Amongst the numerous gemstones that are considered to be precious gemstones, the Ruby has been considered king for a very long time. The Ruby gemstone has a rich history that dates back to over 200 B.C. The stone has a unique red color and has been an extremely popular gemstone for multiple centuries. Even today, the Ruby still remains one of the most famous gemstones in existence, and the value of these stones certainly provides evidence of its popularity. Different cultures and civilizations have had different beliefs surrounding the Ruby gemstone, and the stone makes a perfect addition to almost any kind of jewelry. Let’s dig deeper into the origins of the Ruby, and also take a look at some excellent gift choices when buying a Ruby for someone born in July.
Ruby, The Birthstone Of July
The Ruby gemstone is known for its distinct red hue. Its name has been derived from the word “ruber”, which is a Latin word that translates to “red”; thus perfectly describing the color of the Ruby gemstone. It should be noted that, even though the majority of Ruby gemstones are red in color, the intensity of the red hue can range from a light pink color toward a very dark and intense red color. The more intense the red hue of a Ruby gemstone, the more valuable the stone – thus, if you are looking to buy a Ruby on a relatively small budget, then you may want to look for a Ruby with a less intense color, or opt for one that is closer to a pink shade.
Rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum. Aluminum oxide may also be present in these stones. All gemstones of the mineral corundum variety that possess a red shade are considered a Ruby – all other colors are classified as sapphires. The red shade of the Ruby gemstone is caused by collections of chromium inside of the gemstone.
Rubies are extremely durable, ranking just below Diamonds on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. These gemstones are more durable and harder than Quartz and Topaz stones. They rank nine out of ten on the scale, which makes a Ruby perfect for everyday wear – even in rings. The hardness of the gemstone means a Ruby is less likely to become damaged, even with extensive wear.
The Sunrise Ruby was the most expensive kind of this gemstone ever to be sold. The Ruby weighed a total of 25.5 carats. It was sold for a total of $30 million. This, however, is not the largest Ruby in existence. A Chinese jewelry company owns the largest of these gemstones, weighing more than 40,000 carats.
Rubies come in many different forms and sizes, which makes them perfect in a variety of jewelry settings. Rubies are often found in earrings, but can also be fitted into rings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets and more. These gemstones can also be purchased loose and fitted into a custom piece of jewelry, or added to a gemstone collection. In addition to being the perfect gift for someone born in July, Rubies are also traditionally gifted as wedding anniversary gifts for couples celebrating their 15th and 40th anniversary.
Conclusion
Associated with protection, passion and many other beliefs, the Ruby gemstone has been a popular choice for many centuries. Those individuals born in July also have this stone representing them as their birthstone. In this post, we have taken a closer look at the Ruby, including where it came from, what beliefs and legends have been associated with the stone, how these stones are valued and also provided some gift ideas when choosing to buy someone a Ruby.