Tag Archives: red

Gemstones & Metals

Ruby – Gemstone Information

Posted on by Elizabeth

The beautiful ruby is one of the most precious and valuable gemstones available. It is the red variety of the mineral corundum, the blue variety being Sapphire. In Sanskrit, ruby is ratnaraj, meaning the King of Gems, and is highly prized for it’s beauty and durability.

Colour

The most alluring characteristic about the ruby is it’s mesmerising blood red tones. Corundum is typically transparent, but the ruby gets deep colour from the chromium trace element in its crystal composition. The richness of the red depends on how much chromium is present – the more chromium, the stronger the colour. Rubies often display a variety of hues ranging from an orangey-red, purple, and pink. The most valuable rubies tend to have medium darkness, and vivid red tones.

Where is it found?

Deposits of Ruby have been found in Kenya, Thailand, Russia, but the world’s most notable and principal source for rubies has for centuries been The Mogok Valley in Myanmar (Burma).

The rubies in this region form mostly in marble. Marble is a metamorphic rock that forms when limestone is subjected to heat and pressure. It has a low iron content so usually marble-hosted rubies have an intense red colour, and are the most valuable.

In addition, rubies found in marble typically fluoresce red under ultraviolet light, giving off even more intense and beautiful rich red hues.

In Jewellery

Ruby is the birthstone for July, and the traditional gemstone 40th wedding anniversaries. The gemstone is said to represent love, health and wisdom, and it is believed that wearing a fine red ruby brings good fortune and strength.

To read more about the mystical and mythical properties of ruby see our article Ruby Myths and Legends.

To learn how to care for your ruby jewellery follow this link to see our 4 Simple Rules.

To find the perfect gemstone for your loved one, shop below!

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Gemstones & Metals

Ruby Myths and Legends

Posted on by Elizabeth

Rubies are one of the most prized gemstones on the planet and have been a fascination throughout history and across cultures. Keep reading to discover some of the myths and legends surrounding this bewitching gem!

Royalty, Riches, & Religion

In the ancient language of Sanskrit, ruby is called ratnaraj, translated as “king of precious stones.”

An 8th century book on dreams by Acha-metis highlights the significance of rubies in dream, stating that if a king dreamt of a crown set with rubies, he would have great fortune, happiness, and would be feared by his enemies.

The ruby has long been associated with kings and royalty alike, with it’s radiant, red tones symbolising strength, power, and wealth.

But aside from a kingly stone, it is also a godly one. In Christianity, it is frequently mentioned in the Bible in regards to attributes such as wisdom and beauty. It is also referred to as the most precious of the 12 stones created by God.

The Ancient Hindus, meanwhile, believed that those who offered fine rubies to the god Krishna would be reincarnated as emperors. In Vedic astrology, it is also considered the gemstone of the Sun – the nurturer, the vital energy giver and the soul of the Kalpurusha.

Peace & Protection

Alongside bringing wealth and power, the ruby was also hailed as a stone of peace and protection. In Ancient India, people believed that rubies enabled their owners to live in peace with their enemies, while in Burma, warriors inserted rubies into their flesh to make them invincible in battle. A gruesome but powerful symbol.

Passion & Fire

From fast cars to red roses, red is the colour of seduction and danger. It is associated with our most intense and wild emotions – anger, love, passion and desire. Ancient cultures often believed that rubies held the power of life, likening its rich red colour to the blood that flowed through their veins.

The redness of the ruby is also suggestive of an inner fire, it’s alluring glow even inspiring some interesting folklore – it was once said that placing a ruby in water could bring it to the boil!

As a symbol of passion and love, ruby makes an ideal romantic gift. Desire for rubies is just as great today as it always has been. It is a bewitching gemstone surrounded by myths and legends, and a makes an ideal gift for those wanting love, passion, peace, and wealth!

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