JULY BIRTHSTONE RUBY: Its Magic, History & Properties

Origin of July Birthstone Ruby

Birthstones are gemstones associated with the months of the year. Wearing the gemstone corresponding to one’s birth month is believed to bring luck, protection and other benefits.

Ruby is the birthstone for July. The recognition of ruby as the July birthstone has deep roots in ancient traditions, particularly in India, Poland and Russia.

Ruby’s place as the July birthstone became established in 1912, when the American National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America) created a standardized list of birthstones. Their chart formally recognized ruby as the July birthstone, thus cementing its status as the gemstone for those born in the seventh month of the year.

Physical Characteristics of July Birthstone Ruby

July birthstone ruby is a remarkable gemstone that exhibits a striking appearance and unique physical properties, which made it one of the most revered gemstones throughout history.

1. Color

The most distinctive feature of ruby is its intense red color, ranging from deep crimson to vivid pinkish red. This color comes from trace amounts of chromium within the crystal.

2. Hardness

Scoring 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, ruby is one of the hardest gemstones on earth. This hardness makes ruby exceptionally durable and suitable for everyday wear.

3. Transparency

Rubies typically range in clarity from transparent to translucent. The finest rubies are highly transparent, allowing light to pass through and produce a rich, deep red color.

4. Luster

When polished, ruby has a vitreous or glassy luster, which enhances its brilliance.

5. Crystal Structure

Ruby belongs to the corundum mineral family, which also includes sapphire. Thus, like sapphires, rubies typically form as hexagonal crystals. These crystals can exhibit strong pleochroism, meaning they may show different colors when viewed from different angles.

6. Fluorescence

Due to the presence of chromium within the crystals, rubies may exhibit fluorescence under ultraviolet light, by which the stones emit a red glow.

7. Inclusions

Like many gemstones, rubies often contain inclusions. These internal imperfections can include needles of rutile, known as ‘silk.’ When dense enough, these inclusions can enhance the ruby’s appearance through a phenomenon called ‘asterism,’ which produces a star on the surface of a cabochon-cut ruby.

Popular Cuts for July Birthstone Ruby

To maximize its color and brilliance, July birthstone ruby undergoes cutting and polishing. There are a variety of shapes popular for ruby.

1. Round Cut

The round brilliant cut is a classic and versatile choice for rubies. This cut features a circular shape with multiple facets arranged to maximize the reflection of light, resulting in exceptional brilliance.

2. Oval Cut

Oval-cut rubies have an elongated rounded shape that showcases the gemstone’s color and clarity. This cut is elegant, and can appear larger than other shapes of the same carat weight.

3. Cushion Cut

Characterized by a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, the cushion cut is a popular choice for rubies. This cut combines a vintage look with modern brilliance, highlighting a ruby’s color and clarity.

4. Pear Cut

Also known as ‘teardrop,’ the pear cut features a rounded side tapering to a point at the other end. This elegant cut can showcase ruby’s color and brilliance, making it a popular choice for pendants and earrings.

5. Emerald Cut

The emerald cut is a step-cut style characterized by a rectangular or square shape with cropped corners. While less common for rubies, the emerald cut can emphasize the gemstone’s color and clarity, offering a sophisticated and timeless appearance.

6. Princess Cut

The princess cut is a square or rectangular shape with numerous facets, similar to the round brilliant cut but with a more geometric appearance. Rubies cut in a princess shape can have a modern and elegant look.

7. Marquise Cut

The marquise cut is an elongated shape with pointed ends, resembling the hull of a boat. This cut can make the ruby appear larger.

Historical Use of July Birthstone Ruby

July birthstone ruby has a rich history in various cultures, where the stone was famous for its beauty, symbolism and perceived mystical properties.

1. Ancient Indian and Asian Cultures

In ancient India, rubies were highly popular gemstones known as ratnaraj, meaning ‘king of gems.’ Associated with the sun in Hindu astrology, rubies were believed to bring good health, wealth and protection to the wearer. Thus, Indian royalty adorned themselves with rubies. Similarly, in other Asian cultures such as China and Myanmar, rubies were symbols of power, prosperity and protection.

2. Ancient Roman and Greek Mythology

The ancient Greeks and Romans attributed magical properties to rubies, and considered them symbols of love, passion or courage. Believed to have protective powers, rubies often came in amulets and talismans.

3. Islamic and Middle Eastern Traditions

Since ancient times, Iranians and Arabs knew rubies to belong to the same mineral as sapphire, which they called yacut. In these Islamic cultures, rubies were esteemed gemstones associated with blessings and protection.

4. Medieval Europe

During the Middle Ages, rubies held a special place in European royalty and aristocracy. The stones often appeared in crowns and other royal insignia as symbols of wealth and authority. Rubies were also believed to offer protection against harm and bring good fortune.

5. Burmese Mythology

Formerly known as Burma, Myanmar has long been famous for its exceptional rubies. Burmese folklore tells of the Valley of Rubies, where the red stones hatched abundantly from a mythical serpent’s egg. The Burmese people believed that rubies possessed the power to invigorate the body and protect the wearer from harm.

Metaphysical Properties of July Birthstone Ruby

Across various cultures, July birthstone ruby holds symbolic and metaphysical properties, resonating with individuals seeking deeper meaning in their gemstones.

1. Vitality and Life Force

The intense red color of rubies has borne associations with vitality, energy and life force. In ancient India, for instance, rubies were believed to invigorate the body and enhance physical and mental strength. The stones stimulate the flow of life force, known as prana, throughout the body.

2. Protection and Courage

Throughout history, rubies have been valued for their protective qualities. The stones served as talismans to bring courage and strength to the wearer. Rubies also ward off negative energies, evil spirits and misfortune.

3. Wealth and Prosperity

Rubies have been symbols of wealth and prosperity in many cultures. Representing abundance, success and good fortune, rubies are precious gemstones fit for royalty and nobility.

4. Spiritual Enlightenment

Some traditions view rubies as stones that stimulate spiritual growth and enlightenment. Rubies awaken the inner self, promote self-awareness, and strengthen one’s connection to the divine.

5. Royal Status and Prestige

Rubies have historically borne associations with royalty and nobility. Symbolizing power, authority and regal splendor, the stones often appeared in crowns, jewelry and ceremonial objects of kings and queens.

6. Love and Passion

Ruby is a stone of love and passion. In many cultures, the stone was believed to ignite passion and kindle the flame of love between partners. Thus, the vibrant red color of ruby symbolizes romance, devotion and deep emotional connection.

7. Balance and Harmony

In holistic healing practices, rubies are thought to restore balance and harmony within the body, mind and spirit.

8. Passion for Life

Rubies inspire a zest for life and a sense of enthusiasm. The stones encourage individuals to live passionately and embrace joy, creativity and adventure.

July Birthstone Color

The July birthstone color is a vibrant red. This rich red color is one of the defining characteristics of rubies. Symbolizing passion, love and courage, ruby’s red color comes in a range of shades.

1. Pigeon-Blood Red

This shade refers to the most sought-after color for rubies. Pigeon-blood red is a vivid, pure red resembling the color of a pigeon’s fresh blood spilled over its white feathers. This term often describes the finest rubies from Myanmar. Rubies with this intense color are exceptionally rare and valuable.

2. Vivid Red

Rubies that exhibit a vibrant and intense red color without the presence of brown undertones are highly prized. These rubies are known for their brilliance, and can command premium prices in the gemstone market.

3. Pinkish Red

Some rubies display a lighter, more pinkish-red hue. Pinkish-red rubies retain the characteristic red color of rubies while offering a softer tone. With their delicate, romantic appearance, pinkish rubies are also popular.

4. Brownish Red or Purple-Red

Rubies with secondary hues of brown or purple are generally less desirable. Stones with these tones may be less valuable compared to those with a pure, vibrant red color.

Modern Uses of July Birthstone Ruby

Due to its stunning color and durability, ruby continues to be a cherished gemstone widely used in jewelry, along with other applications.

1. Fine Jewelry

Ruby is a popular choice for fine jewelry, including rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets. Often set in precious metals – such as gold and platinum – rubies are often the center stones of engagement rings, or the gemstones of earrings and necklaces.

2. High-End Watches

Rubies come in luxury watches, particularly in the mechanisms to reduce friction and wear. Their hardness and smooth surface make rubies ideal for watches, whose durability and precision the stones enhance.

3. Sculpture

Rubies have appeared in sculptures, where they add a touch of color and luxury. Contemporary artists may use small rubies as accents or focal points in art pieces to evoke emotion or symbolism.

4. Royal Regalia

Throughout history, rubies have appeared in royal regalia or ceremonial objects. The stones figured in the crown jewels of various monarchies around the world. One famous example of ruby jewelry is Queen Elizabeth’s Burmese Ruby Tiara, which features 96 rubies from Myanmar set among diamonds in an exquisite tiara.

5. Healing and Metaphysical Practices

In alternative healing and metaphysical practices, rubies are believed to have energizing and protective properties. The stones serve as charms to promote vitality, passion and courage.

Sources of July Birthstone Ruby

While laboratories have produced synthetic rubies, natural rubies from reputable sources continue to be highly prized. These rare and beautiful stones occur in various locations around the world, with certain regions known for producing high-quality rubies.

1. Myanmar

Myanmar has historically been renowned for producing many of the finest rubies in the world. The Mogok Valley in Myanmar is particularly famous for the intense-red stones known as ‘pigeon-blood rubies.’

2. Thailand

Thailand is another significant source of rubies, particularly from the Chanthaburi and Trat provinces. Though often heat-treated to enhance their appearance, Thai rubies are prized for their deep red color.

3. Sri Lanka

Known historically as Ceylon, Sri Lanka is famous for producing a variety of gemstones, including rubies. Sri Lankan rubies are typically lighter in color compared to Burmese rubies, but are valued for their brilliance.

4. Madagascar

Madagascar has emerged as a notable source of rubies in recent years. The Ilakaka region in southern Madagascar produces the stones, including those of fine, gem-grade quality.

5. Tanzania

Rubies occur in Tanzania, particularly in the Longido and Mahenge areas. Tanzanian rubies exhibit a range of colors, from pinkish red to deep red.

6. Mozambique

Mozambique is known for producing rubies, particularly in the Montepuez area. Mozambican rubies can exhibit a rich red color, and are sometimes similar in appearance to Burmese rubies.

7. Afghanistan

Rubies have come from Afghanistan for centuries, particularly from the Jagdalek region. Afghan rubies can be a dark red.

Care and Maintenance of July Birthstone Ruby

Rubies are timeless gemstones that deserve proper care to preserve their beauty and longevity. By following these tips, one can ensure that their ruby retains its beauty and value for years to come.

1. Cleaning

To clean your ruby, use a soft cloth or brush with warm, soapy water. Gently scrub the stone to remove dirt and grime. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can damage the gemstone or its setting.

2. Storage

To prevent scratching, store your ruby jewelry separately from other gemstones, particularly diamonds. Keep your ruby in a fabric-lined jewelry box or pouch, which would protect the gem both from dust and scratches.

3. Avoid Abrasive Materials

Rubies are relatively hard gemstones, but they can still suffer scratches from harder materials, particularly diamond. Hence, avoid wearing rubies when doing activities that may expose them to abrasive substances.

4. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

While rubies are durable, extreme temperatures can affect them. Thus, avoid exposing your ruby to sudden temperature changes, as this can cause thermal shock and potentially damage the gemstone.

5. Professional Cleaning

For deep cleaning or maintenance, take your ruby to a professional jeweler, who can inspect the setting, clean the ruby using safe methods, and check for any signs of damage.

The Beauty of July Birthstone Ruby

In modern society, July birthstone ruby continues to be a gemstone cherished for its beauty and durability. Representing love and courage, the stone often figures in fine jewelry. Its vivid red hue evokes feelings of passion and energy, making ruby a timeless and meaningful choice for those born in July.

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