The glowing ruby shall adorn,
Those who in July are born;
Then they'll be exempt and free
From love's doubts and anxiety.
-Gregorian Calendar Birthstone Poem for July
The birthstone for July is Ruby. Interestingly, Ruby is one of the highest valued coloured gemstones, in fact, large rubies can fetch higher prices than equivalently sized diamonds!
The ruby has always been a talisman of passion, protection and prosperity. As well as being beautiful, the ruby is considered to be an excellent stone for recharging energy levels and stimulating the mind for positivity. It symbolizes the sun, and its glowing hue suggests an inextinguishable flame. Natural ruby is one of four “precious” gemstones (including Diamond, Emerald and Sapphire) known its rarity, monetary value, and hardness. Esoteric teachings believe that the ruby stone actively stimulates the Base Chakra, increasing vitality and chi, the life-force energy, throughout the physical body and into the spirit and initiates the sensual pleasures of life, stimulating the heart and encouraging one to enjoy being in the physical world. It is believed to increase desire and sexual energy, and may be used to activate the kundalini. Ruby has always been associated with love, especially faithful passionate commitment and closeness.
In antiquity, Rubies were considered to be perfect wedding stones
The word ruby comes from the Latin rubens which means red and there are many shades of ruby as well as coloured glass and crystal which are often referred to as 'ruby'. Authentic rubies are found in shades of red, from rich darkish red to pigeon blood red and pinkish red. The red hue comes from traces of the mineral chromium. As well as being the birthstone for July, rubies are also the traditional gift for those celebrating 15th or 40th anniversaries. Rubies are extremely strong, registering 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness. They are as resilient as sapphires and only slightly softer than diamonds.
Almost all rubies have flaws. Rubies without imperfections are exceptionally rare and command prices even higher than diamonds of a similar weight and quality.Rubies, because of their brilliant red hues, are often related to themes concerning the essence and vibrancy of life. If there is one gemstone that represents the passion of love, it is the ruby.
