July is associated with a captivating and radiant birthstone with a special place in gemstones and jewelry. As the heat of summer reaches its peak, individuals born in July are fortunate to claim the vibrant ruby as their July birthstone.
Are you now interested to learn more about July Birthstone? Well, go through this article and discover everything related to this.
Exploring the History and Symbolism of July Birthstone: Ruby
Accompanied by a captivating image, the name “ruby” originates from the Latin word “Rubeus,” meaning “red,” which aptly describes the stone’s stunning color. The history of rubies dates back to around 200 B.C. when they were traded along China’s silk road. The July birthstone is mentioned six times in the St. James Bible.
The first rubies were unearthed in Asia, with high-quality specimens discovered in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar (formerly Burma) during the early 1900s. In ancient Sanskrit, ruby is called the “king of precious stones.” Even during the Middle Ages, Chinese noblemen adorned their armor with this gem to ensure protection and strength.
In India, ancient Hindus would offer rubies to their gods, believing that in their next life, they would be reborn as powerful kings or emperors. Symbolically, the ruby represents a potent gemstone that activates the heart chakra and safeguards against heartbreak. It holds a profound connection to love, enhancing faithfulness and devotion in romantic relationships, making it an ideal gift for Valentine’s Day.
Courage, happiness, and integrity are closely associated with the ruby, while it also ignites a passion for life, banishes procrastination, and aids in concentration, thus aiding in completing tasks. A ruby is believed to protect one’s life and promote inner peace. Ultimately, this gemstone embodies power, protection, and courage.
How Ruby Is Connected with July
Like many gemstones, the birthstone for July, ruby, is formed deep underground under high heat and immense pressure. This natural process aligns perfectly with the essence of July, representing the warm summer month it is celebrated.
The formation of rubies symbolically connects them to the energy and vibrancy of the season. Ruby’s association with July also extends to the zodiac signs of Cancer and Leo, symbolizing the love and loyalty embodied by individuals born under these signs.
Shades of Ruby: Exploring the Range of Colors in July Birthstones
Ruby exhibits a captivating range of colors within the spectrum of red. A deep, rich red is the most popular and sought-after shade for July birthstones. However, rubies can also showcase colors that lean towards dark pinks and red-hued purples. These variations add diversity and uniqueness to the July birthstone collection. It is essential to note that while rubies are available in many red tones, they do not naturally occur in blue. Any gemstone referred to as a “blue ruby” is, in fact, a sapphire.
Color of Ruby
The vibrant red color of rubies is attributed to the trace element chromium in the gem. As a corundum mineral, rubies display a spectrum of colors, ranging from deep and intense cochineal red to lighter shades of rose red. Interestingly, when exposed to sunlight, the presence of UV rays causes the chromium within rubies to emit a glowing effect.
Ruby gemstones can also exhibit hues of orange, pink, or purple. Among them, the most highly prized ruby color is “pigeon-blood red,” characterized by a vivid red tone with a subtle hint of purple. The intensity of the red color is influenced by the concentration of chromium within the stone.
Where Is Ruby Found?
The July birthstone, the ruby, is found in various locations worldwide. The finest rubies are historically sourced from Myanmar, previously known as Burma, and are renowned for their exceptional quality. Thailand is also recognized for mining rubies with excellent clarity and deep red color. Other countries where rubies are mined include Australia, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Vietnam, Mozambique, Malawi, Thailand, the United States, and Tanzania.
The formation of rubies occurs deep within the Earth under extreme heat and pressure. Rough ruby gems originate from limestone and gem gravels. Oxygen and aluminum oxide combine to form a corundum mineral during the compression process. With the presence of chromium, corundum transforms into a vibrant red ruby. When the ruby contains ferric iron, it exhibits shades of pink or orange.
Due to its rarity, the ruby stands as one of the most sought-after gemstones worldwide. With its exceptional quality and unique color, the Burmese ruby holds the distinction of being the rarest gem. Rubies larger than one carat are considered particularly rare and command high prices in the market.
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Cleaning and Caring Tips for Ruby
The July birthstone, the ruby, is found in various locations worldwide. The finest rubies are historically sourced from Myanmar, previously known as Burma, and are renowned for their exceptional quality. Thailand is also recognized for mining rubies with excellent clarity and deep red color. Other countries where rubies are mined include Australia, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Vietnam, Mozambique, Malawi, Thailand, the United States, and Tanzania.
The formation of rubies occurs deep within the Earth under extreme heat and pressure. Rough ruby gems originate from limestone and gem gravels. Oxygen and aluminum oxide combine to form a corundum mineral during the compression process. With the presence of chromium, corundum transforms into a vibrant red ruby. When the ruby contains ferric iron, it exhibits shades of pink or orange.
Due to its rarity, the ruby stands as one of the most sought-after gemstones worldwide. With its exceptional quality and unique color, the Burmese ruby holds the distinction of being the rarest gem. Rubies larger than one carat are considered particularly rare and command high prices in the market.
If you’re interested, you can also read about Aries and Gemini compatibility.
7 Interesting Facts About Ruby
Here are appropriately rephrased July birthstone facts:
- The July birthstone has long been associated with good fortune, believed to protect wearers from evil, whether worn as a necklace, bracelet, or ring.
- The color of the July birthstone ranges from deep red to pale rose, symbolizing passion and love.
- The presence of chromium in rubies gives them their distinctive red color, but it also increases the risk of cracks in the stone. The most valuable rubies are clear with a purplish-red hue, while less valuable ones are cloudier with shades of orange, pink, or brown.
- Nowadays, many rubies undergo heat treatment to enhance their value by improving transparency and intensifying color saturation. The deepest red rubies contain the highest concentration of chromium.
- In India, the ruby symbolizes power, youth, and energy. During the Middle Ages, Europeans believed that rubies brought wisdom, wealth, success in love, and good health.
- According to folklore, dreaming of a ruby is a sign of good luck.
- One notable fact is that one of the largest rubies ever discovered, named “Peace,” was found in 1919 after the end of World War I.
The wearability of July Birthstone: Ruby’s Durability for Daily Use
July’s ruby birthstone possesses exceptional durability, making it well-suited for daily wear. With a hardness rating of 9 on the Mohs scale, rubies are highly resistant to scratches and maintain their beauty over time.
This exceptional toughness enables them to withstand the rigors of being set in rings, earrings, necklaces, and other jewelry pieces. Whether cherished as a stunning centerpiece or as accent stones, rubies in July birthstone jewelry offer timeless elegance and long-lasting durability for those who wear them.
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Metaphysical Properties of Ruby: Unlocking the Mystical Power
Throughout history, rubies have been attributed with remarkable metaphysical properties, believed to possess the following characteristics:
- Protective Shield: Rubies are thought to provide protection to the wearer and their household, creating a shield against negative energies and potential harm.
- Manifesting Wealth and Passion: It is believed that rubies can attract wealth, ignite passion, and bring abundance in various aspects of life.
- Motivation and Vitality: Rubies energize and stimulate motivation, infusing individuals with renewed enthusiasm and a zest for life.
- Igniting the Flame of Life: With their vibrant energy, rubies inspire a healthy passion for life, encouraging individuals to embrace experiences and live fully.
- Opening the Heart Chakra: Rubies are associated with the heart chakra, believed to enhance the wearer’s connection with love, compassion, and empathy.
- Boosting Mental Attributes: The metaphysical properties of rubies are said to enhance concentration and courage and promote a positive state of mind, assisting in achieving goals and overcoming challenges.
- Universal Alignment: In ancient Vedic traditions, rubies were revered as a central gemstone in Navaratna jewelry, a collection of nine gems believed to align individuals with universal energy and bring harmony and balance.
Rubies in Jewelry
Looking for the perfect birthstone jewelry gifts for July birthdays? Explore our selection of popular and beloved pieces below!
Pendant with Teardrop Lab-Created Ruby
Featuring a pear-shaped lab-created ruby, this pendant is elegantly set in a bezel with an open back design, allowing maximum light to enhance the gem’s brilliance. Its reversible nature makes it an ideal choice for everyday wear.
Lab-Created Ruby Tennis Bracelet
Adorn the wrist with this captivating tennis bracelet showcasing individually set lab-created rubies in a series of lustrous links, creating a mesmerizing display.
Beatrice Lab-Created Ruby and Diamond Ring
A dazzling emerald-cut lab-created ruby takes center stage in this ring, enhanced by a band adorned with sparkling diamonds, exuding timeless elegance.
Bezel-Set Lab-Created Ruby Bracelet
Combining grace and sophistication, this bracelet boasts a charming bezel-set lab-created ruby on a delicate cable chain, offering an enduring and stylish accessory.
Engravable Lab-Created Ruby Bar Bracelet
A sleek metal bar attached to a cable chain forms this classic and versatile bracelet, perfect for everyday wear. It can also be engraved for a personal touch.
Floating Solitaire Lab-Created Ruby Pendant
Exuding elegance, this pendant features a stunning lab-created ruby set in a graceful style, smoothly gliding along a lustrous cable chain.
Emerald-Cut Lab-Created Ruby Stud Earrings
For a timeless look suitable for any occasion, these stud earrings showcase emerald-cut lab-created rubies, securely prong-set in lustrous metal.
When celebrating July birthdays, these jewelry pieces make wonderful and cherished gifts.
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Alternative Birthstones for July
In addition to the traditional ruby birthstone, alternative gemstones can be embraced to celebrate the month of July. These options include:
Citrine
Citrine, a vibrant yellow gemstone, shares some associations with ruby. Like ruby, citrine is connected to abundance and the manifestation of desires. Furthermore, citrine is believed to be able to release fear, making it an intriguing alternative for those seeking a unique birthstone experience.
Garnet
Traditionally recognized as January’s birthstone, Garnet presents another intriguing alternative for July. In India, garnet was believed to vibrate similarly to ruby, lending it a special significance. With its rich hues ranging from deep reds to vibrant oranges and greens, garnet offers abundant availability and reasonable pricing, making it an appealing choice for those seeking an alternative birthstone option. Before moving on to the FAQs, check for – Libra and Aries compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below we’ll be discussing some FAQs on July birthstone.
Are there 2 birthstones for July?
No, traditionally, there is only one birthstone associated with each month. For July, the birthstone is the ruby. However, different sources or cultures may suggest alternative birthstones or gemstones, but the ruby remains the primary and most widely recognized birthstone for July.
What is the lucky stone for July?
The ruby, the birthstone for July, is often considered a lucky stone for those born this month. It is believed to bring the wearer good fortune, passion, and protection. In some cultures, it is associated with vitality, courage, and success.
Does July have 3 birthstones?
No, July traditionally has one birthstone, which is the ruby. However, some modern sources or alternative gemstone lists may mention additional stones for July, but these are not as widely recognized or accepted as the ruby.
Is July’s birthstone red or pink?
The birthstone for July, the ruby, is most commonly associated with a deep, rich red color. The intense red hue of the ruby is prized and admired for its beauty and rarity. While some rubies may have hints of pink or purplish tones, the most valuable and sought-after rubies display a vivid, pure red color.
Final Words
In conclusion, the July birthstone, the ruby, holds a rich history and deep symbolism that makes it a captivating gemstone for those born in this summer month. With its stunning red color, ranging from deep crimson to delicate rose, the ruby represents passion, love, and vitality. Its association with the zodiac signs of Cancer and Leo further emphasizes its connection to emotions, loyalty, and strength.
