If you were born in July, your birthstone is the stunning Ruby. Ruby, with its vibrant red color, holds deep meaning and powerful symbolism. As the birthstone for July, Ruby is believed to represent passion, love, and courage. Adorned with a Ruby, individuals born in July can celebrate their birthdays with a gemstone that embodies intense emotions, while adding a touch of elegance and charm to their jewelry collection.
What is The Birthstone for July?
Ruby, often referred to as the “King of Gems,” is the birthstone for the month of July. Known for its vibrant red color and captivating allure, this gemstone has been cherished for centuries by royalty, nobility, and gem enthusiasts alike.
Ruby as a birthstone holds a special place in the hearts of those born in July, as it symbolizes passion, love, and courage.
What Color is Ruby?
When one thinks of a ruby, the color red immediately comes to mind. In fact, the name “ruby” is derived from the Latin word “rubeus,” which means red.
Rubies are coveted for their deep, rich hues, ranging from fiery crimson to velvety maroon. This captivating color is a result of the presence of chromium in the gemstone’s composition.
The finest rubies possess a vivid red color, often described as “pigeon blood” or “stoplight” red. These intense hues are highly sought after and command a premium in the market.
However, rubies can also exhibit variations in tone and saturation, ranging from lighter pinks to deeper burgundies. While the preference for ruby color is subjective, a true ruby should always possess a distinct red hue.
Rubies are treasured for their ability to evoke passion and romance. The color red has long been associated with love, desire, and vitality, making ruby an ideal gemstone for expressing one’s emotions. Whether set in an engagement ring, a pendant, or a pair of earrings, the fiery glow of a ruby is sure to make a statement and capture attention.
Birthstone Meanings, Symbolism, and Folklore for Ruby
Rubies have held deep symbolic meanings and significant cultural importance throughout history. Revered as a gem of passion and power, the ruby has been associated with various legends, beliefs, and traditions across different cultures.
In ancient times, the ruby was considered the stone of kings and queens, believed to bestow wealth, prosperity, and protection. Its fiery red color was associated with the life force, representing vitality and courage.
The gemstone was also thought to possess the power of prophecy, guiding individuals toward their destinies and warding off misfortune.
In some cultures, rubies were believed to have healing properties, promoting vitality and enhancing the flow of energy within the body. They were also associated with matters of the heart and love, believed to strengthen relationships, ignite passion, and bring harmony to couples.
Ruby symbolism often reflects its captivating color. The gem is seen as a representation of love, desire, and sensuality. It symbolizes the intense emotions and deep connections shared between individuals.
Rubies have also been associated with strength and courage, inspiring wearers to face challenges with confidence and determination.
Ruby in History
The allure of rubies has been documented throughout history, dating back thousands of years. In ancient India, rubies were highly esteemed and considered the most precious of all gemstones. They were known as “ratnaraj,” meaning the king of precious stones, and were believed to bring good fortune and protect against evil.
The ruby’s significance can also be traced to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Greeks. They associated the gem with the sun, attributing its radiant red color to the fiery energy of the celestial body.
Rubies were often worn as talismans to invoke the sun god’s blessings and bring strength and vitality.
During the Middle Ages, rubies were favored by European nobility and clergy. They adorned crowns, scepters, and other regal jewelry, symbolizing power and authority. Rubies were also used in religious artifacts, representing devotion and divine love.
Ruby in Jewelries
Rubies have long been prized for their exceptional beauty and durability, making them a popular choice for jewelry designs. From regal adornments to modern creations, the allure of ruby continues to captivate jewelry enthusiasts worldwide.
Their vibrant red color, combined with their exceptional hardness and brilliance, makes rubies a timeless gemstone that adds a touch of luxury and elegance to any piece of jewelry.
Whether it’s a vintage ruby necklace or a contemporary ruby-studded ring, the mesmerizing allure of rubies is sure to leave a lasting impression and make a statement of sophistication and glamour.
Ruby Durability
Ruby is a remarkably durable gemstone, ranking only second to diamonds in terms of hardness. It belongs to the corundum mineral family, renowned for its toughness and resistance to scratching.
With a score of 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, rubies are highly suitable for everyday wear in various jewelry pieces, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
The durability of rubies makes them an excellent choice for engagement rings and other pieces that are exposed to daily wear and tear. Their hardness ensures that they can withstand the rigors of daily activities without losing their brilliance or succumbing to damage.
Frequently Asked Questions about July Birthstones
What birthstone is Cancer?
The birthstone for the zodiac sign Cancer, which falls between June 21 and July 22, is the ruby. Rubies are known for their vibrant red color and are believed to bring harmony, protection, and courage to individuals born under this sign.
What birthstone is Leo?
Individuals born under the zodiac sign Leo, which spans from July 23 to August 22, are associated with the birthstone peridot.
Peridot is a brilliant green gemstone that symbolizes strength, abundance, and protection. It is believed to bring good fortune and promote positive energy for those born under the sign of Leo.
Are rubies expensive?
Rubies are considered one of the most valuable and sought-after gemstones, and their price can vary depending on several factors.
The quality of the ruby, including its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, greatly influences its value. The finest rubies with a rich, intense red color, high clarity, and minimal treatments or enhancements can command exceptionally high prices.
However, smaller rubies or those with slight color variations may be more affordable. It is always recommended to purchase rubies from reputable sources and seek a gemstone certification to ensure authenticity and value.
What are the alternative birthstones for July?
In addition to rubies, the modern alternative birthstones for July are carnelian and onyx. Carnelian is a reddish-brown to orange variety of chalcedony and is believed to enhance vitality, courage, and creativity.
Onyx, on the other hand, is a black gemstone associated with strength, protection, and self-control.
While rubies are the most widely recognized birthstones for July, these alternative gemstones provide individuals with more options to choose from based on their personal preferences and style.
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