The Birthstone of July - Ruby

Ruby is July’s birthstone and is known to have fire and emotion properties. Ruby is also known as being the anniversary gemstone for the 15th and 40th marriage anniversary. Ruby mining began over 2,500 years ago and is still found in areas such as Burma, Thailand, Kenya, Tanzania, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Cambodia, America, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

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Ancient Hindus referred to rubies as the “Lord of Gems”. They are well known as one of the most prized of all gems throughout all periods of history. The intense fiery glow of rubies is known to come from its internal eternal flame.

The ruby is a symbol for many as everlasting love and is a combination of mineral Corundum which is called sapphire when it is any other colour except red. Only the colour red is referred to as ruby.

However there are many beautiful shades of red rubies ranging from an orangey red to a more purplish red. The highest valued rubies are true red in colour.

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Rubies are known for being a durable gemstone and are only surpassed by the magnificent diamond in regards to hardness. Ancient legends say that you should name make faces at a ruby in a museum or ignore it as it will grow dull if not appreciated.

Royalty selected rubies believing they could help protect them against evil by anticipating its arrival. Monarchs believed that rubies had the power to darken when it sensed danger, and then return to its original colour once the threat was gone.

The Balas Ruby is a special type of “spinel” which is a hard glassy mineral. Bohemian rubies are derived from rose quartz, while Siberian “rubies” are in fact red or pink tourmaline. Rubies are a truly magnificent gemstone and are great as a gift for anyone.

Take a closer look at our ruby / july birthstone collection - click here.

Martin.

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