Ruby is considered by many to be a lucky gemstone, especially for those born in July. As the primary birthstone for July, ruby is associated with traits like passion, prosperity, and protection. But is there any factual basis for rubies being lucky, or is it just superstition? Let’s examine the evidence.
The History and Lore of Ruby
Rubies have been prized for millennia. In ancient Hindu texts, rubies were connected with nobility, passion, and vigor. Ancient Burmese warriors believed rubies made them invincible in battle. Medieval European royalty viewed possession of large rubies as a sign of health, wealth, and wisdom from God.
This esteem led rubies to be associated with luck. Wearing rubies was thought to prevent misfortune and illness. Giving rubies as gifts was a way to pass good fortune onto others. Much of this lore connects to the color red – the color of blood and fire, and a symbol of life and vitality.
Rubies as a July Birthstone
The tradition of birthstones arose in 15th century Poland, where each month had an associated stone. Later traditions assigned multiple stones to each month. July’s birthstones are ruby, carnelian, and onyx. Of these, ruby is the primary stone for July and the most valued.
July falls in midsummer, when the sun is most powerful. Rubies capture that passionate energy in their deep red color. The vivid hue resembles a burning flame, symbolizing the fire associated with July. As the brightest red gemstone, rubies suit July’s pulsing heat.
Rubies and Astrology
In astrology, ruby is connected with the sun. The glowing red stone embodies the spirit of the sun and its energy.
Those born from June 21 to July 22 are under the sun’s zodiac sign, Cancer. Cancers are said to be passionate, loyal, nurturing, and highly intuitive. As the stone of the sun, ruby matches these traits. Rubies can stimulate confidence, focus, and determination in Cancers.
| Zodiac Sign | Dates | Ruby Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer | June 21 – July 22 | Confidence, focus, determination |
So astrologically, rubies are considered lucky for Cancers, amplifying their innate strengths.
The Physical and Metaphysical Properties of Rubies
What is it about rubies that link them to luck and prosperity? Let’s look at some of their unique properties, both physical and metaphysical:
Color and Visual Impact
The rich crimson color of rubies has an intense visual allure. Their glow captivates attention and was thought to guard against evil. The eye is drawn to the stone’s fire, which ancient cultures saw as a burning spirit within.
Rarity
Fine ruby deposits are very rare, especially gems over 3 carats. Large rubies can be worth millions per carat. Their scarcity adds to their mystique and perceived value. Having something exceptionally rare was seen as attracting good fortune.
Hardness and Durability
On the Mohs scale, rubies rate 9 out of 10 in hardness. Only diamonds rate higher. This makes rubies extremely durable and long-lasting, able to endure over centuries while retaining their brilliance. Their longevity was seen as lucky and a metaphor for a long, healthy life.
Vitality and Passion
The pulsing red color of rubies is associated with vitality, passion, and life force. In crystal healing, rubies stimulate the root chakra located at the base of the spine. This chakra governs survival, grounding, and feeling alive. Rubies can reignite motivation and zest for living.
Protective Powers
Many cultures held rubies as amulets to ward off harm. As a stone of nobility and kings, rubies symbolized authority and command over one’s environment. Rubies were thought to grant safety in battle and heal injuries more quickly.
| Property | Link to Luck |
|---|---|
| Vivid color | Attracts attention and wards off evil |
| Rarity | Owning something extremely scarce is lucky |
| Hardness & durability | Long-lasting gem portends a long, healthy life |
| Vitality & passion | Stimulates the will to live fully |
| Protection | Shields against misfortune and harm |
Scientific Views on Rubies and Luck
Modern science has moved away from supernatural explanations of gemstones. But rubies do have unique properties that provide hints about their historical role as lucky charms.
Color and Psychology
While the molecular cause is different, the effect of ruby’s red color on the brain is real. Red light has the longest wavelength in the visible spectrum. Longer wavelengths have lower frequencies and are more energizing. Red activates the adrenal glands and speeds metabolism. It focuses attention and heightens response, improving reaction times.
This fits rubies’ role in combat and their connection to vitality. Their red color provides real physiological stimulation.
Crystal Structure
Rubies crystallize in the trigonal crystal system, an uncommon structure shared with emerald and sapphire. The arrangement of atoms stores energy more efficiently. Some theorize this contributes to rubies’ reputed powers of healing and protection. While unproven, the unique atomic pattern does set rubies apart.
Fluorescence
Many rubies exhibit fluorescence under ultraviolet light. Absorbed UV rays are re-emitted as visible red light, intensifying the glow. This can make rubies seem almost self-illuminating. Fluorescence is variable but adds to the stone’s mystique as if lit from within.
Rarity
The difficulty of finding gem-grade rubies is no superstition. While synthetic rubies are readily created, natural ruby formation requires an unlikely combination of heat, pressure, and trace elements over eons. Comprising just 0.02% of mined corundum, rubies owe their prestige in part to how rarely they take shape in Nature.
| Scientific Property | Contribution to Ruby’s Lore |
|---|---|
| Red color and stimulation | Heightens alertness, reaction time, and sense of vitality |
| Unusual crystal structure | Stores energy more efficiently than other gems |
| Fluorescence | Intensifies red glow from within |
| True rarity | Exceptional scarcity increases value |
So while the mystical powers of rubies maybe exaggerated, aspects of their lore have real roots.
Rubies as a Gift
Much ruby lore concerns their role as gift. Rubies given out of love and appreciation were thought to bring good fortune to both giver and receiver. Their beauty and rarity made them natural symbols of passion and vitality.
Ruby jewelry or ornaments make meaningful gifts, especially for:
– Loved ones born in July
– Cancers seeking to amplify their sun sign traits
– Anyone needing a spark of energy and joy
– 22nd and 40th wedding anniversaries
– Valentines – the gem of passion
Rubies amplify their lucky powers when given from the heart.
Conclusion
Rubies have an extensive history of being connected with luck, vigor, and prosperity. Much early lore viewed rubies as possessing innate mystical powers. Later traditions associated rubies with certain months and zodiac signs. The July ruby birthstone endures as the stone’s primary mystical association.
Modern understanding links rubies’ lucky reputation to specific properties. Their fiery red color has physiological effects that boost energy and mood. Their toughness and rarity add to their value. While not supernatural, rubies do have unique traits that help explain their aura of good fortune.
Given with love, rubies make meaningful gifts. As July’s birthstone, rubies channel the vibrant spirit of midsummer. Their lush red color reflects light and life. For July’s children and Cancers, rubies are the quintessential lucky gemstone.
