Ruby, the vibrant and captivating birthstone for July, has been prized for centuries. It’s known as the “king of precious stones.” This fiery gemstone is linked to passion, protection, and wealth. Its history spans from ancient India to modern jewelry.
The ruby’s deep red color comes from chromium. The most sought-after color is “pigeon’s blood” red. These gems form deep in the Earth, making them rare and valuable.
Whether you’re interested in its history, symbolic meaning, or color, the ruby is a gem to cherish. Learn about its story and see how it’s used in fine jewelry.
The Birthstone for July: Ruby
The ruby is the stunning birthstone for July, known for its bright red color. This color, from deep cochineal to lighter rose, comes from chromium in the gem. It symbolizes passion, protection, and life force.
Ruby’s Vibrant Red Color
The ruby’s red color varies from deep crimson to rosy blush. This is due to chromium in the gem.
For centuries, the ruby was seen as the “king of precious stones.” It was believed to bring health, wisdom, and success in love.
The Symbolism and Meaning of Rubies
The ruby’s red color is linked to blood, life, and power. It stands for passion, protection, and energy. In ancient times, rubies were valued for keeping evil away and bringing luck. Today, they symbolize love, courage, and strength.
The History and Origins of Rubies
The ruby is known as the “king of precious stones.” It has a long and fascinating history. People have loved rubies for their bright red color for centuries.
Records show that rubies were traded on the Silk Road in China as early as 200 B.C. This highlights their ancient origins.
Ancient Sources of Rubies
The Mogok region in Myanmar (formerly Burma) is famous for its rubies. It has been a top source for centuries. Other places like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Afghanistan also have ancient ruby sources.
In ancient India, rubies were seen as the “king of precious stones.” They were rare and beautiful. Rubies were thought to make Burmese warriors invincible.
In medieval Europe, rubies were linked to wealth, wisdom, health, and love success. Today, their deep red color symbolizes fire, sunlight, and boldness.
The name “ruby” comes from the Latin word “Ruber,” meaning “red.” Rubies are very hard, with a 9 on the Mohs scale. This makes them durable and valuable for jewelry.
Major Ruby Mining Locations
Myanmar, once known as Burma, is famous for its top-quality rubies. The Mogok region, with its weathered marble and ancient temples, has been a ruby hotspot for over 500 years.
Rubies from the Mogok Valley are known for their unique inclusions and bright red glow, making them highly prized.
Myanmar: The Legendary Mogok Valley
Myanmar is the go-to place for rubies, with a long history of mining. Other key ruby mines are found in Thailand, Cambodia, India, Vietnam, Greenland, Pakistan, and Mozambique. In 2009, Greenland, Pakistan, and Mozambique became major players in ruby mining, boosting global supplies.
The Sunrise Ruby, weighing 5.1 grams, was sold for over $30 million, setting a record. The Liberty Bell Ruby, a four-pound ruby, is the biggest mined ruby. It was shaped like the Liberty Bell and had diamonds added before being stolen in 2011.
Other Notable Ruby Sources
Myanmar has long been the top source of rubies. But, other places have also started producing these precious stones. Vietnam’s Luc Yen and Quy Chau districts have been key players since the late 20th century. They offer rubies in shades from red to purplish red.
Recently, Mozambique’s Montepuez mines have become a major source. Rubies from here are compared to the famous gems from Myanmar’s Mogok Valley.
Vietnam’s Ruby Regions
Vietnam’s Luc Yen and Quy Chau districts are now big ruby sources. They are known for their high-quality gems. These rubies come in a variety of red shades, from deep crimson to pale pinkish-red.
These Vietnamese rubies are celebrated for their bright colors and clearness. They are often seen as rivals to the legendary gems from Myanmar’s Mogok Valley.
Mozambique’s Montepuez Rubies
The Montepuez region in Mozambique is a new but significant ruby source. Large, high-quality deposits were found there in the early 21st century. These rubies are often compared to the famous “pigeon blood” rubies from Myanmar.
The Montepuez mines have quickly become a major supplier of top-quality rubies. They are in high demand on the global market.
| Ruby Source | Notable Features | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam’s Luc Yen and Quy Chau | High-quality rubies with a wide range of red hues, from deep crimson to pale pinkish-red | Emerged as an important ruby-producing region in the late 20th century, rivaling the legendary gems from Myanmar’s Mogok Valley |
| Mozambique’s Montepuez | Large, high-quality deposits of rubies often compared to the “pigeon blood” rubies from Myanmar | Quickly became an important source of premium-quality rubies for the global market in the early 21st century |
Birthstone For July With Meaning
The ruby is the birthstone for July. It’s known for passion, protection, and wealth. The july birthstone ruby is loved for its bright red color and special powers. It’s a symbol of energy and spirit for those born in July.
Celebrities often choose the ruby as their birthstone. Sapphire is also linked to July, seen as a guardian angel. Topaz is the special apostle stone, representing friendship and wealth. Agate and Beryl are also connected to July, offering protection and intellect.
Amber is another birthstone for July, known for its rich history. It was used as money in ancient times.
Rubies are very hard, second only to diamonds. The july birthstone with meaning has a stunning red color. They are found worldwide, including in Thailand and India.
The Value and Rarity of Rubies
Rubies are among the rarest and most valuable gemstones, second only to diamonds in hardness. Their red color comes from chromium, which also makes them rare. This rarity makes high-quality rubies very valuable.
Rubies are highly prized for their rarity and value. They are rarer than large diamonds and harder than emeralds and sapphires. The value of rubies increases with size, and they are known as “ruber,” meaning red.
The Mogok valley in Upper Burma is famous for its finest rubies, called “pigeon’s blood” for their deep red color. Thailand and Burma see rubies as their national stone. In Asian cultures, rubies were seen as self-luminous, bringing light to rooms.
In the Middle Ages, rubies were believed to bring good health and protect against evil thoughts. They were also thought to warn of misfortunes or death by darkening. The ruby is the July birthstone, known for its rarity and historical significance.
The most expensive rubies are highly sought after for their beauty and rarity. Ruby is one of the four precious gemstones, along with diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds. “Pigeon’s blood” rubies, with their deep red and purple hue, are especially valuable.
Rubies symbolize love, passion, and energy with their bright red color. They are believed to bring confidence, promote love, offer protection, attract money, and provide health benefits. Rubies are very durable, ranking 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them great for everyday wear.
Ruby Jewelry Designs and Styles
Rubies are a favorite for jewelry, found in elegant rings, captivating earrings, stunning necklaces, and charming bracelets. They are very hard, with a Mohs scale rating of 9. This makes them perfect for jewelry that lasts a long time and can be treasured for generations.
Iconic Ruby Jewelry Pieces
Some ruby jewelry is truly iconic, like the Art Deco-inspired carved ruby and diamond necklace by Mauboussin. This piece shows how rubies can be both vintage and modern. Another standout is the ruby and platinum ring with 18k rose gold accents. It beautifully displays the gemstone’s fiery red colors and sparkle.
| Jewelry Piece | Design Highlights | Craftsmanship |
|---|---|---|
| Mauboussin Carved Ruby and Diamond Necklace | Art Deco-inspired design, showcasing the versatility of rubies | Masterful craftsmanship, seamlessly blending vintage and modern elements |
| Ruby and Platinum Ring with 18k Rose Gold Accents | Exquisite showcase of the fiery red hues and brilliant sparkle of rubies | Elegant and timeless design, highlighting the natural beauty of the gemstone |
The Legendary “Pigeon Blood” Ruby
The “pigeon blood” ruby is a rare gemstone known for its bright red color with a hint of purple. It gets its name from the deep red of a pigeon’s blood. These rubies are highly valued by collectors and are seen as the perfect ruby, with unmatched color, clarity, and rarity.
The “pigeon blood” ruby’s unique color comes from chromium in the corundum mineral. This color, along with its clarity and brilliance, makes it the most sought-after ruby. These gems are rare, with only a few places in the world able to find them.
Rubies from Myanmar’s Mogok Valley are famous for their “pigeon blood” color. The Sunrise Ruby, the world’s most expensive non-diamond gem, is a perfect example. Its beauty and rarity have made it the most valuable July birthstone.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Bright red with a slight purple tint, reminiscent of the rich, deep red of a pigeon’s blood |
| Clarity | Exceptional clarity, with minimal inclusions or flaws |
| Rarity | Extremely rare, with only a few sources worldwide capable of producing such exceptional specimens |
| Value | The most valuable and sought-after of all ruby varieties, with the Sunrise Ruby selling for over $30 million |
Alternative Birthstones for July
The ruby is the modern birthstone for July, but the traditional one is onyx. Onyx is a type of chalcedony mineral. It has a black base with white bands. This gemstone was a July birthstone in the early 20th century and before.
It offers a unique and timeless choice for those born in July, unlike the bright ruby.
Onyx: The Traditional July Birthstone
Onyx has a rich history in jewelry and decorative arts for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans valued it. They used it for carved cameos and intaglios.
The banded pattern of onyx makes it great for striking jewelry designs.
While the ruby is more famous, onyx is a sophisticated alternative. It adds elegance and depth to any jewelry collection for July-born individuals.
Ruby Birthstone Symbolism and Lore
The ruby birthstone is filled with deep symbolic meaning and legendary stories. In ancient India, it was seen as the “king of precious stones.” It was believed to protect its wearer from harm and illness.
In medieval Europe, the ruby was linked to health, wisdom, wealth, and love success. Some thought it could warn of danger or misfortune.
Ancient Beliefs and Legends
Burmese warriors believed the ruby made them unbeatable in battle. Ancient Hindus thought giving the gem to Krishna could lead to rebirth as an emperor. They called it the “King of Gems.”
Rubies were traded on the Silk Road around 200 B.C. This showed their global importance and value.
The ruby’s ruby birthstone symbolism and ruby birthstone lore have lasted for centuries. It’s linked to courage, sacrifice, passion, and joy. The ancient ruby beliefs and legends still fascinate and inspire people everywhere.
The Science Behind Ruby’s Color
The ruby’s red color comes from chromium, a trace element in its mineral makeup. Rubies, a type of corundum, can be deep red or light rose. The more chromium, the deeper the red.
This special chemical trait makes rubies highly valued. They are known as corundum, with a unique structure. The best rubies grow in marble, which lets them show off their intense red.
Rubies are found in rocks like schist and basalt. Their fluorescence makes their color pop, adding to their value. Rubies are judged on hue, saturation, and tone, with purple being the most sought-after.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Ruby Rarity | Rubies are classified as one of the rarest gemstones, even rarer than diamonds. |
| Mohs Hardness | Rubies have a score of 9 on the Mohs scale, making them one of the strongest colored gemstones. |
| Recommended Weight | It is recommended that the ruby gemstone should weigh 1/10th of the wearer’s body weight and be between 3 and 6 carats. |
| Pricing | Rubies are the most expensive of all colored stones, commanding the highest per-carat price. |
The science behind ruby’s color is fascinating. It shows why rubies are so prized for their vibrant hue and strength. Understanding chromium and where the finest rubies form helps us see their natural beauty and value.
Rubies in Popular Culture
The ruby’s rich history and symbolic significance have made it a frequent feature in popular culture. It has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide, from film to literature.
Famous Rubies in Film and Literature
The ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz” are perhaps the most famous ruby in cinema. These iconic shoes were made with sequins, not real rubies. Yet, their impact on popular culture is undeniable.
Another renowned ruby is the Black Prince’s Ruby. It’s a large red spinel in the British Crown Jewels. It has been featured in numerous historical dramas.
Rubies have also been prominently featured in literature. For example, in Wilkie Collins’ “The Moonstone,” a valuable ruby is at the center of the story. The novel’s intricate plot and the gemstone’s mysterious allure have captivated readers for generations.
| Famous Rubies in Pop Culture | Description |
|---|---|
| Ruby Slippers from “The Wizard of Oz” | The iconic shoes worn by Dorothy, made with sequins rather than real rubies |
| Black Prince’s Ruby | A large red spinel that is part of the British Crown Jewels |
| The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins | A novel centered around the theft of a valuable ruby |
The ruby’s enduring appeal in popular culture is a testament to its timeless beauty. It has inspired captivating stories, from the silver screen to the printed page. Rubies have become an integral part of our cultural landscape, captivating audiences and leaving an indelible mark on our collective imagination.
Conclusion
The ruby, the captivating july birthstone, has won hearts for centuries. Its vibrant red color, rich history, and symbolic meaning make it enchanting. It inspires those who love the beauty of nature.
From ancient Asia to modern jewelry, the ruby is highly valued. It’s a gemstone that stands out among all others.
The ruby’s fiery essence and legendary stories draw many to it. It’s a symbol of power and allure in popular culture. This gem is a true marvel of precious stones.
As we say goodbye to this gem, we marvel at its lasting legacy. It has woven countless stories into human history.
Let the ruby’s beauty and meaning inspire us. It reminds us of nature’s wonders. The ruby will always be in our hearts, symbolizing passion, courage, and vitality.
