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The Fiery Legacy of Rubies: Passion, Protection, and Power
Learn the history and mystery of the gemstone of passion, love, and desire, the ruby!
The ruby is not only a symbol of love and passion, but it has captivated civilization for thousands of years and has well and truly earned its nickname as the ‘king of precious stones.’ Rubies have had a long relationship with royalty, wealth, and power. Surprisingly, many people believed that simply possessing a ruby would not only protect your wealth but also assist you in accumulating more wealth.
And when it comes to wearing a stone as bold as the ruby, pairing it with the right metal can elevate its impact even further. If you're exploring options for your next jewelry purchase, consider how different metals complement your skin tone — our guide, Which Metal Works Best for Your Skin Tone?, can help you make the most radiant choice.
Formation and Origin of Rubies
Rubies are formed from the mineral aluminum oxide or corundum. Rubies are created deep below the Earth’s surface, under intense pressure and heat. Corundum is composed of densely packed aluminum and oxygen atoms, which results in a colorless compound, but when some of the aluminum atoms are replaced with other minerals, the stones take different colors.
It is the addition of chromium during this process that results in the deep red hue found in the color of rubies. If ferric iron is present, along with chromium, the result can be extremely rare pink or orange shades of ruby. Unfortunately, the presence of either iron or silica will prevent the formation of a ruby, and the abundance of both elements in the Earth’s crust makes the chance of a ruby forming very rare indeed.
Most rubies are found in Asia, in countries such as Thailand, India, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Nepal being the biggest ruby mining countries. The majority of rubies are found around the Himalayan mountain ranges, which were formed when the two continents, the Indian subcontinent and Asia, collided almost 50 million years ago, creating the world’s biggest deposit of rubies. However, rubies have also been found worldwide, including Montana, Madagascar, and Macedonia.
It’s pretty unbelievable to think but some of the rubies you’re wearing could be over 50 million years old! Most rubies contain natural imperfections or inclusions, known as silk or rutile needles, which have been present since the ruby was formed. These natural imperfections are key identifiers that separate the lab-created ruby from a natural one.
The Symbolism and History of Rubies
Stretching across various cultures, throughout history, rubies have had a strong royal or regal connection, and it’s this connection to royalty that earned them the nickname, ‘the king’s gemstone.’ The ruby symbolized power, wealth, prosperity, authority, and offered supernatural protection.
A Protective Talisman
It was believed that the ruby extended powerful protection to its wearer and was traditionally worn on the left side, closest to the heart, for maximum protection. Most of the beliefs surrounding the ruby are related to the protection of assets, wealth, power, territory, and status. The protection of a ruby even extended to the wearer’s home, protecting it from natural elements such as storms.
Rubies and the Life-Force Connection
The intense, blood-red color of rubies has naturally led to a strong connection between humans and blood. Warriors going into battle or anyone facing physical damage often had a strong connection to rubies. This connection manifested itself in different cultures and civilizations.
Burmese Traditions – Ancient Burmese warriors and soldiers not only wore the ruby as protection during battle, but also had rubies inserted into their flesh, believing it granted them immunity from swords, spears, and gunfire.
Indian Legends – Ancient Indians believed that rubies could heal wounds and stem bleeding, while reducing inflammation, and that large rubies could grant the wearer total protection. Archers often wore rings featuring rubies to protect their thumbs during battle.
European Beliefs – Paracelsus, a renowned 16th-century physician and alchemist, reportedly used ruby in some of his treatments. He used crushed or powdered rubies as part of a treatment for cancer ulcers.4
A Ruby's Inner Glow
It’s no surprise that rubies are so popular, considering their rich and deep red color, but it’s when you gaze upon them, their inner fire truly seals the deal, and it was this inner glow that spawned several legends.
It was once said that a large enough ruby placed in water would instantly cause the water to boil, and even if hidden beneath protective coverings, a ruby’s inner fire would shine through.
From ancient warriors to royal courts, the ruby’s fiery spirit has long inspired awe, desire, and reverence. Whether you're drawn to its rich symbolism or its timeless beauty, there’s no better way to honor its legacy than with a piece crafted to last for generations.
Do you need assistance picking out the perfect piece of ruby jewelry, or want to create your own piece of custom ruby jewelry? Please don’t hesitate to contact our experienced team at deBoulle Diamond & Jewelry.
Discover our stunning collection of high-end jewelry in Dallas and Houston at deBoulle Diamond & Jewelry, featuring exquisite diamond engagement rings and luxury timepieces perfect for that special proposal. Visit us in-store or explore our selection online, and don’t hesitate to contact our expert staff with any questions or to view these magnificent pieces in person.
Ruby FAQs and Fun Facts
Why are rubies red? – Rubies are a type of corundum that gets its red color from the presence of chromium during formation.
Where did the ruby get its name? – Ruby comes from the Latin word ‘ruber’, which means red.
Where are rubies mined? – Rubies are mined in various countries, including Myanmar, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Australia, India, Malawi, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Thailand, Vietnam, and the United States.
How hard are rubies? – Rubies measure 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them a tough and durable gemstone. However, natural rubies often have fissures and cracks caused by chromium. The only gemstone that is harder than rubies is diamonds.
How rare are rubies? – Rubies are among the rarest gemstones in the world, and the highest-quality and most sought-after rubies come from Myanmar due to their exceptional deep red color.
How big is the world’s largest ruby? – The title for the world’s biggest ruby is currently the 125 West Ruby, which weighs in at over 8.2 lbs and 18,696 carats. The largest mined ruby is the Liberty Bell Ruby, which comes in at over 8,500 carats and was cut and polished into the shape of the Liberty Bell.
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