What is the July Birthstone?
The July Birthstone is Ruby.
It could easily be argued that the Ruby is the finest of all gemstones - in the language of ancient India, Sanskrit, rubies were called, Ratnaraj, 'the king of precious stones', and they knew a thing or two about gemstones in South Asia.
The July Birthstone - Ruby Colors
All Rubies are red but such an intense rich red that no other gemstone comes close to matching it. The color red arouses passion, desire and lust and perhaps this is why Rubies have inspired love, jealousy, war, invasion and appetite more than any other gemstone.
The July Birthstone Price - How expensive is Ruby?
Given the right attributes - origin, color, size, clarity, lack of treatment and so on - Rubies are probably the most expensive gemstones you can find with some exceptionally rare examples reaching in excess of a million dollars per carat!
In general the price of a Ruby is determined by its color. A pure vivid red with no orange or purple undertones is preferred and not too dark to affect the brightness of the red nor too light to make it appear pink.
Clarity is important but Rubies often have blemishes and, so long as the color is right, buyers are willing to accept this. In fact it is often an indication that the Ruby is all-natural and can bring a romantic softness to the gemstone’s appearance.
Large Rubies over a carat or two in weight are very rare so as the gemstones increase in size, the price can be affected dramatically - a 3 carat ruby will be a lot more than simply 3 times the price of a 1 carat stone.
Other factors such as fracture filling, heat treatment and being totally untreated can influence the price per carat significantly - please refer to our Ruby Info page for more details.
See our full Ruby Info page here
What are the spiritual benefits of Ruby - The July Birthstone?
The Ruby is possibly the most influential gemstone of them all - it represents the all-powerful sun according to Vedic astrology which dates back thousands of years. Its reputation as a stone of love, passion and desire is well known but its other attributes include:
- Courage and Strength
- Sexuality and Fertility
- Confidence and Motivation
- Power and Leadership
See our detailed article on Ruby meaning and uses
The July Birthstone - Ruby and the Chakras
With its intense red color, Ruby is an ideal gemstone for the Root Chakra which deals with aspects in life such as feelings of safety and security as well as self-confidence.
Find more details on Chakra gemstones here
The July Birthstone - Ruby Species
Ruby is a type of Corundum along with Sapphire. Corundum can be found in all colors but if they are red they are Rubies, if they are any other color they are sapphires.
The July Birthstone - Ruby Treatments
Rubies have a history of heat treatment to improve color and clarity which stretches back thousands of years and even today traditional blow-pipe furnaces can be seen in places like Sri Lanka and Cambodia.
It is estimated that around 99% of all rubies receive some sort of treatment and without such treatments there is no way that supplies could keep up with demands.
Heat treatment is very much accepted but fracture filling, flux enhancement and the like are more intrusive. So long as any treatment is fully disclosed there should not be any issues and these processes have made a lot more rubies available at reasonable prices.
The July Birthstone - Ruby History.
Rubies are among the most historical of all gemstones. They are mentioned in the bible, in Pliny’s 1st century Natural History, in ancient Jyotish or Vedic astrology texts, and in the journals of merchants traveling on the ancient Silk Road.
The July Birthstone - Where are Rubies found?
The most illustrious and prestigious ruby mines are in Myanmar where they have been mined for at least 1500 years and probably a lot longer in the legendary Mogok Valley. This area still has a reputation for the finest ruby gemstones.
Madagascar, Tanzania and Mozambique in Africa are quickly becoming among the best modern sources of Rubies although the traditional areas of Thailand, India and Pakistan can still produce fine quality gemstones.
The July Birthstone - What jewelry is Ruby suitable for?
Rubies are rated a very durable 9 on Mohs hardness scale which is second only to diamonds. They are considered strong enough for all types of jewelry items including daily wear pieces. Singles, pairs and lots are relatively easily found for matching jewelry sets.
Star Rubies and large cabochons - domed tops and flat bottoms - are also available for classic or retro looking rings and pendants.
In addition to being the July birthstone, Rubies are also the traditional gemstones to celebrate the 15th, 40th and 80th wedding anniversaries.
