BIRTHSTONE: July

ORIGIN: Rubies are most commonly mined in Thailand, Cambodia, Burma, India Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

HISTORY: Rubies are one of the most historic of the gemstones. The name ruby comes from the latin word ruber meaning red. The glowing red suggested an inextinguishable flame burning in the gemstone, and is most associated with objects of power and desire.

Early cultures treasured rubies for their relative color to the blood that flowed through their veins, believing rubies held the power of life. They are most historically mentioned in the Bible, associated with attributes of beauty and wisdom. Ancient Hindus also believed those who offered rubies to the god Krishna would be reborn as emperors.

While legends in India believe rubies allowed their owners to live in peace with their enemies, in Europe ruby became one of the most sought-after gemstones of royalty and wealth. In Medieval times Europeans wore the stone to guarantee health, wisdom, and success in love.

FASHION: Ruby is a great gemstone for everyday wear, which is why many love this beautiful red gem and of course, red is the color of passion and love. Need to add a little color to your look? Rubies go with most anything: little black dress, jeans and a t-shirt, or maybe, you need a pair of ruby earrings to go with your ruby slippers to walk the yellow brick road.

FORMATION: Ruby is the red variety of the mineral Corundum. The red color is caused by the presence of chromium.

CLEANING & CARE: Rubies can easily be cleaned at home using warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners may also be used. Fracture-filled, cavity-filled, or dyed rubies should only be cleaned with a damp cloth.  

TREATMENTS: Rubies are most commonly heated to improve color and appearance.

MOH'S HARDNESS : 9.0 Scratch resistance through the ability of a harder material to scratch a softer material.

SPECIFIC GRAVITY: 3.97 - 4.05 The relation between the density of any substance and the density of water.

REFRACTIVE INDEX:  1.762 - 1.770 The ratio of the velocity of light in a vacuum to its velocity in a specified medium.