July's favorite gemstone, the ruby, is from the corundum family. Sapphires are included in that same family; the difference being the traces of chromium oxide that give the ruby its rich, red hues. The word ruby is from the Latin word ruben which, of course, means red. The ruby's spectacular color ranges from a pinkish red to a deep blood red. The most favored color is a deep red with a hint of blue.
Legend and lore have credited rubies with many characteristics, not the least of which suggesting the ruby's original source as being "a drop of blood from the heart of Mother Earth". With few exceptions, rubies have represented desirable attributes including health, wealth, wisdom, and love. Many cultures, royalty, and even religions have prized and valued the symbol as well as the ruby itself.
Though sourced in many parts of the world, the finest specimens of the fiery gemstone have been produced in Myanmar (formerly Burma), thus the reference of Burmese ruby to the highest quality stones.
Ruby factoids:
- Rubies are very hard, a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale (diamonds are 10).
- Almost all rubies have flaws, those without are exceptionally rare.
- The largest ruby known today is the "Edith Haggin de Long Star" held at the American Museum of Natural History and weighs over one hundred carats.
- Rubies are durable and easy to clean. When not wearing them, store in a jewelry case or soft cloth to prevent them from gathering dust.
Give the gift of rubies to show your devotion and impeccably good taste.
