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July Birthstone: The origin and history of the Ruby gemstone.

Updated: Jun 21, 2023

JULY 2022


INTRODUCTION TO ruby july birthstone


One of the most sought-after stones is the ruby, which is the birthstone for July. The name comes from the Latin word 'ruber', which translates to "red," the hue of passion and ardor. The ruby birthstone is one of the few things that stands out. The finest hue of the July birthstone is a deep red with a tinge of pink, known in the trade as "pigeon's blood." The color of ruby, a type of the mineral corundum, is caused by minute levels of chromium. The red is stronger the more chromium there is. Here is the information you need to choose a gorgeous July birthstone for yourself or a loved one who was born in the month of July.


NAVIGATION



HISTORY , MEANING AND FOLKLORE OF THE RUBY BIRTHSTONE


Ruby was referred to as the "king of precious stones" in ancient India because of its scarcity, hardness (second only to diamond), beauty, and what appeared to be supernatural qualities. Ruby has a long history of being connected to the life force and was a powerful and vivacious gemstone used in Indian jewelry.


In earlier centuries, some people thought the birthstone for July could foretell bad luck or danger, while others thought it could treat inflammatory illnesses and calm wrath. Burmese warriors thought they were invulnerable in battle because of it. Europeans in the middle ages believed that rubies brought prosperity, success in love, health, and intelligence.

Ruby is not only the birthstone for July, but it is also customarily presented at the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.


The Latin root of the term ruby is ruber, which means red. The ruby is referred to as ratnaraj—king of the valuable stones—in Sanskrit.

Rubies have stood for love, security, and wealth for ages.

The jewel was used as armor decoration by ancient Chinese and Burmese warriors to enhance protection during battle. Some even went so far as to implant the jewels directly into their bodies in the hope of achieving invincible.

The ruby has come to represent devotion and love. It was previously believed to offer protection from bad luck and illness.


The gem was prized by ancient societies because they thought it contained the power of life because of its relationship with blood. Additionally, it is said to reduce bleeding, inflammation, and boost body heat.


Ancient Hindus thought that if they sacrificed rubies to the god Krishna, he would grant them a second chance at life as an emperor.

Long ago, people in India believed that having rubies would make it possible for them to coexist peacefully with their foes. It was believed that wearing a ruby near your heart would make it possible for you to live peacefully.

According to certain myths, rubies have the power to boil water and have an unquenchable flame that can flash through garments.


Ruby gemstone in sunset
Ruby


WHERE CAN ONE FIND RUBIES?


One of the earliest known sources of beautiful rubies is Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), where our search for the birthstone for July begins. The Mogok region of Myanmar has produced some of the most prized rubies for more than five centuries; these brilliant red beauties are softened by light-scattering inclusions and a glowing red brilliance. Ancient Buddhist temples and aged marble can be seen there. Other countries that produce quality ruby gems are the island of Madagascar, Mozambique and Tanzania.

uncut raw ruby gem
uncut raw ruby gem

BIRTHSTONE CARE & CLEANING FOR RUBY


Rubies are frequently heated in order to remove the brownish to orange coloring and leave a more pure red. Additionally, the procedure can eliminate "silk," or tiny needle-like inclusions, which can make a stone appear more opaque and lighter in tone. Heat treatment is commonly accepted in the trade since it is resistant to routine wear and care. However, lattice diffusion treatment and coloring of rubies are also possible.


Surface-reaching fractures and cavities in inferior material may be covered with a type of lead glass to obscure their visibility and make the gem appear more transparent. Some of these processes could render the ruby more prone to harm from regular wear and maintenance.


Always find out if your ruby has been treated and how before you buy. The disclosure of treatments that alter a gemstone's perceived value is mandated by the Federal Trade Commission. An Identification Report by reputable gemological laboratory is crucial for determining if a stone is natural or artificial and whether or not it has undergone any kind of treatment.


The birthstone for July may typically be safely cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. For untreated, heat-treated, and lattice diffusion-treated stones, ultrasonic and steam cleaners are often safe. Stones that are colored or filled with glass should only be cleaned with a moist cloth.


WHY IS THE RUBY SO PRIZED?


One of the rarest (and most romantic) precious stones, this fiery stone is almost as tough and long-lasting as diamond. It is becoming more and more common for engagement rings because it is linked to prosperity, protection, and passionate love. Discover the history, significance, and symbolism of the ruby.


mining rubies
mining rubies

Ruby's Shade


The presence of the trace metal chromium gives rubies their red hue. The red variety of the mineral corundum is called ruby, all other colors of corundum are called Sapphire. The color of ruby may range from a dark, rich deep red to a lighter rose red. When exposed to sunlight, the UV light causes the chromium to glow a bright red.


Ruby gemstones can also have an undertone of orange, pink colors present in the stone. Pigeon-blood red, which is a vivid red stone with a hint of pink, is the most valuable shade of ruby. The amount of chromium in the stone determines how intense the red hue is.


The birthstone for September, the sapphire, is a variation of the mineral corundum. Corundum is colorless in its purest form, while all other color variants except red are referred to as Sapphire.


CONCLUSION


The Ruby is a unique and beautiful gemstone that is loved all around the world! I wonder why people don't use them more frequently in engagement rings and wedding bands?


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