Ruby - The Birthstone of July

Ruby is the birthstone of July and is known to have fire and emotional properties. Ruby is also known as being the anniversary gemstone for the 15th and 40th wedding anniversary. Ruby mining began well over 2,500 years ago and is still to be found in areas such as Burma, Thailand, Kenya, Tanzania, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Cambodia, America, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Ancient Hindus have referred to rubies as being the “Lord of Gems”. They are well known as one of the most cherished and loved of all gems throughout all periods of their history. The intense firey glow of rubies is thought to have come from its own internal eternal flame.

The ruby is also an icon for many as everlasting love and is a combination of the mineral Corundum which is also called sapphire when it is any other color except red. Only the color red is to be referred to as ruby.

However, there are many exquisite shades of red rubies ranging from an orangey red to a more purplish red. The most valued rubies are perfectly red in color.

Rubies are known for being an enduring gemstone and are only surpassed by the magnificent diamond in regards to hardness. Ancient legends say that you should not make faces at a ruby in a museum or overlook it as it will grow dull if not properly appreciated.

Royalty chose rubies believing they could help to protect them against evil by anticipating its arrival. Monarchs thought that rubies had the ability to grow dark when it sensed danger, and then return to its previous color once the peril had ended.

The Balas Ruby is an unusual type of “spinel” which is a hard glassy mineral. Bohemian rubies are a result of rose quartz, while Siberian “rubies” are in actuality red or pink tourmaline. Rubies are a justly magnificent gem stone and are great as a gift for anybody.

Published by www.MiltonGems.co.uk. Find a vast selection of July birthstone / ruby jewellery. You can also get birthstone info here.