The
ruby is so named because of its rich red color.
The ruby is a very durable gemstone; its hardness
is surpassed only by the diamond. Large rubies
are very scarce and costly, worth more than
2 to 3 times a diamond of equal size and quality.
Rubies were thought to contain a glowing spark
struck from the planet Mars. Ancient lore held
that the ruby was capable of curing illness
and reconciling lovers quarrels. Hindus referred
to the ruby as “The Lord of the Gems,” and
believed its deep red color came from an inextinguishable
fire which was capable of boiling water. It
is said that a person should never make faces
at a ruby in a museum, and never ignore it,
for it was said to grow dull if slighted or
not worn or seen.
Rubies
come from Burma, Thailand, Kenya, Tanzania,
Cambodia, Sri Lanka and India. It is the accepted
gemstone for July birthdays, also 15th and
40th anniversaries.