Ruby
"The gleaming ruby should adorn, All those who in July are born, For thus they'll be exempt and free, From lover's doubts and anxiety." -Gregorian Birthstone Poems
The word Ruby comes from the Latin "ruber," meaning red. In the ancient Sanskrit language, ruby is called "ratnaraj" translated as "king of gemstones." Ancient Hindus believed that it was the "Lord of all Gems."
Rubies are considered to represent devotion, desire and passion and is also considered to be the symbol of eternal love. The fiery and emotional ruby is often presented as a gift for couples celebrating their 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries. Rubies, especially the very fine and large rubies, are rarer than diamonds, emeralds or sapphires. Its inherent eternal flame, its brilliance, the way the shade of red is refracted on each facet of the stone, giving a different red every time you turn it towards the sun, and the rich legend surrounding it; these are only some of the finest qualities of ruby that make it precious and rare. This is why some true-blue romantics prefer it over diamonds. Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, and yes, they may spell forever, but forever does not cross over to eternity. A ruby's eternal flame does.
In myth, at the time of the Borgias (15th - 16th Centuries), rubies were thought to counteract poison - and were therefore much in demand! When rubbed on the skin a ruby is thought to restore youth and vitality. In the Middle Ages, the ruby was viewed as a stone of prophecy - people believed it would darken when its wearer was in danger, and return to it's original color when the threat had disappeared. Sovereigns or crowned heads often turned to rubies for help in prediction and consequently preventing impending danger. Royalties kept rubies in their possession to protect them against vulnerability. Rubies were thought to represent heat and power. Ancient tribes used the gem as bullets for blowguns, and it was said that a pot of water would boil instantly if a Ruby was tossed into it. Ground to powder and placed on the tongue, this crystal was used as a cure for indigestion. Among the multitude of legends and strange beliefs of ancient times, it was thought that the wearer of a ruby was blessed with health, wealth, wisdom and outstanding success in `heart affairs '.Furthermore, the wearer acquired the ability to live in peace with his enemies. In some places ruby was even thought to confer invulnerability. Rubies are today even more valuable and rare than the top quality colorless diamonds. A 16 carat ruby was sold at auction for US$ 227,300 per carat at Sotheby's in 1988.
Ruby was said to be the most precious of the twelve stones God created when he created all things, and this "lord of gems" was placed on Aaron's neck by God's command. It is also referred to in the bible by Job when he states " Wisdom is more precious than rubies."
Out of the many myths and legends surrounding its brilliance, the one that stuck the most to lovers of this lasting gemstone is the one that said one should always be appreciative of rubies because they become lackluster when neglected, overlooked or unloved. In a word, you personify its symbolism, and its importance is revered in your relationship with it.
Mining for rubies started some 2,500 years ago, and to this date, ruby mining is still being undertaken in some parts of Asia such as Thailand and Burma, Australia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United States. But Burma, now known as Myanmar, is the most well-known source of fine rubies. Studies have shown that ruby mining in Burma could be traced way back into the Stone Age and Bronze Age, as proven by tools found in the Mogok mining area. Thailand, on the other hand, is considered today as the most important trading center in the world when it comes to ruby trading. There have also been discoveries of rubies in some areas in Vietnam and most recently in Madagascar.
Some interesting trivia:
A synthetic ruby crystal was used to create the first laser.
According to Rebbenu Bachya, the word odem in the verse Exodus 28:17 means "ruby"; it was the stone on the Ephod representing the tribe of Reuben. Modern Hebrew has taken this meaning.
Ruby is the most commonly named precious stone in the Bible; an example being Proverbs 31: "A virtuous wife is worth more than rubies."
The famous lighted "Red Stars" mounted above Kremlin spires, thought to be giant rubies mined in Siberia, are actually colored glass.
I am RUBY, "Ratnaraj," King of Precious Gemstones. Thousands of years ago I was released from the magical egg of Naga, a ferocious dragon from ancient Burma. My eternal flame has adorned the thrones of great royalty the world over. Wear me as an amulet and I will preserve your health, dispel your fears and bring abundant passion to your life. Touch me to the four corners of your land and I will turn away tempests and disaster... your harvests will be plentiful. -The Vernal Spirit Journey
