Ruby is the July birthstone. This red colored corundum was considered to have many magical powers. Ruby sometimes displays a three-ray, six-point star. This effect, called asterism, is caused by light reflecting off tiny rutile needles, called “silk,” which are oriented along the crystal faces.Fine rubies are probably among the world’s rarest gems

Of Passion And Power, Courage And Love – Qualities Of The Ruby, Ruling Gemstone Of July!

The red July birthstone, The Ruby, was long accorded a lofty position in the order of gems by the ancient Hindus. It was christened the ‘King Of Gems’, a tribute to its blood red intensity, believed to protect the wearer from evil, signify love and intense passion. Besides the ancient Hindus, tribes in other parts of the world were fascinated by this stone, and its deep red color was synonymous with War and victory. Other attributes of the Ruby are harmony, contentment, integrity, strength, protection from Evil and success.

Cancer Birthstone

Cancer’s secret desire is to feel safe, spiritually, emotionally, financially and romantically. They are compassionate and contradictory with a changeable eccentric nature. Their life pursuit is a constant reassurance and intimacy. Cancers can appear hard and insensitive on the outside but deep in themselves lies a softness and some sensitivity that makes them so very special.

When a Cancer wears a ruby, a protection of your feelings occurs, allowing you to be yourself.

Meaning, Significance and Symbolism Of The July Birthstone

In the days of Yore, rubies adorned Kings, head of warrior tribes and political rulers as it was believed to enhance their leadership skills and power of decision-making. The belief has evolved through the ages, and today the stone is believed to aid wearers in making important decisions in life, particularly financial decisions. In the Hindu culture, the July birthstone, Ruby, was associated with Power, Passion and Protection. The ruby was also believed to have curative properties and used to improve blood circulation. The belief entails however, the one must not wear a ruby anywhere close to the Solar Plexus as the stone has adverse effects on the area. The blood-red stone is said to symbolize strength, vitality, confidence, leadership, and courage. The red ruby is associated with passion and love.

Ruby is the gemstone of those born in July, under the Cancer sun-sign.

Interesting Facts About The Ruby, July Birthstone

The ancient Hindus called the July birthstone “Rajnapura” or the King of Gems and believed the stone radiated a warmth and luminosity from an internal flame. This was linked to Love and passion that emanates from the heart, making this stone the perfect gift for ardent lovers, since its discovery about 2,000 years ago.

The stone has featured prominently in the famous children’s movie, The Wizard of Oz, with the protagonist’s shoes made of Blood Red ruby.   According to sources, the casting director was fascinated by the stone and wanted the stone featured in his movie.

Interestingly, the Ruby and Sapphire are from the same gemstone family, Corundum, the only difference being their color. The Sapphire is Blue, the green Sapphire is Emerald and the red, Ruby.

The July Birthstone, Ruby is considered one of the four precious stones, along with emerald, diamond and sapphire. Ruby Red Gems To Quicken The Heart.

Etymology Of The July Birthstone, Ruby

The name Ruby comes from the Latin word, ‘Ruber’, meaning Red.

Scientific Make Up – Composition Of The July Birthstone

The ruby comes from part of a family of minerals called the Corundum, encompassing Sapphires. The ruby is only differentiated from the Sapphire by its color. The ruby has a range of hues, from pink to blood-red, a variety of the mineral, corundum or aluminium oxide. The red color of the stone is due to the element Chromium.

Characteristics Of The Ruby

Color

Around the world, the Ruby is a gemstone from the Corundum family that naturally occurs as a red or pink stone or with any shade in between. In the United state however, a minimum color saturation must be met to qualify the stone as a Ruby. Otherwise the stone is called a Pink Sapphire. As a result of the difficulty in making a distinction between a Pink sapphire and a ruby, trade organizations like the International Colored Gemstone Association has adopted the broader definition for the Ruby, which encompasses the pink stones as well.

Origin

The Mogok district in Burma is rich with large, blood red rubies. The stones are of a purple-red hue, a color that earns the Ruby the name, ‘Pigeon’s Blood’. Myanmar, Thailand, Kenya, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Tanzania, Australia and the United States are other sources of the Ruby.

Healing Power

The ruby is believed to have many healing properties. The stone is associated with the Sun, and was believed by the ancients to preserve physical and mental health of an individual. In the Middle Ages, the stone was thought to have prophetic powers, darkening when danger was imminent. Ivan the Terrible, Russian despot, believed that the ruby was good for the heart, brain and memory. Sources reveal a thirteenth century prescription to cure liver problems with powered ruby. Rubies were believed to purge the body of toxins, restore youth and vitality when rubbed on the skin.

Physically, rubies are believed to energize and bring balance to the body, stimulate the heart Chakra and spur a passion for life. Emotionally, the stone is believed to motivate the wearer to achieve goals, acquire leadership skills and amass wealth. Few believe the ruby is the stone of love and passion, and enhances sexual activity.

Value Of The July Birthstone

The ruby was considered the stone of love, of passion, energy and power, promoting a zest for life in the wearer. The other important element, believed to feature in the stone besides fire is blood, tied to one’s life force, a stone that increases energy and vigor. The July birthstone is one of the world’s four precious stones, a gemstone that is strongly tied to earthy qualities, power and ambition in Men.