Happy Birthday To You!
Are you celebrating a birthday in July? If so, your birthstone is the ruby, which you share along with Tom Hanks, Ringo Starr, Peggy Fleming, and Arnold Schwarzenegger… (not to shabby, huh?)
What Exactly is a Ruby?
The gemstone ruby is a pink to blood-red stone that is a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide). All other gem-quality corundum minerals are called sapphires. However, the presence of the oxide, responsible for the red hue, is what makes a corundum gem a ruby. In fact, the trace element of oxide is the only thing that distinguishes a ruby from a sapphire.
10 Interesting Facts about Rubies:
#1:
The ruby is considered one of the four precious stones, along with the sapphire, emerald, and diamond.
#2:
Like many other gemstones, the ruby is said to have magical powers. One way royalty used the power was as a warning signal. The gemstone was thought to grow darker when danger was approaching and return to its original color once the threat passed.
#3:
It has been said that the Ruby’s red glow comes from an internal flame that is impossible to extinguish, making a gift of this gem symbolic of eternal love. This may be why the gemstone is traditionally given as a 40th anniversay present.
#4:
The ruby is one of the most durable gemstones, surpassed in hardness only by diamonds.
#5:
The name “ruby” comes from the Latin word ‘ruber,’ which means red.
#6:
Rubies, when given as a gift, are a symbol of devotion, integrity and success but it can also be seen as a symbol of power. As an engagement ring, a ruby is known to represent eternal love. Some famous ruby engagement rings include Sarah Ferguson, who along with Princess Diana’s sapphire ring, ignited a trend towards using precious gemstones in engagement rings.
#7:
The ruby has long been associated with kings and godlike figures. In the ancient Sanskrit language, the ruby is called ratnaraj, translated as “king of gemstones.” Ancient Hindus believe that the ruby is the “Lord of all Gems.” In fact, a King of Burma once claimed all rubies over six carats for his own keeping, which entitled him to the nickname “Lord of Rubies.”
#8:
In ancient times, it was thought that the wearer of a ruby was blessed with health, wealth and outstanding success in all affairs of the heart – both physically and metaphorically.
#9:
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History has received one of the world’s largest and finest ruby gemstones. The spectacular 23.1-carat Burmese ruby, set in a platinum ring with diamonds, was donated by businessman and philanthropist Peter Buck in memory of his wife Carmen Lúcia. (Check it out)
#10:
A strong belief in Indian culture is that an offering of rubies to the god Krishna would enable you to be reborn either as an emperor or king, a decision based on the size of the ruby.
