Ruby - July Birthstone

The ruby, or star ruby, has been said to surpass all other stones in virtue and value. The Hindus valued it so highly that they called it the "king or the leader of precious stones." When they classified rubies by castes according to their quality, no inferior stone was allowed to touch a superior one, lest the great powers of the better gem be diminished. They also believed that whoever gave rubies to the god Krishna was virtually certain to be reborn an emperor in a future reincarnation. The ruby meant a life of peace and health for the owner and the assurance that his land and rank would never be taken from him. His garden would be safe from storms and his future filled with good fortune.

Many men of science believed in the medicinal powers of the ruby and praised its therapeutic value. When, in 1663, English physicist Sir Robert Boyle supported this view, rubies were offered for sale by druggists as cures for various ill. The famous "ruby elixir" was created by a secret method for wealthy patients. It was placed on the tongue, which subsequently became cold and heavy, as did the fingers and toes. This was followed by violent shivering. When these effects had disappeared, the cure was considered complete. The stone was also used as a disinfectant in certain dread diseases. Even the infamous Ivan the Terrible had some kind words to say about the ruby when he declared it very good for the heart, brain and memory and an excellent blood purifier. It has even been claimed that the ruby is empowered to settle disputes and assure friendly reconciliation.

The poet Rudyard Kipling wrote of the ruby in "A Dedication to 'Soldiers Three'":

Birthstones

January Garnet May Emerald September Sapphire

February Amethyst June Pearl October Opal

March Aquamarine July Ruby November Citrine

April Diamond August Peridot December Tanzanite

Other Gemstone Learning

What Makes a Mineral a Gemstone - The Origin of Birthstones