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Birthstone for July - Ruby
By Sam and Tami Serio
Morning Light Jewelry
July's Birthstone: Ruby
Birthstone
Properties: Fire and emotion
Alternative
Birthstone: Sapphire
Ruby is the birthstone for July and also the anniversary gemstone for the
15th and 40th years of marriage. The history of ruby mining dates back
more than 2,500 years ago, and today the coveted gemstone is found in
Burma, Thailand, Kenya, Tanzania, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Cambodia,
Kenya, Tanzania, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the United States.
Called the "Lord of Gems" by ancient Hindus, rubies are one of the most
highly prized gems throughout history. The fiery glow of rubies is said to
come from the gemstone's internal and eternal flame. For this
reason, the gift of a ruby is a symbol of everlasting love. If worn on the
left hand, ancient lore has it that the Ruby will bring good fortune. It
is a perfect engagement ring gemstone and a popular alternative to or
addition to diamond engagement bands.
Hard, but Soft The word ruby comes from the Latin "ruber," meaning red. It
is a variety of the mineral Corundum that is called sapphire when it is
any color except red only when it is red does it earn the designation of
"ruby." But that's not to say that there's only one "red" for
rubies. Rubies range in hue from an orangey red to a purplish red,
although the most treasured rubies are still true red in color.
The ruby is a very durable gemstone, surpassed in hardness only by
diamonds. But despite its hard nature, it has a soft side. According to
legend, you should never make faces at a ruby in a museum or ignore it
because it will grow dull if slighted or not worn or seen.
Deliver Me From Evil Royalty chose rubies as a powerful talisman that
could help protect them against evil by anticipating its arrival. Monarchs
thought that rubies would darken when peril was danger, and then return to
its original color once the threat was past.
In an interesting way, rubies had their own built-in anti-theft device: it
was believed that in order for rubies to act for good, it was believed
that they had to be in the hands of their rightful owner.
A Ruby By Any Other Name Gemstones that are not rubies are also called
rubies. The Balas Ruby is a type of spinel (a hard glassy mineral).
Bohemian Rubies are derived from rose quartz, and Siberian "rubies" are
really red or pink tourmaline. In the United States, the American, Cape,
Montana, and Rocky Mountain "rubies" are really different varieties of
garnet.
The Authors of the above Article, Sam and Tami Serio have been
passionately involved with Jewelry and Gemstones for over fifteen-years.
For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to
visit
www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of "How To
Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off." This concise,
informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to
know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE
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www.morninglightjewelry.com . |
