Attention all Cancers and Leos: Whether you or a loved one is celebrating a birthday, it’s time to start considering some gift ideas. You might want to delve into Zodiac-themed gifts or perhaps present a bouquet featuring their birth flowers. In addition to these symbolic gifts, each month boasts its own unique gemstones.
Let’s take a closer look at July’s birthstone.
July Birthstone: Ruby
Ruby, deriving its name from the Latin word “ruber” meaning red, is the birthstone for July, as noted by the Geological Institute of America. The finest rubies are referred to as “pigeon’s blood,” characterized by a deep red hue with subtle hints of purple.
The vibrant color of rubies comes from the presence of chromium. According to the Geological Institute of America, higher levels of chromium intensify the red hue of the stone.
Historically, rubies have symbolized power and were often revered as the “king of precious stones” in ancient India due to their rarity and hardness, second only to diamonds. Across different cultures and eras, rubies have been associated with wisdom, wealth, and success in love. In Medieval Europe, they were believed to possess protective powers, capable of predicting misfortune or healing blood disorders, according to the International Gem Society. Burmese warriors even wore rubies into battle, believing the stones made them invincible, according to the Geological Institute of America.
Myanmar, particularly the Mogok area, has been a significant source of high-quality rubies for over five centuries. Vietnam also contributes prominently to ruby production, alongside countries like Mozambique, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar.
In addition to being July’s birthstone, rubies are traditional gifts for the fifteenth and fortieth wedding anniversaries.
Curious about other birthstones throughout the year? Explore them here:
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
