Ruby

General Information

The Ruby name comes from ruber, Latin for red and is considered one of the four precious stones, together with the sapphire, the emerald, and the diamond. It is the birthstone for July, and is given for the 15th and 40th anniversary gifts and represents the passion for love.

History
An early recorded mention of rubies arises in the literature on the North Silk Road of China, wherein about 200 BC rubies were carried along this ancient road moving westward from China. Rubies have always been held in high esteem in Asian countries. They were used to ornament armor, scabbards, and harnesses of noblemen in India and China.

Biggest Ever Found
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC, displays a richly saturated red Ruby, with an exceptional transparency and a finely proportioned cut, providing vivid red reflections. The stone was mined in 1930s from the Mogul region of Burma (now Myanmar), known for the finest rubies in the world.

Interesting Facts
1. Rubies are extremely strong, registering 9 on the Moths scale of hardness. They are as resilient as sapphires.

2. Almost all rubies have flaws. Rubies without imperfections are exceptionally rare and command prices even higher than diamonds of a similar weight and quality.

Colour Group Chart