Is your birthday in July? Did you know your birthstone is the ruby?
I’ve never been interested in gemstones, but it was fun to learn about the ruby. I may have to do a series on the birthstones. Rocks are cool.
Ruby facts:
- Ruby is one of four precious gemstones. The other three are emerald, sapphire, and diamond.
- Ruby comes from the Latin word rubens, which means red. While all rubies are red, they vary in color from darkish to pinkish red.
- Rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum. Traces of chromium give it its red color.
- Sapphires are also made from corundum but lack the addition of chromium.
- The Mohs scale of hardness goes from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). Diamonds are a 10, and rubies are just below that at 9, meaning they are quite hard.
- While rubies are found all over the world, the finest rubies were mined in Myanmar. These rubies are known as “Burmese Rubies.”
- Rubies were placed on a knight’s armor to protect the warrior.
- Rubies symbolize love, passion, energy, and success.