The Regal Ruby: July’s Birthstone

If you’re born in July, your birthstone is the Vibrant Red RUBY!
Fiery in its nature, this gemstone has captivated hearts for centuries, symbolizing power, passion, and prosperity. Let’s go deeper into the world of this precious stone and explore more about it.

RUBY – A Gemstone that fits perfectly for Royalty

Belonging to the corundum family, Ruby is in the same family as sapphires. Trace amounts of chromium in it bring the sparkling red hue in it.  The most prized rubies boast a deep, rich red colour known as “pigeon’s blood.” These stunning stones have long been coveted by royalty and collectors, fetching high prices due to their rarity and brilliance. Some of the most famous rubies are part of museum collections or adorn the fingers of celebrities.

A History Steeped in Legend

The history of ruby stretches back thousands of years. Ancient cultures in Asia deeply valued rubies, associating their colour with life force and vitality. Burmese and Chinese warriors believed wearing rubies in battle granted them invincibility.

Significance of Ruby (Manik) in India

In India, the ruby, also known as Manik, holds a deep cultural and astrological significance that stretches back for centuries. Here’s a closer look at its importance:

Vedic Astrology:

• Sun Stone: Ruby is associated with the Sun, the most important celestial body in Vedic astrology. The Sun symbolizes leadership, vitality, and the soul. Wearing a ruby is believed to channel the Sun’s energy, granting the wearer:
  • Increased confidence and self-esteem
  • Enhanced leadership qualities
  • Improved creativity and determination
  • Greater success and prosperity
• Planetary Alignment: In Vedic astrology, each birth chart reflects the positions of planets at the time of birth. Wearing a ruby is recommended for those with a strong Sun in their chart to balance planetary influences and amplify positive traits.

Mythology and Folklore:

• Gift of Rebirth: Ancient Hindus believed offering a fine ruby to Lord Krishna could grant them rebirth as an emperor. This highlights the association of ruby with power, royalty, and prosperity.
• Caste System of Rubies: Hindus even classified rubies based on a caste system, with the finest “Brahmin” ruby believed to offer ultimate protection.

Cultural Beliefs:

• Protection and Well-being: Many Indians believe rubies possess protective qualities, warding off negative energy and promoting good health. They might wear a ruby amulet or pendant for this purpose.
• Love and Relationships: While the fiery red hue often symbolizes passion, some traditions associate ruby with strengthening emotional bonds and fostering love within relationships.

Traditional Practices:

• Energizing the Gem: According to some beliefs, a ruby’s power can be amplified by energizing it. This might involve placing it in sunlight, cleaning it with holy water (Gangajal), or chanting specific mantras.
• Jyotish Gem Consultation: In Jyotish, the Indian system of astrology, a consultation with a Jyotish Gem expert might recommend wearing a ruby based on an individual’s birth chart and planetary needs.

Modern Day India:

While some traditional beliefs hold strong, rubies are also cherished for their beauty and value in modern India. Ruby jewellery remains popular, and high-quality stones can fetch significant prices.

Overall, the significance of ruby in India goes beyond its physical beauty. It’s a gem steeped in mythology, astrology, and cultural beliefs, symbolizing power, protection, and the potential for a prosperous and fulfilling life.

More Than Just Beauty: The Power of Ruby

Beyond its physical beauty, ruby is believed to possess powerful metaphysical properties. It’s associated with the Sun, symbolizing the wearer’s inner fire and zest for life. Ruby is thought to:

• Stimulate passion and motivation
• Encourage positive thinking and dispel negativity
• Enhance focus, determination, and leadership qualities
• Promote emotional and physical well-being

The Perfect Gift for July’s Birthstone

If you were born in July, a ruby piece of jewellery is a perfect way to celebrate your birthstone. It’s a reminder of your inner strength, passion, and zest for life. For those looking for a thoughtful gift for a July birthday, a ruby gemstone is sure to bring a smile to their face.

Ruby Formation and Varieties:

• Not all red corundums are rubies. The presence of chromium creates the true ruby red. Trace amounts of other elements can influence the color, like iron creating a slightly brownish red.
• Some rubies display a mesmerizing asterism, a star-like effect caused by light reflecting off tiny inclusions within the stone. These are called star rubies.

Mining and Value:

• Historically, Myanmar (formerly Burma) has been the source of some of the most coveted rubies. These stones often boast a vibrant red with a subtle blue fluorescence.
• Due to scarcity, rubies from other locations like Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Africa are also valuable.
• The value of a ruby depends on factors like colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight. “Pigeon’s Blood” rubies with exceptional clarity command the highest prices.

Scientific Properties:

• Ruby is incredibly hard, second only to diamond on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This makes it highly durable and perfect for everyday wear in jewellery.
• Rubies exhibit strong fluorescence under ultraviolet light, a property helpful for identification.

Ruby Care:

• While durable, rubies can still chip or crack if struck with significant force. It’s recommended to store them separately from other gemstones to avoid scratches.
• Clean your ruby jewellery with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners.

Cultural Significance:

• In some cultures, ruby is associated with love and romance. Its fiery red hue symbolizes passion and devotion.
• Ruby is also seen as a protective stone, warding off negative energy and promoting well-being.

Modern Day Applications:

• Beyond jewellery, due to its hardness, ruby finds use in industrial applications like grinding and polishing tools and laser technology.
• Synthetic rubies are also created in laboratories for various industrial purposes.

Interesting Facts:

• The largest faceted ruby in the world is the “Sunrise Ruby,” a 25.59-carat stone that sold for a staggering $30 million in 2014.
• Some of the British Crown Jewels, including the Imperial State Crown, feature stunning Burmese rubies.

Learning Ruby at IIG: The Big 5 – Gem World Essentials

 At IIG, we believe learning shouldn’t be confined to textbooks. That’s why we use engaging approaches to make the world of Ruby programming exciting and relatable. Here’s how we’ll use the captivating ruby gemstone as a springboard for your learning journey:

• Mineral Mania with a Digital Twist: We’ll introduce you to minerals through the lens of ruby! Explore how the formation and properties of ruby (hardness, lustre) translate to creating a robust and efficient understanding of the gem.
• Mining the Depths of Ruby: Delve into the history of Ruby, from its creation to its widespread adoption. We’ll explore the “geographical locations” of different Ruby frameworks and libraries, discussing their functionalities and how they can be used.
• Light & Color: Coding with Clarity: Use the way light interacts with a ruby to understand how it can fit while jewellery making.

This is just a glimpse into how IIG uses the captivating ruby to ignite your passion for learning all about Ruby. Get ready for a journey that’s both informative and inspiring!

At our institute, we believe gemstones are more than just beautiful stones. They hold stories, traditions, and scientific marvels waiting to be explored. Our exploration of ruby has been a journey through fiery hues, rich history, and captivating lore. We hope this glimpse into the world of ruby has ignited your passion for this captivating gemstone. Whether you’re a seasoned jeweller or a curious student, there’s always more to discover about the king of gemstones.

Visit our website to explore more courses. https://iigindia.com/