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The History and Powers of the Ruby Gemstone
Love the look of rubies? Not sure about their history? Rubies are a popular gemstone known for their deep and luxurious red color. Today, rubies are used in jewelry or sold as a single stone and are sorted out by many enthusiastic buyers looking to claim one as their own. For those, like yourself, who are interested in ruby gemstones, the following is a guide to the history and power of this gorgeous stone that you may not have known about.
History of the Ruby
The name ruby comes from ruber, the Latin word for red. For those who crave power and love, the ruby gemstone is an inspiring and popular choice.
Many centuries ago, some cultures truly believed that rubies once began their life by growing on trees, similar to how fruit grows. As stories go, these cultures believed that the ruby would bud as a white gem, before turning red as it ripened in the sunlight. When the ruby was fully red, it was ready to be harvested. In the Bible and in ancient Sanskrit, the ruby was deemed one of the most precious of all the gemstones.
In far east Asian countries, the ruby is described as Earth. In India, the ruby is called Ratnanayaka, the Lord of the Gemstones. It was known as the King of Precious Stones and the Leader of Gems by the Hindu. In the years gone by, the ruby was divided into different class levels, including lower class, middle class, and upper class, depending on the beauty and flawlessness.
It was said that no inferior ruby was allowed to come into contact with the upper class ruby, as it would diminish its magical powers and contaminate it forever. A red gemstone is meant to be key figure among the great and powerful. French jewelers called the stone the gem of gems in the 1880s.
Mystical Powers of the Ruby
Over the centuries, rubies have been well known as a gemstone which is said to have mystical powers. It’s said that the ruby is associated with the sun, and that it could preserve physical and mental health. Throughout the middle ages, rubies were called the prophecy stone. It was thought that when danger was near, the stone would darken.
Russia’s Ivan the Terrible stated that rubies were good for the memory, the brain, and the heart. In the Thirteenth Century, it was said to be a prescription to help with curing liver problems. In this case, the ruby was crushed into powder. During the 15th and 16th century, rubies were thought to help counteract poisons. Another power they’re supposed to possess is to help restore vitality and youth when rubbed on the skin.
The Gemstone of Love
For thousands of years, this precious gemstone was said to be the stone of love, passion, energy, power, and zest for life. Unlike any other gemstone in the world, the ruby is said to be a powerful symbol of feelings. It is known as the gemstone of fire and blood, and is said to bring courage, life, and youthfulness. Some legends say that if you possess a ruby, you can walk throughout life without the fear of misfortune or evil. They are also said to bring motivation and success to those who believe in their power.
The Science of Rubies and Their Physical Properties
Rubies are well known for their stunning red color. This red color is capable of turning brighter under different light sources, due to a marked fluorescence that is stimulated by artificial and natural lighting. The most important attribute of a ruby is its stunning red color, while its transparency is second in importance. Because it’s virtually impossible to find a finer quality ruby over 3 carats in size, minor inclusions are acceptable. This is why most jewelry is manufactured with stones under 3 carats.
For years, India was considered the country where all rubies were sourced due to a large collection of literature dating back over 2000 years. However, the highest quality rubies with the most transparency are said to be found in Burma. These Burmese rubies are said to rival the value of diamonds.
The rarest and most valued diamond is the star ruby, also known as the dove or pigeon blood, because it resembles dove or pigeon blood. This rare ruby features a pure deep-red color, with a hint of bluish purple. Within this ruby features what looks like a six-ray star that offers perfect symmetry. It’s said the center of the star within the ruby moves when the whole stone is moved.
Today rubies are found in selected parts of the world, including Thailand, Burma, Ceylon Islands, India, Madagascar, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Russia, Kenya, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Mexico, Pakistan, and North Carolina.
Conclusion
A ruby has been a symbol of so many things through the centuries gone by. If you’re lucky to find a ruby in your travels, take the time to appreciate the beauty and wonder it has to offer. If you want to purchase a ruby, or jewelry with rubies in it, it’s best to buy from a respected gemstone jeweler. So, are you thinking about buying a ruby?
