rubies
"The gleaming Ruby
should adorn all those who in July are born,
for thus they’ll be exempt and free,
from lover’s doubts and anxiety.”
A Ruby is a pink to blood red colored gemstone, and a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide), though other colours of gem quality corundum are called Sapphires.
Most texts consider Ruby to be the birthstone of July which means it falls into the Zodiac sign of Cancer or Capricorn.
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The Ruby is considered to be one of the four most precious gemstones, alongside Diamond, Emerald and Sapphire. Second to the diamond, Ruby is the hardest mineral known. The name Ruby originates from the Latin word Ruber, which means red. Though most rubies are considered precious, the value of a Ruby is primarily based on the size, color and clarity of the stone, the most valuable being ‘blood red’. Generally gemstone quality corundum, occurring in any shade of red, including pink, are usually called rubies. However, in the United States, if a gemstone does not reach the color saturation satisfaction required, it would fall under being a pink Sapphire. Though this is relatively new, being stated sometime in the 20th century, the distinction between the Ruby and the pink Sapphire are still somewhat undetermined and is a highly debated subject. Due to the difficulty and confusion between the two, some trade organizations (such as the International Gemstone Association) have leaned towards the broader definition of Ruby, which accepts its lighter shades, including pink.
For centuries the world’s main source for rubies was the Mogok Valley in Upper Myanmar, in Burma. They have been known to have produced some of the finest rubies ever mined, not a bad accomplishment if you ask me. Though sadly, in recent years very few satisfactory rubies have been found there.
Though the term does not seem as appealing, the most wanted color of Ruby to be found in Myanmar was a rich red, otherwise known as ‘Pigeons blood’’. Historically rubies have been mined in known places such as Thailand, India, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Sri Lanka has been known to produce rubies, though mostly the lighter shades, which can be commonly known as pink Sapphires, depending on who and how they choose to determine it. Few rubies have been found in the U.S, though geologist Dan Housel had noted that while on a search for aluminous schists in Wyoming he discovered an association of vermiculite with Ruby and Sapphire. He also located six previously undocumented deposits. Most recently, being discovered under the receding ice shelf of Greenland, was large ruby deposits. Only one country in the mainland of Europe is known to have naturally occurring rubies, that country being the Republic of Macedonia. They are mainly found in the city of Prilep, usually being a unique raspberry looking color.
Most rubies, however, mostly come from Thailand or Burma. The largest facet quality Ruby weighed a huge 400ct; it was divided into three parts after being discovered in Burma.
Spinel is another red colored gemstone, which are sometimes found with rubies in the same marble or gem gravel host. To those who haven’t had much experience with gems may find it difficult to tell the two apart, depending on the quality of the gems at the time.
The color of rubies varies from vermillion to red, the most favored color being ‘Pigeons blood’ red, which is a pure red color with a hint of blue. If the rubies color leans more towards being too pink, it will be categorized as a pink Sapphire. It’s the same if a ruby is too violet, it shall be known as a violet sapphire. In the evaluation of colored gemstones, color is the most important factor. A Ruby is known to be at its finest and most valued when the color is a vivid rich medium dark toned red. With color being the factor that most buyers are keen on, it is important for the hues of the ruby to be a proffered color that will compliment the gem, not devalue it. Which is why purple sought after, purely because the purple compliments the red, making it more richer looking, as well as occupying a position between the colors blue and red, giving the ruby a pigeons blood kind of color.
The Ruby is commonly referred to as the most precious stone; some even believe it to be more precious than a diamond, due to the rarity and uniqueness, even being referred to in the Bible; “A virtuous wife is worth more than rubies.” Not only has the Bible mentioned Ruby for being a precious gem but many other historical writings refer to it being so. In the ancient language of Sanskrit the Ruby is called ‘ratnaraj’ which means ‘king of precious stones’. Due to the Ruby being so well known for so many centuries, it’s no surprise that many found and treasured rubies have some interesting back stories to them. Ancient Hindus believed that by offering a ruby to Krishna, the eighth carnation of the Lord Vishnu, rebirth as an emperor would be assured. Burmese warriors also believed that rubies had the power to make them invincible; having such faith in the matter they even inserted rubies into their own skin for that very purpose. One of the most famous and well known rubies is the Rosser Reeves Star Ruby. Known for being one of the world’s largest and finest rubies. It is valued for its vivid colour and well defined star pattern or asterism. The Rosser Reeves Star Ruby was written about in New York World-Telegram and even had an article written about it in the Sun in 1953.
However, not all well known rubies are actually rubies. You see, due to the much confusion and assumptions over the years, some people were mislead and unknowingly claimed their gem to be a Ruby, when however it was not. For example, the Black Prince’s Ruby. You see, until modern times all red coloured gemstones were assumed to be rubies, including this one. It is possible that this gem originates from the historic ruby mines in Badakshan. Although until somewhat recent events, the gem was believed to be a Ruby, though now having being able to differentiate gems from one another, it was discovered that the Ruby was in fact spinel. A similar looking gem often found in the same marble as rubies. An example closer to home would be the £15m Ruby that in fact turned out to be worth rather less. The Ruby was supposedly so valuable; it helped support the finances of a large building firm. However instead of having a 4.5lb ruby, the gem was soon discovered to be nothing more than a chunk of anyolite(metamorphic rock with ruby rock with ruby), worth so little that auction houses in London refused to put it up for sale. The supposed 10, 000 – carat Gem of Tanzania was worth no more than ‘a few hundred pounds’, even being referred to as a ‘colourful paperweight’, Ouch.
The Ruby is commonly mentioned as the stone of nobility and has been known for the intensive and vivid energy it holds. People believed that when carrying a ruby, it shall protect you from harm and unhappiness.
Even dating back in history, many believed the ruby brought happiness into one’s life.
The Ruby was even believed to help in medical situations, often being used for the treatment of fever. To some, the ruby is more than a mere pretty looking gem, even back then. Ruby has often been referred to as the stone of love, though Diamonds have been linked also, many buy rubies due to the belief that it represents eternal love and a feeling of inner bliss. Royalty kept rubies with them in hope that they would protect them against vulnerability. Many other myths and legends spiralled from the stone, whether they are true or not, there’s one thing that is; this remarkable gem could never go unnoticed.
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