Ruby
Ruby — from the Latin ruber, "red" — is red corundum, the sister stone of sapphire, colored by traces of chromium. Revered as the "king of gemstones" and counted among the four precious gemstones alongside diamond, sapphire and emerald, it is second only to diamond in hardness. Fine rubies glow with a vivid, almost inner fire — the legendary "pigeon's blood" red — and it is July's birthstone.
What Is Ruby?
Ruby Facts
- Corundum family — ruby and sapphire are the same mineral; chromium makes it red.
- Exceptional hardness — 9 on the Mohs scale, ideal for everyday jewellery.
- Historic prestige — treasured by royalty for millennia; fine Burmese rubies rank among the world's most valuable gemstones.
- Color range — from delicate pink-red to deep, saturated crimson; the most coveted stones show a pure, glowing red.
What Is Ruby Good For?
Ruby is the stone of a life fully lived. Practitioners traditionally associate it with passion and vitality — energy, enthusiasm and the courage to pursue what matters. It is treasured as a stone of confidence and charisma, supporting self-assurance in social and professional life, and as an emblem of love and devotion: in traditional belief it deepens commitment and keeps the heart generous and warm.
How to Use Ruby
- Wear it daily — Bracelets, rings and pendants keep its vital energy close; ruby's hardness makes it ideal for everyday wear.
- For milestone moments — A classic choice for anniversaries and declarations of love.
- Before social occasions — Many wear ruby when they want to feel magnetic and self-assured.
- As a birthstone gift — A July birthstone with unmatched symbolic weight.
Care & Cleansing
- Ruby is very hardy (9 Mohs) — suitable for daily wear, but remove during heavy work to protect settings.
- Clean with a soft cloth and mild soapy water; avoid harsh chemicals.
- Cleansing: rest it overnight on a Clear Quartz cluster — the simplest daily reset. For a deeper cleanse, try our Herkimer Diamond water method: soak a Herkimer Diamond in water for a few hours, then rest your crystal in the water for 10–30 minutes. Moonlight around the full moon is a good tool-free alternative. Read our full cleansing guide.
- Avoid salt water — some shops recommend it as a cleansing method, but salt can permanently dull or damage the surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ruby good for?
Passion, vitality and devotion — traditionally the stone of confident energy, charisma and deep commitment in love.
What's the difference between ruby and garnet?
Both are red, but ruby is corundum (9 Mohs) while garnet is a different mineral family (6.5–7.5 Mohs). Ruby's red comes from chromium and typically shows a brighter, more vivid glow.
Is ruby really July's birthstone?
Yes — ruby has been July's birthstone across traditions for centuries, symbolizing passion, protection and prosperity.