July

Rubies have long been connected with physicality and strength. Favored by warriors, rubies were thought to be intimately connected with the human body. They were credited with increasing the strength and stamina of the wearer. Rubies were also thought to calm anger and help the wearer navigate passionate social situations.

Rubies have long been connected with physicality and strength. Favored by warriors, rubies were thought to be intimately connected with the human body. They were credited with increasing the strength and stamina of the wearer. Rubies were also thought to calm anger and help the wearer navigate passionate social situations.

Rubies are a radiant red gemstone. Technically, rubies and sapphires are both corundum. Rubies are corundum gems that have a dominant red hue. However, you can find rubies with orange or pink undertones.

One of the most popular traditional jewelry stones, ruby is exceptionally durable. The colors of the July birthstone — always red — can reach vivid levels of saturation. Fine-quality rubies are some of the most expensive gemstones, with record ruby prices over $1,000,000 per carat. However, rubies are also subjected to more treatments than almost any other gem.

Ruby is gem-quality red corundum. The color comes from traces of chromium. All other color varieties of gem-quality corundum are referred to as sapphire. Most gemological authorities expect a medium to medium dark-red color tone in a ruby. Stones lighter than this are called pink sapphire. However, there is no general agreement on how to draw the line between rubies and sapphires.

Overall color can often, but not always, offer a clue to a ruby’s origin. Stones from Myanmar tend to have purplish red colors. Thai stones tend to appear more brownish red.