Monthly Gemstone Selection: Ruby for Individuals Born in July

In the realm of precious gemstones, rubies hold a unique and esteemed position. Known for their vibrant red hue and profound historical, cultural, and scientific significance, rubies have been admired across many ancient civilizations.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Rubies, one of the twelve precious stones mentioned in the Bible, have been revered for their beauty and wisdom. In ancient India, they were called Ratnaraj, or "King of Gems," and were believed to contain an inner flame that protected the wearer from evil. Indian royalty and warriors donned rubies as a symbol of power, status, and protection [1][2][3][5].

Burmese (Myanmar) rubies, particularly from the Mogok Valley, are renowned for their exceptional quality. Burmese warriors embedded rubies in their skin to gain invincibility in battle [1][3]. In ancient China, rubies were integrated into armor and buried with emperors for protection in the afterlife, as red symbolizes good fortune [1][2][3].

Medieval Europeans revered rubies for healing blood-related ailments and believed they ensured health, wisdom, and success in love. They also regarded rubies as talismans that darkened in danger's presence [1][2][3][4]. Across cultures, rubies symbolized life, blood, protection, courage, passion, divine right to rule, and everlasting fortune [1][2][3][4][5].

Scientific Significance and Origin

Rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum, colored red primarily due to trace amounts of chromium. Historically, the most prized rubies came from Myanmar's Mogok Valley, known for their exceptional color and clarity. They were long considered the main supply globally [1][3]. Today, rubies are also found in other parts of the world, including Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Africa, though Mogok rubies remain highly revered.

Treatments and Identification

While the search results do not detail treatments extensively, scientifically, rubies are commonly treated by heat to improve color and clarity. Identification of natural versus synthetic rubies and treatments is done through gemological analysis, including checking inclusions, fluorescence, and advanced spectroscopy [1].

Modern Perspective

Sapphires have more flexibility with their colours, including blue and any other colour aside from red. Rubies are believed in some cultures to bring prosperity and protection. The ruby is a member of the corundum gem species, along with sapphires. Commercial quantities of ruby are found in numerous locations including Myanmar, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Vietnam [4].

Ruby crystals often have distinctive inclusions that may aid identification. Historically, all red gemstones were called a ruby until the late 18th century. Twinning occurs when a crystal changes its direction of growth during formation, and is a characteristic of ruby crystals [2]. Rubies are specifically red and coloured by chromium [1].

Rubies are often associated with love, and the most valued ruby is sometimes referred to as 'pigeon's blood' - a deep, rich red [3]. Their rich history is intertwined with cultural beliefs and enduring symbolism worldwide [1][2][3][4][5].

In the field of gemmology, understanding the intricacies of rubies is essential due to their profound historical, cultural, and scientific significance.
Many instruments, such as loupes, spectroscopes, and microscopes, are used to identify and analyze the characteristics of rubies in gemmology.
Membership in organizations like the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) or the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) can provide valuable resources and knowledge for those interested in the study of rubies and other gemstones.
Workshops and courses in gemmology offer hands-on experiences and certification for those seeking professional careers in the industry.
Publications like the Book of the Monthly Gemmological Reports, Gems & Gemology, and the Journal of Gemmology provide valuable insights and research on rubies and other gemstones.
Despite their luxury status, rubies are not limited to fine jewelry and can be found in various aspects of lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and more.
In today's world, rubies symbolize not only traditional values like love, passion, and protection but also modern concepts like prosperity and success driven by one's knowledge and self-development in the realm of education and self-development.
For those who appreciate the finer things in life, rubies can be part of luxury shopping experiences, with ruby-infused fashion, cosmetics, and even food products available.
The allure of rubies does not end with jewelry; they are also associated with entertainment, casinos, and gambling, as well as sports, cars, and travel, adding to their broader symbolism and admiration across various aspects of life.