Ruby birthstone of July

June this year saw me celebrate my ruby a.k.a fortieth birthday. There was no celebration as such as we had the graduation showcase at college on the same day and I also hosted some parts of the programme. But I got some silk brocade in ruby red stitched into a dress and worn a pair of glass ruby earrings to match. No real rubies though, for they are incredibly expensive. However, as ruby is the birthstone of July here is post discussing the gemstone in detail.

Origin and chemical composition

Rubies belong to the aluminum corundum family (the same as sapphires), but it is the presence of chromium that gives them their rich red colour. The chemical formula is Al₂O₃ (aluminum oxide). Much like other gemstones, ruby can also be lab grown.

Historically mined in Mogok region in Burma (now Myanmar), the gemstone is now mined in Vietnam, Mozambique and Sri Lanka. Rubies come second on the Mohs scale scoring 9 on 10. Therefore, they are durable enough for daily wear but should still be handled with care. Gemstones such as Spinel as known as Balas Ruby. However, they are neither natural nor lab grown rubies but a different gemstone altogether. Case in point is the Spinel wrongly known as the “Black Prince ruby” and adorns the Imperial crown of England.

Colour and Treatments

Rubies are blood red or pigeon blood red in colour with a bluish or a purplish undertone. Trace amounts of other minerals such as Titanium and and iron can influence the colour. Dull rubies might appear opaque or pinkish and there are people who like pink rubies. However, what I have learnt at GIA is that a pink ruby is a sapphire.

Rubies are routinely heat treated to dissolve the Rutile silk (inclusions) and make them deeper in colour. This can even be done on the street using a coal stove and heating is accepted as a standard industry practice that does not harm rubies. However, other treatments such as glass filling, resin filling and Berrylium treatment (a heat treatment process where beryllium atoms are diffused into corundum) are generally frowned upon. These treatments must be declared during sale for they severely impact the value and the after care of the stone.

However, the needle like inclusions can make the gemstone very unique and beautiful too. When the needles come together, they create a star, an effect that is known as asterism. Such rubies are cut as cabochons and sold as star rubies.

Ruby and India

Ruby or Manikam/Manik denotes the sun and is set in the centre of the Navaratna grid. Proclaimed as Ratnaraj or the “King of Gems” in Sanskrit, a ruby is one of the big four – precious gemstones. According to Shaivite mythology, rubies originated from the blood of Valan Asura and hence a symbol of potency and vitality. For a detailed list of birthstones by month or by Hindu Rasi, check out this post.

Ruby – birthstone of July

A gift of ruby is considered to be a a gift of love and life. It is linked to the heart chakra, passion and summer heat. Its association with love makes it a popular choice for an engagement ring. Whether combined with diamonds or as a standalone stone, ruby makes an impact when worn.

Ruby is the gift for both 40th anniversary and 40th birthday as 40 is considered to be a major milestone in a person’s life or relationship. Further, celebrating your 40th in July is doubly special. I have several friends who are celebrating their 40th birthday’s this July and I wish them a vibrant life. 

I am searching for a rich red ruby and I hope to collect one soon. What about you? Do you have a ruby heirloom or a favorite piece of ruby jewellery that you purchased? Do share it in the comments.

I hope you find it interesting

Cheers