The ruby is steeped in history. Ruby is July’s birthstone and is named the King of Gems. Red corundum is called ruby. Ruby is the most valuable member of the corundum family. No one can dispute the beauty and mystery of the beautiful ruby gem stone!
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. If worn on the left hand, ancient lore has it that the Ruby will bring good fortune. 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. 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.