Ruby – July Birthstone

The word Ruby comes from the Latin "rubeus," meaning red. The ruby belongs to the corundum family and it is considered the second hardest natural mineral after diamonds and the red colour is caused by large or smaller amounts of chromium. Others colours of corundum are called Sapphire. Rubies can be any shade of red up to pink, dark red being the most exquisite shade. Large sized rubies are very rare and valuable.

Ruby is considered as the King of Gemstones, both for its rarity and for its beauty. It was considered by all the ancient civilisations as the symbol of the sun which represents the strength of life, internal fire, love and passion. Several Hindi legends tell that the red glow found in Rubies comes from an "internal flame" that cannot be extinguished. Therefore rubies are the perfect engagement gifts, symbolizing everlasting love. Ruby is also the anniversary gemstone for the 15th and 40th years of marriage.

On the spiritual plan, the ruby gives impetus and movement to life. Stone of the joy of living, it preserves from self-destruction. On the psychological plan, it brings intensity and dynamism, animates, and preserves from lethargy and exhaustion.

Onyx and turquoises are also birthstones for July. Onyx is a chalcedony tinged by inclusions of iron and manganese. In jewellery is usually cut and used as a cabochon. The range of its colours may vary from white to almost every other colour, black being the most common and popular. In the Middle Ages, onyx was considered as a source of misfortune bringing sadness, fear and discord. Today it is still considered as the stone of egoists. On the spiritual plan, it strengthens self-conscience and the sense of responsibility.
This stone derives its name from Turkey where European crusaders discovered it for the first time. The turquoise was in many civilizations a stone which protected against the malefic magic.
The turquoise balances mood swings, gives liveliness, and facilitates the intuition. The turquoise is ancient, yet again and again it finds itself back in fashion. Its magnificent blue colour is one of the most popular colours in the world of jewellery and fashion.

Above: Gold Ring with ruby from Goldstone Silver. You can see more details here.

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