Ruby, a kind of the mineral corundum, is the birthstone for those born in July. Because rubies are prized for their vivid red hue, the name “ruby” derives from the Latin word ruber, which means “red.” The most sought-after rubies are known as “pigeon’s blood” because of their rich red color with a tinge of purple. The ruby’s red hue is caused by minute amounts of chromium; the more chromium present, the deeper the red. https://amzn.to/3VRA10N
Ruby Symbolism, Meanings, and Customs
Ruby is derived from the Latin ruber, which means red. The ruby is referred to as ratnaraj, or “king of the precious stones,” in Sanskrit.
Ruby has been a symbol of prosperity, passion, and protection for millennia. Gems were used by ancient Chinese and Burmese warriors to embellish their armor as a kind of protection. Some even thought the jewels would provide them invincibility, so they put them into their skin. The ruby is now seen as a representation of devotion and love. It was formerly believed to offer protection from disease and bad luck.
Ancient societies valued the stone, considering its hue, linked to blood, granted it life force. It has also been believed to reduce inflammation and bleeding as well as raise body temperature. Hindus thought that the god Krishna would grant people rebirth as emperors if they offered him rubies. People in India once believed that owning rubies would make it possible for them to live in harmony with their adversaries. It was also believed that living a calm life was possible if you wore a ruby on your heart’s side. According to some legends, rubies could boil water and have an unquenchable flame that could flash through clothes. https://amzn.to/4cbnHyb
It is the Birthstone of July and is a customary gift at anniversaries of fifteen and forty years of marriage.
Historic Rubies
As early as 200 B.C., records indicate that rubies were trafficked throughout China’s North Silk Road.
Red-colored gems, such as garnet and red spinel, were all regarded as rubies for hundreds of years. The discovery that the ruby was actually a corundum form did not occur until roughly 1800. One of the largest gem-quality red spinels, the Black Prince’s ruby is technically not a ruby and is a part of England’s crown jewels. It has long been a prized jewel for jewelry, worn by the wealthy and aristocracy in Europe. In the Middle Ages, many people wore rubies as a symbol of prosperity, health, wisdom, and love.
The largest ruby in the world is the 125West Ruby, a rough-cut, unpolished rock that weighs over 18,000 carats. 8,500 carats make of one carved ruby that resembles the Liberty Bell. In “The Wizard of Oz,” Dorothy said, “There’s no place like home,” as she clicked her ruby slippers to return to Kansas. The purpose of the sequin-covered ruby shoes, which contrast more visually with the yellow brick road, was to make them stand out more. A single pair can be found in the collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
Rubies are a valuable gem that have been utilized for many different things over the years, like watches, lasers, and medical equipment. https://amzn.to/45x4THn
RUBY CREATION AND COUNTRIES
Under intense heat and pressure, rubies are formed deep beneath the surface of the Earth. Corundum is produced when aluminum atoms and oxygen are crushed. The red color of the gem is due to the presence of chromium.
Most of the world’s rubies, including the best ones, are mined in Burma (Myanmar). This important source dates back to approximately 600 A.D. Other countries that produce rubies include Mozambique, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and, to a lesser extent, the United States.
One of the rarest jewels is a ruby, and rubies weighing more than one carat are considerably rarer. Marble may develop a ruby, which results in a deficiency of iron and gives the material a deep red hue. Rocks made of basalt can also produce rubies. Those stones are darker because they contain more iron.
Jewels with Rubies, Hardness and Care
Ruby gems are the second hardest naturally occurring stones, only surpassed by diamonds with a Mohs Hardness value of 9.0. For a very long time, rubies have been used to make bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings. Because of inclusions, rubies can occasionally exhibit a star effect. Keep valuables in a cushioned container or soft cloth to avoid scratches. The best way to clean ruby jewelry is using a gentle cloth and warm, sudsy water. https://amzn.to/3za6S89