Celebrate the month of July with a radiant
ruby birthstone, gemstone!

The most important factor in the value of a ruby is color. The top qualities are as red as you can imagine: a saturated pure spectral hue without any overtones of brown or blue. Ruby is the gem quality of the mineral corundum, one of the most durable minerals in existence, a crystalline form of aluminum oxide. Corundum has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale and is also extremely tough. It can even be used as an abrasive in its common form.

All colors of corundum except red are known as sapphires, which has created controversy about where ruby ends and sapphire begins, particularly in pink shades of corundum. In 1991, the International Colored Gemstone Association ruled that the lighter shades of the reddish hues of corundum should be included in the category of ruby.

Choosing a Ruby:

After color, the other factors which influence the value of rubies are clarity, cut, and size. A Ruby that is perfectly transparent, with no tiny flaws, is obviously more valuable than one with inclusions that are visible to the eye. Cut can make a big difference in how attractive and lively a ruby appears. A well-cut stone should reflect light evenly across the surface. A dark or washed-out area in the center can result from a stone that is cut too deep or shallow. The ideal shape should be symmetrical without any nicks or scratches in the polish.

Lore and legend of the Ruby include beliefs that it enhances strength and confidence in the wearer. It is also thought to warm and energize the wearer after exhaustion and to strengthen both the physical and emotional heart. The Ruby is believed to intensify all the emotions of love (passion, jealousy, impatience, etc.). Belief in the healing properties of gems has a very long history, as the rituals of medicine men in ancient tribes attest. Crystal healers today believe that each gem has the power to influence the health and well being of a specific part of body. The light reflected off stones placed on vital nerve points is believed to be absorbed by the body, supplying it with healing energy.

The following is a list of Birthstones and their respective month.

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