Ruby – The July Birthstone

THE GEMSTONE:

Ruby comes from the Latin word ‘ruber’ which means red.  Ruby is the red member of the corundum family.   All other colors are called sapphire.  Corundum is second in hardness only to diamond. The finest rubies have traditionally come from the Mogok region of Burma and were described as ‘pigeon blood’ red, which has blue overtones.  These deposits are basically worked out and new rubies are coming from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and a new find in the Mong Hsu region of Burma.  Ruby is the gemstone for the 40^th wedding anniversary. 

THE LORE:

The highest quality rubies are said to protect their owners from all kinds of misfortune.  A fine ruby assured the owner he would live in harmony with his neighbors.  It would protect his stature in life, his home and land.  Its powers were intensified when set in jewelry and worn on the left side where the eternally burning internal flame assured the wearer of outstanding success in affairs of love.