water with a mild dish soap and a soft brush (like a toothbrush). Gently scrub the stone and its setting, then rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. * Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Rubies should be kept away from harsh chemicals, including bleach, chlorine, and strong acids, which can damage the stone or its setting.
Storage and Handling: * While ruby is hard, it can still be chipped or abraded if struck with sufficient force against a hard surface. It is advisable to store ruby jewelry separately from other pieces to prevent scratching. * When wearing ruby rings, it is wise to remove them during heavy manual work, gardening, or activities where the stone might be subjected to hard impacts. * Regular inspections of the jewelry setting are important to ensure the stone is secure. Prongs can wear down over time, potentially leading to the loss of the gem.
The sources provided do not contain specific care instructions for the ruby. The information presented here is based on standard gemological knowledge regarding the properties of corundum and common industry practices for gemstone care.
Conclusion
The ruby holds a distinguished position as the traditional birthstone for Tuesday, a role it earned through its compelling red color, which mirrors the planet Mars and the day's association with the Norse god of war, Tiw. While some traditions offer alternatives like garnet or coral, the ruby remains the most prominent and symbolically rich choice, embodying the passion, courage, and vitality linked to Tuesday's martial energy. Geologically, the ruby is a variety of corundum, formed under intense heat and pressure in the earth's crust, with its signature red hue derived from trace amounts of chromium. Its remarkable hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale makes it one of the most durable gemstones, suitable for everyday wear. Symbolically, it has been cherished for millennia as a talisman of protection, love, and power. Proper care, primarily through gentle cleaning with warm, soapy water, will ensure that this fiery gemstone continues to shine for generations. For those born on a Tuesday, or for anyone seeking to harness the dynamic energy of this day, the ruby offers a timeless and powerful connection to the ancient interplay between the heavens and the earth.