The birthstone for July is ruby.

Ruby is the red variety of corundum, of which Sapphire is also a variety. The Latin word for Ruby is Ruber, meaning lord of the gems. Corundum is #9 on the mohs scale, the second hardest mineral, next to Diamond (#10 on the Mohs scale).

In ancient times, the wearer of Ruby was blessed with health, wealth and wisdom, and outstanding success in affairs of the heart.

Rubies bearing the most prized color - a color known as “Pigeon blood red”, are frequently encountered in Burma. Ancient Burmese warriors believed that Ruby had the power to bestow invulnerability, whereas the stone was inserted in an intentional wound in the flesh.

Many other rubies are found in Thailand, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and parts of Africa. Not all famous ‘Rubies’ are actually Rubies. The famous “Black Prince Ruby”, in Britain’s Crown Jewels, is actually a red Spinel.