Ruby – birthstone for the month of July
Rarer than diamonds, and with a color that has variously symbolized blood, anger, love, courage, fire and royalty, rubies have played a part in the myths and imaginations of cultures around the world throughout written history.
Ruby, July's birthstone, is aptly named the King of Gems. Both the Bible and ancient Sanskrit writing depict the ruby as the most precious of all gemstones. To the Hindus, ruby burned from an inextinguishable internal fire. The name ruby is derived from the Latin word for red, rubrum. Its color varies from purplish and bluish red to orange-red in medium to dark hues.
In addition to its place as July's birthstone, ruby is also a recommended gift for couples celebrating their 15th or 40th wedding anniversary.
Sister to sapphire, ruby is known in the mineral world as corundum, which is a crystal structure composed of aluminum oxide. Only red corundum is ruby, all other corundum colors are classified as sapphire. Ruby is considered the most valuable variety of the corundum.
On the Mohs scale of hardness, ruby ranks 9, sharing status with sapphire as the highest in the gem world after diamond. It is considered very durable, and although not as brilliant as diamond, it has striking luster.
Purchasing
Perfect natural gems--in color and appearance--are very rare and expensive. Controlled heating is commonly used in the trade to produce, intensify or lighten color and/or improve clarity. Heat enhancement is permanent and stable.
Some rubies have fissures that break the surface and are filled with a glass-like byproduct from the heating process. Surface cavities in rubies are also intentionally filled with such material as glass, solidified borax or similar colorless substances to improve its durability and appearance. These enhancements may wear over time if treated harshly or exposed to strong abrasives and solvents, as well as heat. The filler material used is fragile and may fall out, break or abrade. It is important to buy fine ruby from a reputable retailer who will provide, in writing, all pertinent information regarding the gem including enhancements and special care notes.
Care
You can clean treated or untreated rubies the same-- with soapy water or a gentle commercial solvent and a brush. Mechanical cleaners are also safe, except with heavily included gems.
