Ruby

A Ruby is a red variety of the gemstone corundum. The color is caused mainly by chromium. They are mined in countries like Africa, Asia and Australia. Rubies are most often found in Myanmar, Sri Lanka and also at Thailand, though they have also been found in Montana and South Carolina; rubies are exceptionally rare, though artificial ones could be manufactured. Sometimes spinals are found along with rubies in the same geological formations and usually are mistaken for the more valuable gem.

Colour and Value

Ruby gemstones are valued actually according to several characteristics including size, colour, clarity and its cut. All natural rubies have imperfections in them. On the other hand, artificial rubies can have no imperfections. The fewer the number and the less obvious the imperfections, the more valuable the ruby is--unless there could be no imperfections (i.e. a "perfect" ruby)--then it is suspected of being artificially made and is therefore it is no longer a priceless gem. Most manufactured rubies have do pants added to them so that they could be identified as artificial.

"Ruby" lasers operate with a corundum lasing medium. Rubies are the birthstone for people born in the month of July.

The color of the heart, ruby was inspired passion and romance for centuries. Ruby has the power to stimulate sexual desire and also energy. This gem was thought to attract and maintain love and friendship. It's a great choice for an engagement ring.

Ruby History

In the Christian Book of Proverbs it states: "A capable, intelligent and its virtuous woman, who is he who could find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies." The choice of rubies as the penultimate standard of the value is not a coincidence: Rarer than diamonds, and with a color that has variously symbolized blood, anger, love, courage, fire and also royalty, rubies have played a part in the myths and imaginations of cultures around the beautiful world throughout written history. Pre-historic tools found near the mining areas of Myanmar could suggest that man's fascination with rubies predates language itself.

Also the color of blood, ruby has come to symbolize courage and then bravery. According to legend, warriors implanted rubies under their skin to bring valor in battle. As a talisman ruby can warn its owner against danger and disaster. It was also said to cure blood diseases and stop bleeding, ensure good health and bring peace.

Only recent technology has enabled us to definitively distinguish ruby from its colorful "twins." Throughout history, other red gems such as spinal and other garnet were mistaken for ruby. In fact, most large historical red stones (several hundred carats) are spinals. The French and Russian crowns and also the Iranian treasury all contain some of the world's largest, most beautiful "ruby" spinal, itself a rare gem.

The largest known gem-quality ruby--at 260 carats--is on the crown, ordered in 1356 by Charles IV of Luxembourg, king of Bohemia (1317-78), for the shrine containing the skull of Saint Wenceslas, duke of Bohemia (921-28).

In addition to its place as July's birthstone, ruby is always a recommended gift for couples celebrating their 15th or 50th wedding anniversary. According to Hindu legend, ruby was the zodiacal gem for Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 21); in the Arab tradition ruby represents Taurus (April 21 - May 21).