Hannah’s Reflections ~ Ruby
Hi, I am Hannah.
Each week I will be researching Gemstone Families, and writing my findings here, so you can learn with me.
Today, I will be writing about Ruby which is in The Corundum Family.
Prescribed the most precious stone created by God, the name ruby comes from the Latin word ruber, which means “red.” Ruby is the traditional birthstone for July (This one has to be one of my favorite as it is my birthstone!)
Symbolic of passion, protection, and prosperity, ruby gemstones have been revered since ancient times. Rubies have been particularly prized in Asian countries. Records suggest that rubies were traded along China’s North Silk Road as early as 200 BC. Chinese noblemen adorned their armor with rubies because they believed the gem would grant protection. (Wow, can you imagine how amazing the noblemen would of looked in their ruby adorned armor!)
The red fluorescence power of ruby helped build the first working laser in 1960. Rubies—both natural and synthetic—are still used to make lasers, as well as watches and medical instruments. (Fascinating, didn’t know that you can use rubies to make lasers!)
Rubies can command the highest per-carat price of any colored stone. This makes ruby one of the most important gems in the colored stone market. In its purest form, the mineral corundum is colorless. Trace elements that become part of the mineral’s crystal structure cause variations in its color. Chromium is the trace element that causes ruby’s red color.
Thank you for reading! I hope you’ve enjoyed this blog :)