Fun Facts About Ruby: July's Birthstone
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Ruby, the birthstone for July, is one of the most highly treasured gemstones of all-time. Here are some fun facts about rubies!
- Ruby is the birthstone for July, as well as the gemstone of 15th and 40th anniversaries.
- Rubies are a 9 on Mohs Hardness Scale.
- Ruby’s red color is a result of trace amounts of chromium present in the crystal. The more chromium that is present, the stronger the color of the crystal will be.
- Rubies were named after the Latin word for “red” – ruber.
- Rubies have been incredibly significant throughout history. They are even mentioned in the Bible four separate times!
- The Roman scholar, Pliny, described rubies in his book Natural History, which was written in the first century AD.
- Rubies also played a large role in Hindu history. Ancient Hindus believed that if a person offered a ruby to the god, Krishna, they would receive a rebirth as an emperor.
- In ancient Sanskrit, ruby is called ratnaraj, which means “king of gems.”
- Rubies are mentioned in the Bible in association with beauty and wisdom.
- European royalty and upper classes desired rubies, and many people in medieval times believed that rubies offered its wearers health, wealth, wisdom, and success in love.
- The most valuable rubies are a bright, vibrant red.
- If a “ruby” is too pink, it will likely be sold as a pink sapphire and not as a ruby at all!
- In May 2015, a 25.59ct ruby ring was sold at auction for $1,266,901 per carat – a new record for a colored gemstone!
