Ruby
is the modern, traditional, mystical and ayurvedic gemstone for July,
with
carnelian being the alternate gemstone .
Deep, glowing red, the ruby is sometimes said to contain the original
spark
of life, "a drop of the heart's blood of Mother Earth." Stories are
told
of a magnificent ruby which possessed youth giving properties. When
rubbed
on the body, this miraculous stone would remove visible signs of aging.
Because of its flame
color, the ruby was used to make water boil. Powers of the ruby were
many:
it warded off plagues and pestilence (worn on the left side),
made
the wearer prudent, drove away melancholy, restrained lust, and ensured
good harvests. When the color darkened, the wearer was warned of
approaching
danger. Inserted in the flesh, it made one strong and invincible.
Rubies were used to guard
against the elements, and it was said that if a ruby was touched to the
four corners of a house or garden, it would ward off tempest,
lightning,
and worms. The Burmese believed that rubies "ripened in color" while in
the earth. For those born in July, the ruby is their natal gem, and
they
will find it most beneficial when set in gold.
Ruby is also the accepted anniversary
gemstone
for the 15th and 40th year.
Ruby is known as the "Lord of the Gems"
because of its rarity and beauty. Derived from the Latin
word
"ruber", it simply means red. Ruby, like sapphire, is a variety of
corundum
and only exists as a true red
in
color. The finest color is a vivid, almost pure spectral red with a
very
faint undertone of blue, as seen
in
Burmese rubies which are considered the finest.
The highest quality rubies are said
to protect their owners from all kinds of misfortune. A fine ruby
assured
the owner he would live in harmony with his neighbors. It would protect
his stature in life, his home and land. Its protective powers were
intensified
when set in jewelry, and worn on the left side. Many believed rubies
possessed
an inner flame which burned eternally.
As part of the customary fashioning
process, virtually all rubies are heated to permanently improve
their
color and appearance. As with all gemstones, care should be taken
to protect it from scratches and sharp blows.
The finest rubies emanate
from Burma, having been mined there since ancient times. Other sources
include Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Kenya,
Tanzania,
Cambodia, Afghanistan and India.