Ruby

    Ruby is the birthstone for the month of July and the gemstone representing the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.  Folklore says this stone was circulated throughout India for over 2,000 years.  The stone was then given the Sanskrit name, ratnarja, which translates as "King of the Gemstones."  The deep-red tone of a ruby evokes feelings of power, passion, and intense love.  It was once thought to ward off ill-health and misfortune for all that wore the stone.  Rubies are valued for their color first and than their transparency (lack of inclusions) second.

    These gemstones are red variations of the mineral corundum, a crystalline form of aluminum oxide and one of the most durable minerals that exists; only diamonds are harder.  Pure corundum is a colorless, triangular crystal, but it occurs in a wide variety of colors due to infiltrations of other elements.  All color variations of corundum, with the exception of ruby, are called sapphires.

    Many gemstones that are not rubies are also called rubies.  The balas, or balas ruby, for example, is a type of spinel.  The Bohemian ruby is derived from rose quartz, while the Siberian ruby is red or pink tourmaline.  The American ruby, Cap ruby, Montana ruby, and Rocky Mountain ruby are varieties of garnet.  Genuine rubies are located primarily in Myanmar but can be found all over the world such as in Thailand, Pakistan, Kenya, and Vietnam.

    Rubies rate with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale.  It is safe to use an ultrasonic cleaner and a steamer on rubies. The application of heat will not harm the stone.

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