Ruby
Properties of the ruby
This gemstone is one of the most popular. Rubies belong to the corundum family, like sapphires. The ruby's very distinctive color ranges from red to brown to purple. This is due to the presence of chromium oxide.
The ruby belongs to the trigonal crystal system. Its fracture is conchoidal, and its break is white. The density of a ruby ranges from 3.97 to 4.05. It is also one of the hardest gemstones in the world, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale. Therefore, it is ranked just after diamond (10 on the Mohs scale) and moissanite (9.5 on the same scale).
Discover all our mineral bracelets
The secret to the ruby's commercial value, which, along with colored diamonds, is among the most expensive gemstones, lies in the stone's purity, its size, the quality of its cut, and, ultimately, the purity of its color. The more perfect the stone, with fewer impurities, the more valuable it is.
The most notable ruby deposits are found primarily in Myanmar, which produces over 90% of the world's rubies. Other mines in Africa, Asia, Australia, and North America also produce high-quality stones.
History of the ruby
Etymologically, the word ruby derives from the Latin term "rubeus," meaning red. Historically, India is the country where the ruby is particularly valued or even venerated as a sacred stone associated with the sun.
Furthermore, in the ancient Sanskrit language, rubies are called "ratnaraj," which literally means "King of precious stones." The ruby was the most famous and precious gemstone due to its rarity and exceptional beauty.
The introduction of rubies to Europe is primarily attributed to Greek traders around 500 BC. The Romans called the ruby "Carbunculorum," meaning "little burning coal," referring to its color. Mentioned in various sacred writings and narratives, including the Bible, the ruby has often acquired religious symbolism. In the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church believed rubies to be a symbol of the blood of Christ, and thus kings and princes of the Church adorned their crowns and jewelry with rubies as a sign of Christian devotion.
Today, rubies have various uses, including in jewelry and watchmaking, both for their preciousness and their physical characteristics of hardness and resistance to friction. Rubies are also used to create the laser beams now used in the precision industry.
Benefits of rubies
Furthermore, the stone is said to be a good way to prevent poisoning, fevers, and infections, and to restore the body's strength and vitality. Some even attribute to it powers of longevity and sexual potency.
On a mental and psychological level, ruby bestows willpower, courage, and self-confidence. A stone of wisdom and temperance, ruby brings prosperity and creativity, both artistic and intellectual.
Discover all our mineral bracelets
Ideal for channeling energy in the body, the ruby reduces the dissipation of energy into unnecessary negative feelings such as jealousy, discouragement, or pessimism, focusing energy on positive sensations. The stone restores enthusiasm and the joy of living.
On a karmic level, the ruby is favorable to the Heart Chakra, the Sacral Chakra, and the Third Eye Chakra. The ruby is the ideal companion for facilitating meditation and spiritual enlightenment. Its favorite astrological signs are Aries, Cancer, Leo, and Scorpio.
To purify a ruby, simply soak the stone in distilled, highly saline water for a few hours. To recharge the stone, exposing it to sunlight on a quartz crystal should restore its full power.
