July’s Birthstone – Ruby

July’s birthstone is the ruby whose deep red glow signifies love and passion. 

July's birthstone, the ruby has been one of the most treasured gems throughout history. Their glowing red color was thought to be due to an inextinguishable fire within, whilst others thought it was a drop of the heart blood of Mother Earth. 

Rubies are one of the most stunning stones available and are relatively rare. The ancient Hindus in India called it the "Rajnapura" or King of Gems and many still call it that today. The Greeks referred to rubies as the mother of all gemstones and the Romans called it a flower among stones. Considered to have magical powers due to the stones deep red glow, rubies were worn by nobility as a way to ward off, and warn of, approaching evil.

 The name ruby is from the Latin word, rubeus which means red.  In the Middle Ages rubies were used as a protection against the plague. The myth was that if the color of the ruby became darker, the wearer would flee into isolation and only return home when the stone became lighter again.

Its deep red color of the ruby was associated with courage and power and was used to overcome fear. It is known to enhance energy and induce generosity and to bring prosperity and success to the wearer. Rubies are associated with vitality and deep feelings. They awaken the senses, rouse the imagination, and are said to guarantee health, wisdom, wealth and success in love. 

 From a spiritual standpoint, the ruby is the heart chakra helping to balance love and spiritual endeavours.  Rubies relieve stress, improve emotions, raise self-esteem and encourage confidence. They bring love, loyalty, courage, integrity, devotion, loyalty and happiness. They also help to minimise negative thoughts and inspire stamina, vitality and strength as well as re-energize after exhaustive activities.

Healers have used rubies since for thousands of years to cure ailments, such as indigestion, blood disorders and infections. Hey are used to build up neurological tissues particularly around the heart and is good for equalising the blood sugar levels. They are a good stone for removing blocked energy pathways in the reproductive system and helps to prevent miscarriages.

Rubies are a variety of the gems belonging to the corundum species and have the same chemical structure as sapphires. In fact, it is so similar in structure to a sapphire that a ruby can be identified as a red sapphire. A fine-quality ruby is extremely rare, and the color of the gem is most important to its value. The most valued color is a medium or medium dark vivid red or slightly purplish red. If the gem is too light or has too much purple or orange, it is called a fancy-color sapphire. Star rubies are particularly beautiful.

 A ruby is harder than any natural gemstone except for the diamond. It is durable enough for everyday wear and so it makes an exquisite engagement ring and ruby jewellery makes a passionate gift for a loved one. There’s no better way to demonstrate your love than by giving a ruby in celebration of a July birthday. It will be cherished forever. 

The glowing ruby shall adorn,
Those who in July are born;
Then they'll be exempt and free
From love's doubts and anxiety