In Hindu folklore, the glowing fire within rubies burned so hot that they allegedly boiled water. They also buried rubies beneath building foundations to secure good fortune.Īncient Hindus believed they’d be reborn as emperors if they offered rubies to the god Krishna. Chinese noblemen adorned their armor with rubies because they believed the gem would grant protection. Records suggest that rubies were traded along China’s North Silk Road as early as 200 B.C. Rubies have been particularly prized in Asian countries.
Ymbolic of passion, protection and prosperity, the ruby has been revered since ancient times. It is believed to amplify energy, heighten awareness, promote courage and bring success in wealth, love and battle. Both natural and synthetic rubies are used in watchmaking, medical instruments and lasers.ĭue to its deep red color, ruby has long been associated with the life force and vitality of blood. Ruby’s strength and red fluorescence make it valuable for applications beyond jewelry. Diamond is the only natural gemstone harder than ruby. Tough and durable, ruby measures 9 on the Mohs scale. Other ruby deposits exist in Vietnam, Thailand, India, parts of the Middle East, East Africa and even the United States. The Mong Hsu region of Myanmar began producing rubies in the 90s after discovering that heat treatment improved the color saturation. These Burmese Rubies, also called Pigeon’s Blood Rubies, command a premium over brownish or orange-tinged varieties from other regions. Few rubies actually grow large enough to crystallize into fine quality gems, and these can bring even higher prices than diamonds.īurma’s Mogok Valley historically produced the finest ruby material, famous for its deep blood-red color with purplish hues. Paradoxically, chromium is also what makes this gem scarce because it can cause cracks and fissures. The chromium that gives ruby its red color also causes fluorescence, which makes rubies glow like a fire from within. In ancient Sanskrit, ruby translated to ratnaraj, which meant “king of precious stones.” These fiery gems have been treasured throughout history for their vitality. All other colors of gem-quality corundum are called sapphire, which means color is key for this royal stone.Īccordingly, the name “ruby” comes from rubeus, the Latin word for red. Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum, colored by the element chromium.
Symbolic of the passion and energy associated with the color red, the vibrant ruby is said to bring love and success. Ruby, the king of precious gems, is the birthstone for fortunate folks born in July.
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