With its name derived from the Latin word “ruber” meaning red – the colour of love and passion – Ruby is the birthstone for the month of July.

In ancient India, ruby was called the “king of precious stones” thanks to its rarity, hardness (second only to diamond), beauty and seemingly mystical powers. Long associated with the life force blood, in Indian jewellers ruby was seen as a symbol of power and youthful energy.

Whilst in past centuries, many believed that the July birthstone could predict misfortune or danger, other claimed it would cure inflammatory diseases and sooth anger, and Burmese warriors believed ruby would make them invincible in battle.

Commanding the highest per-carat price of any coloured gemstone, ruby is a member of the corundum family of minerals. Whilst in its purest form the mineral corundum is colourless, trace elements that become part of the mineral’s crystal structure cause variations in its colour, with Chromium the trace element that causes ruby’s red colour.

Where Are Rubies Found?

One of the oldest recorded sources of fine rubies is Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), with the Mogok area producing some of the most sought-after rubies – vibrant red in colour softened by light-scattering inclusions and a glowing red fluorescence – for more than five centuries.

Since the late 20^th century, Vietnam has been another important source of the July birthstone, with the Luc Yen region in northern Vietnam, where rainforest-clad mountains rise over broad paddy fields, producing rubies of red to purplish red in colour. Further south, the Quy Chay district has also yielded many fine rubies, where today artisanal miners work the soil in hopes of find a gem that will change their fortunes.

Another new important source of rubies is Mozambique. This African nation is home to the prolific mines at Montepuez, and gems found here have been compared to the famed rubies of Mogok.

Specifications

Mineral: Corundum

Chemistry: Al₂O₃

Color: Red

Refractive Index: 1.762 to 1.770

Specific Gravity: 4.00 (+/- 0.05)

Mohs Hardness: 9

Also often given as a gift to commemorate a 15^th or 40^th wedding anniversary, at W.Bruford we hold in stock a beautiful selection of ruby jewellery, perfect for those July birthdays. Often complemented by diamonds, for a little extra sparkle, if you are looking for an ruby pendant, pair of ruby earrings or ruby ring to mark that special occasion, why not pay us a visit today.

Shop Ruby, the July Birthstone, in-store and online HERE.

Information Taken From The GIA (Gemological Institute of America)