The Ruby
Hailing from Myanmar and Burma, these gemstones are the second rarest in the world, next to diamonds, but rarity isn’t the only thing that makes this rock special.
Like most stones, ruby is created by the intense heat and pressure of oxygen and aluminum atoms. Without chromium, a ruby would be a sapphire, but the presence of said element give the ruby its iconic color. The most desirable color of the ruby is vibrant red, however, rubies can come with a variety of purple, orange, and pink tints depending on the presence of ferric iron.
Across a variety of cultures, the ruby symbolizes passion, protection, and wealth.
In Burma, warriors believed that wearers of the ruby would make them invincible in battle. The precious stone was believed to have come from a dragon egg, and that God created the gem when he created the world.
In Hindu tradition, the ruby was referred to as “the king of precious stones” because of its physical beauty and mystical properties. Wearers of the gemstone were believed to be powerful and exert youthful energy, making it desired by rulers. It is also believed that if Hindus were to offer a ruby to the goddess Krishna they would be resurrected as a king or emperor in their next life.
Astrologers believed that rubies would strengthen someone’s weaker Sun sign in their birth charts. They believed it had the power to boost vitality, confidence, and leadership abilities.
Celtic tradition holds that the stone represents that spirit that burns inside each individual and their determination and strength that define their path in life.
Nowadays, rubies are symbolic of one’s 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries due to their believed power in strengthening love and commitment. They also make great bridal and engagement rings as the red color is meant to symbolize the couple’s depth of emotion and strength of long lasting relationships.
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Happy Birthday to those born in July.
Celebrate with a ruby.
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