Birthstones have long been associated with the months of the year and it is believed that each stone has unique properties and symbolic meaning. For the month of July, the traditional birthstone is the ruby. The ruby has been prized for centuries for its beauty and mystical qualities. In this article, we will explore the history and lore surrounding the ruby, its meaning and significance for those born in July, and other stones that are considered alternative birthstones for this summer month.
The Ruby: July’s Primary Birthstone
The ruby has been the accepted birthstone for July for over 100 years by jewelry organizations in the United States and Britain. This lustrous red gemstone has been treasured for millennia, all the way back to ancient times. Here are some key facts about the illustrious ruby:
| Color | Vibrant red, may vary from purplish-red to orangey-red |
| Source | Mines in Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, Africa |
| Hardness | 9.0 on the Mohs hardness scale |
| Chemical composition | Aluminum oxide with chromium responsible for red color |
| Refractive index | 1.76-1.78 |
| Transparency | Transparent to opaque |
The ruby has been coveted for its beauty, strength, and blood-red color since ancient times in India and Asia. In Hindu folklore, the ruby was called the “king of gems” and associated with passion, protection, and prosperity. Burmese warriors believed rubies made them invincible in battle. Medieval European royalty treasured rubies for their symbolic power and intrinsic value. Large high-quality rubies have always commanded high prices, sometimes even more than diamonds of the same size.
July Birthstone Meaning & Symbolism
So why has the ruby become linked with the month of July? Here are some of the meanings and symbolic associations of the ruby as a July birthstone:
– Red color symbolizes vitality, strength, passion, and courage
– Traditional gift for 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries
– Durable and resistant like those born in the peak of summer
– Believed to promote positive energy, success, leadership
– Associated with the summer season, sunshine, fire, and heat
– Red rubies resemble July’s famous firework displays
– Worn to enhance confidence, vitality, passion, strength
– Given to convey love, power, protection
According to both Western and Eastern astrology, those born in July are believed to benefit greatly from the ruby’s energizing and uplifting powers. The fiery red color matches the summer heat and vibrancy of July babies. The durable hardness provides a symbolic shield just as July-borns are entering the world in the warm protection of summer. Rubies are believed to amplify the positive qualities already found in July-born individuals.
Properties of the Ruby
What makes the ruby so special and desirable? As a gemstone, the ruby possesses exceptional brilliance, luster, hardness, durability, and rarity that has cemented its status as one of the world’s most precious gems.
Here are some of the notable properties of the ruby:
| Brilliance | Highly refractive and reflective, rubies have an incredible brightness |
| Dispersion | Fire and sparkle from dispersed white light |
| Luster | Intense, glowing luster |
| Hardness | 9.0 on Mohs scale, making rubies extremely scratch-resistant |
| Durability | Highly durable and resistant to impact or fractures |
| Color | Prized for its blood-red color; shade and saturation affects value |
| Clarity | High clarity rubies are rare and valuable |
| Supply | Very rare, especially in larger sizes; mostly mined in Southeast Asia |
The ruby’s hardness and durability make it ideal for jewelry wear. Its refractive properties give rubies their dazzling red sparkle. Large rubies with a deep saturated red and few imperfections or inclusions are the most desirable. The ruby gets its red color from trace amounts of the element chromium. Rubies with too little or too much chromium have less value.
Alternative July Birthstones
While the ruby is recognized as the primary modern birthstone for July, there are a number of other lesser-known stones also considered birthstones for this summer month:
Carnelian
Carnelian is a reddish-brown mineral that is a variety of chalcedony quartz. It has been used in jewelry and carvings since ancient times. As an alternate July birthstone, carnelian is similarly linked with vitality, passion, and strength.
Onyx
Onyx is a banded variety of chalcedony with black and white layers. Historically it was used for carved cameos and intaglios. Onyx is symbolic of mental acuity and strong decision making.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx combines alternating orange-red sard and white onyx layers. It was popular in Roman times for carved gems. Sardonyx is associated with courage, happiness, and clear communication.
Garnet
While modern garnets are the birthstone for January, hessonite garnet and hydrogrossular garnet were considered variants of July’s birthstone in ancient times. Garnets represent faith, constancy, and truth.
Turquoise
The blue-green mineral turquoise was also used in antiquity as a birthstone talisman for July. It symbolized wisdom, friendship, loyalty, and protection.
How to Choose a July Birthstone
When choosing a July birthstone, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
| Meaning | Select a stone that has symbolic meaning you connect with |
| Color | Choose a hue that appeals to you – fiery red ruby or cool turquoise |
| Style | Pick a cut of stone that fits the jewelry setting you prefer |
| Budget | Consider an alternate July stone if a ruby is not affordable |
| Quality | Look for stones with good clarity, color saturation, brilliance |
| Size | Choose a substantial central stone or several smaller accent stones |
| Source | Determine if ethical sourcing is important to you |
| Customization | Design a personalized jewelry piece featuring your stone |
July babies are fortunate to have the radiant ruby along with other beautiful birthstones to choose from. Select the stone that captures your heart and personality.
July Birthstone Jewelry Gift Ideas
July birthstone jewelry makes for gorgeous and meaningful gifts. Here are some inspired July jewelry gift ideas:
– Ruby stud earrings – simple, classic gift that can be dressed up or down
– Carnelian pendant necklace – boho chic style with layered necklaces
– Ruby and diamond ring – for milestones, use ruby as the centerpiece
– Turquoise bracelet – casual, earthy gift, great for summer
– Onyx cufflinks – sharp, sophisticated gift for men
– Multi-gemstone July birthstone bracelet – one gemstone for each July birthstone
– Ruby and gold ring – combine ruby with yellow or rose gold
– Vintage ruby brooch or hair clip – for collectors of antique jewelry
– Sardonyx cameo ring, pendant, or pin – carved gem with intricate detail
– Ruby and pearl drop earrings – mix birthstones from different months
– Garnet and ruby signet ring – personalized with engraved initials
How to Care for Ruby Jewelry
While very durable, some basic care can keep your ruby jewelry looking its best. Here are some tips:
– Clean rubies with mild soap, water, and a soft brush
– Avoid harsh chemicals, acid, or ultrasonic cleaners
– Store rubies separately from other gems to prevent scratching
– Take off ruby rings and bracelets before physical activities
– Keep rubies away from extreme heat or changes in temperature
– Have rubies checked by a jeweler annually and re-set if needed
– Take care not to chip or fracture rubies by protecting settings
– Consider insuring valuable ruby jewelry against loss or damage
With proper care, your July birthstone and ruby jewelry can remain vibrant and lasting keepsakes for years to come. The ruby’s captivating color, mystical associations and enduring hardness make it the perfect birthstone for those born on the hottest month of the year.
Conclusion
The dynamic ruby has been cherished as July’s primary birthstone for over a century, while also sharing the spotlight with other alternative July stones. Its saturated red color symbolizes strength, passion, and vitality perfectly suited for mid-summer babies. The ruby has been revered since antiquity for its beauty, value, and mystical powers. Those born in July are believed to benefit from the protective and empowering energies of the ruby. With proper selection and care, July birthstone jewelry makes for exceptional gifts. Whether you choose a glittering ruby or another July gemstone, celebrate the season and your loved ones with the gift of this mid-summer stone.