July Birthstone - Ruby

Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum, colored by the element chromium. All other colors of gem-quality corundum are called sapphire, which means color is key for this royal gemstone.

Where it can be found

The finest rubies come from Burma (Myanmar). Rubies have historically been mined in Thailand, Cambodia, Burma, India, Afghanistan, Australia, Namibia, Colombia, Japan, Scotland, Brazil and in Pakistan.

Facts

Accordingly, the name “ruby” comes from rubeus, the Latin word for red. In ancient Sanskrit, ruby translated to ratnaraj, which meant “king of precious stones.” These fiery gems have been treasured throughout history for their color and vitality.
Ruby’s strength and red fluorescence make it valuable for applications beyond jewelry. Both natural and synthetic rubies are used in watchmaking, medical instruments, and lasers.
Tough and durable, ruby measures 9 on the Mohs scale. Diamond is the only natural gemstone harder than ruby.
Burma’s Mogok Valley historically produced the finest ruby material, famous for its deep blood-red color with purplish hues. These Burmese Rubies, also called Pigeon’s Blood Rubies, command a premium over brownish or orange-tinged varieties from other regions.
Almost all rubies have flaws. Rubies without imperfections are exceptionally rare and have prices even higher than diamonds of a similar weight and quality.

Meaning

The July birthstone, ruby, was regarded by ancient Hindus as the “king of gems.” It was believed to protect its wearer from evil. Today, the ruby’s deep-red color signifies love and passion. Rubies are second only two diamonds in terms of their natural hardness and strength.

They are said to signify a variety of very positive traits include wealth, wisdom, health, and success in love. Rubies are most valuable when they are a medium to medium-dark, vivid red or slightly purplish red. If they contain too much purple or orange they will often be dubbed “fancy-color sapphires” instead.

Famous Women with July Birthdays

July 2 - Margot Robbie - Australian actress.

July 5 - Eva Green - French actress and model.

July 10 - Sofia Vergara - Colombian-American actress and model.

July 14 - Jane Lynch - American actress, singer, and comedian.

July 22 - Selena Gomez - American actress and singer.