The Ruby

The ruby, known as the stone of passion, embodies elegance and power with its incandescent red glow. It has been prized for centuries for its fiery beauty, symbolizing love, energy, and royalty. Timeless and rare, the ruby remains one of the most precious and sought-after gemstones in the world.

1/ Origins of the Ruby

The ruby takes its name from the Latin word "rubeus", which means red.

Since antiquity, it has been revered in various cultures. In India, the ancients called it "the king of gemstones," while the people of Southeast Asia believed it brought luck on the battlefield.

In the Middle Ages, Europeans thought the ruby offered health, wealth, and wisdom to its wearer.

For centuries, this stone adorned the crowns and jewelry of monarchs, attesting to its status as the ultimate symbol of wealth and power.

2/ The Ruby Around the World

The ruby is a rare gemstone, primarily mined in Asia.

The most famous mines are found in Myanmar (Burma), renowned for producing the finest rubies, often referred to as "pigeon’s blood" rubies due to their pure red color.

Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique are also significant sources of rubies, with each region offering subtle variations in color and quality.

The Burmese ruby, particularly from the Mogok Valley, is considered the most valuable due to its intense color and exceptional transparency.

3/ Gemological characteristics

The ruby belongs to the corundum family, just like the sapphire, with a chemical composition of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃).

Its distinctive red color comes from trace amounts of chromium present in the mineral.

On the Mohs hardness scale, it achieves an impressive 9, making it one of the hardest stones, just after the diamond.

High-quality rubies are generally transparent, but small inclusions are often present.

4/ Beliefs and Astrological Signs

In marriage symbolism, the ruby is associated with the 35th wedding anniversary, representing the deep and lasting love of a couple. Giving a ruby as a wedding or anniversary gift is a powerful way to symbolize unwavering passion and a lifelong commitment.

In astrology, this precious stone is particularly linked to the sign of Leo. Representing strength, courage, and royalty, the ruby is believed to enhance the natural qualities of those born under this sign, while balancing their fiery energy.

Did you know?

In Myanmar, warriors would embed rubies into their skin before battle, believing it would make them invincible. Although there is no evidence that this worked, this legend highlights the power and fascination that the ruby has held over humanity throughout the centuries, solidifying its place as a gemstone of rare intensity.

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