The Laings Journal
Exhibiting love, passion, energy and wisdom, the Ruby is one of the most allusive gemstones. Its powerful red colour is said to glow from a fire within the stone and its vibrancy has led it to resonate with civilisations around the world. Many cultures admire the precious gemstone as a token of wealth and safety, join us as we discover the legend of the ruby.
A Ruby’s Beginnings
A ruby is a variety of the corundum mineral, the same family as the sapphire, and the red colour is caused by traces of chromium during formation. The strength of the colour therefore depends on how much chromium is present. Some of the most beautiful rubies have been found in marble deposits, the most renowned found in Myanmar, the Himalayas and northern Vietnam.
A Stone of Lore and Legend
The celebrated birthstone of July, the ruby tells tales of romance that have inspired lore and legend over centuries. It is the captivating red hue of the gem that makes it so special, with its strong colour creating striking pieces of jewellery.
However, long before we knew about the minerals that created their red colour, ancient cultures were celebrating the beautiful gemstones, holding them in high regard. They were often prized possessions of Emperors and Kings with many associating the stones with blood, the ‘power of life.’ The ancient Sanskrit for ruby ‘ratnaraj’ even translates as ‘the king of precious stones.’
Playing host to a range of legends, Burmese warriors believed the gems would make them invincible in battle, whilst Chinese noblemen adorned their armour with glowing rubies for protection, power, and wisdom in battle. The ancient Chinese also buried them beneath their building foundations for good luck, whilst Ancient Hindus proclaimed that they would be reborn as emperors if they offered rubies to the god Krishna.
Royal Associations
Royal associations carried on through the eras, have made the ruby a desired gem of European royalty. Admirers in the medieval era thought that they would guarantee health, wealth, wisdom, and success in love. This desire for rubies carries on today and they are still thought of as a particularly romantic gift. This sentiment is recognised with the varying ruby gifts that royals such as the late Queen Elizabeth, the Princess of Wales and The Queen Camilla have received over the years.
What Does the Ruby Mean Now
For many, the ruby represents love and passion. Rubies have strong romantic symbolism, mainly due to their distinctive red hue. It is said that this vibrancy comes from a fire that burns within the stone, giving off a breathtaking glow. The most sought-after red is known as ‘pigeons blood’, a deep red with a hint of purple that has a magical feel to it.
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