July’s Birthstone: Ruby
A variety of the mineral corundum, rubies are only classified as rubies if they meet a minimum color saturation.
High-quality rubies can be rare, helping explain why they are the most expensive colored gemstone.
Ruby Color
Red, of course. Blood-red rubies are typically more valuable than other shades with similar quality (carat weight, cut and clarity).
Rubies are often more pinkish in hue than garnets, which also occur in deep red colors, but the stones must meet a minimum color saturation to be classified as a ruby in the United States; otherwise they are referred to as pink sapphires.
Ruby Significance
Rubies are thought of as a symbol of love and commitment.
These gemstones are also associated with wealth, passion, and protection.
Some say rubies can bring about good fortune and physical strength.
Ruby History
Rubies have historically been believed to bring protection to the wearer, to the extent that ancient warriors often added rubies to their armor or even inserted them under their skin.
Rubies are among the 5 Cardinal Gems; hailed throughout history as being more precious than others and often worn only by royalty.
Ruby Facts
Rubies are considered one of the 5 Cardinal Gems.
Rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum.
Rubies are mined in Myanmar, which is generally the world’s primary source of the gemstone. They are also found in Thailand and many other locations, including India, Afghanistan, Australia and Brazil.
The “pink sapphire” variant of rubies is found most abundantly in Sri Lanka.
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