Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ~Albert Einstein
One of four “precious” gemstones (the others being Diamond, Sapphire, and Emerald), Ruby is red Corundum, an aluminum oxide mineral with chromium responsible for its rich, red color.
Considered by many to be the most powerful gemstone in the universe, Ruby ranges from an orangey-red to a purplish or brownish red. The most prized color is “pigeon’s blood,” pure red with a hint of blue.
Unheated rubies from Mozambique; photo from http://www.gemstoneuniverse.com
Ruby is a 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness (1-10), surpassed only by Diamond. Its name comes from the Latin rubeus, or red. The finest stones seem to come from Burma, though Thailand, Ceylon, Pakistan, and other countries also are sources.
A stone of nobility, Ruby has long been a talisman of passion, protection, and prosperity. Ancient Hindu peoples believed that casting Ruby into water would cause it to boil; long ago Greeks claimed pressing it into wax would melt the wax. The Chinese Emperor Kublai Khan is reported to have offered a city in exchange for a large Ruby.
Ruby is thought to be the fourth gemstone in the breastplate of the Hebrew High Priest. From olden times through the Middle Ages, Ruby served as an amulet to ward off plague, banish sadness and foolish thoughts, and bring its wearer peace. Even today, legend holds that as long as you have a bit of Ruby, you’ll never be poor.
Ruby is the traditional birthstone for those born in July. It’s a traditional gift for the 15th or 40th wedding anniversary, and it makes a beautiful Valentine’s Day present!
Isn’t this a lovely specimen? Thanks to the Gemological Institute of America Inc. for this photo.
Metaphysical healers say Ruby can heal or balance the Base Chakra, located at the base of the spine. When this area is in balance, one regains physical strength and stamina and has a rekindled sense of security and self-power.
Feng Shui experts say Ruby is fire energy, Yang in nature, associated with the south area of a home or office.
While not usually a meditation stone because of its invigorating properties, Ruby is beautiful in jewelry. Wear it in a ring on your left hand, or as earrings or a pendant. Keep your Ruby separated from softer gemstones or they might be scratched.
Note: The claims here aren’t meant to take the place of medical advice. They’re based on folklore and other sources, and likely “work” best if one’s belief is strong enough!
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
If it’s got invigorating properties, I need some — quick! It is a beautiful stone. I like it as much as emeralds. But I have to confess, when I read “ruby,” the first thing that came to mind was “Ruby. It’s invigorating, too, in its way.
Ruby is my sister’s birthstone; mine is sapphire (which, of course, I’m partial to!). Still, I learned a lot from researching this stone and have a new appreciation for it. I had to laugh at the “Ruby” song you linked to. That wasn’t the first thing that came to my mind, but it’s a good association … and doggone it, I’ll probably be humming that for the rest of the afternoon, ha!
“Ruby is a 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness (1-10), surpassed only by Diamond.”
Wow, Debbie, that’s a very interesting fact I didn’t know about a Ruby.
And OMG…that heart-shaped Ruby surrounded by diamonds is absolutely exquisite! And yes, the perfect Valentine’s Day present for sure!
“Metaphysical healers say Ruby can heal or balance the Base Chakra, located at the base of the spine. When this area is in balance, one regains physical strength and stamina and has a rekindled sense of security and self-power.”
Yup…that is spot on. Whenever I’m feeling “not-grounded” and perhaps indecisive about something, I will meditate on my Root Chakra, envisioning red.
Once again, my friend, great gemstone post. You always teach me something I didn’t know.
Have a super Sunday!
Isn’t that heart-shaped ring exquisite?? Can you just imagine how elegant and special you’d feel wearing something like that??
I’m rather fascinated by the idea of chakras and meditating to put them in proper alignment. I imagine all of us can use a bit of “me-time” to center our emotions and thoughts while preparing us to tackle the challenges ahead and put aside the difficulties of the past. I know I’m plain cranky if I don’t have uninterrupted quiet time for prayer and contemplation!
Here’s hoping your week ahead is wonderful! xx
I love rubies. I bought my wife a square cut many years ago and it is still lovely.
And I’ll just bet she loves wearing it, too! I had no idea they have so many good properties, in addition to their beauty.
She does like it. Thanks, Debbie.
A stone of nobility. I like that! And this is my birthstone! I’m fortunate to have two beautiful ruby rings and one bracelet. And you know I do feel kind of noble when I wear them :-D.
Aw, that’s wonderful, Kb! Yes, you are definitely nobility (a Lioness, if memory serves me correctly), and I’m glad you have some rubies to adorn yourself with! (Ooh, my English teachers would have a hissy-fit over me ending a sentence with a preposition — I suddenly feel like a true Rebel, ha!)
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