Cancer’s birthstone is ruby, a deep red gemstone known for its vivid color and hardness. The ruby gets its notable red color from the element chromium and is among the most highly valued gems in the world. In addition to its striking beauty, the ruby is believed to bring health, wealth, wisdom, love, and success to those born in July under the zodiac sign Cancer.
The ruby has been prized for thousands of years, being one of the oldest known gemstones. Historical references date ruby jewelry possessions back to China’s Xia Dynasty in 2000 BC. The ruby was considered a royal stone across many ancient civilizations, often being adorned by kings and queens. The vibrant red color led ancient Hindus to associate the ruby with the planet Mars and call it “Ratnaraj,” meaning “King of Precious Stones.”
Colors and Varieties
The Cancer birthstone ruby gets its red color primarily from chromium. The more chromium present, the more saturated the red color. The finest color is a deep, vivid red to slightly purplish red. This is known as “pigeon’s blood” red, referring to the color of a pigeon’s blood.
While red is the most prized color, rubies also naturally occur in pink, purple, and orangey-red hues. The different ruby colors include:
| Color | Description |
| Pigeon blood red | The most desirable rich, saturated, slightly purplish red |
| Pink | Light to medium light pink tone |
| Red | Pure red to slightly bluish red |
| Purple-red | Red with a secondary hue of purple |
| Orange-red | Red with a secondary orange tone |
The most prized rubies have a lush, vivid, intense red color. Stones that are too pinkish, purplish, or orangey are considered less valuable. However, any ruby with a predominant red hue is still regarded as Cancer’s traditional birthstone.
Properties
In addition to its beautiful color, the ruby has other notable properties that add to its value as a gemstone:
| Hardness | 9 on the Mohs scale; very durable |
| Luster | Vitreous with adamantine brilliance |
| Refractive Index | 1.762-1.770; high dispersion of white light |
| Specific Gravity | 3.99-4.05; relatively heavy |
The ruby rates 9 on the Mohs scale, meaning it is an extremely hard and durable gemstone, second only to the diamond. It has a vitreous luster ranging from glossy to adamantine, with substantial brilliance and fire. When cut properly, the ruby exhibits a strong dispersion effect, scattering white light into spectral colors. It also has a refractive index over 1.76, giving it exceptional optical properties.
Sources and Localities
Historically, the most famed source of rubies was Myanmar (Burma), particularly the Mogok region. Vivid “pigeon’s blood” rubies with rich color saturation originated from Myanmar. Other major sources are Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Afghanistan, and Tanzania. More recently, large ruby deposits have been found in Mozambique and Greenland.
Some of the most important localities for natural ruby specimens include:
| Myanmar | Mogok, Mong Hsu |
| Thailand | Chanthaburi, Kanchanaburi |
| Sri Lanka | Ratnapura |
| India | Northern Madhya Pradesh, Southern Orissa |
| Pakistan | Hunza Valley |
| Afghanistan | Jegdalek, Badakhshan |
| Tanzania | Morogoro |
| Mozambique | Montepuez |
Myanmar remains the premier source for top quality rubies exhibiting the highly saturated red color most desired in Cancer birthstones. But rubies are recovered from many regions around the world and used as July’s birthstone.
Metaphysical Properties
In crystal healing traditions and astrology, the ruby is strongly associated with themes of vitality, passion, confidence, motivation, strength, and protection. Some key metaphysical properties believed to be embodied in the Cancer birthstone include:
– Stimulating vigor, energy, courage
– Enhancing passion, enthusiasm, adventurousness
– Boosting concentration, focus, determination
– Encouraging success, optimism, positivity
– Strengthening love, intimacy, commitment
– Shielding against danger, misfortune, illness
– Promoting stamina, endurance, resilience
Wearing or carrying the ruby is thought to activate these properties to benefit the Cancer individual. The rich red color resonates with the root chakra located at the base of the spine. The ruby’s energy stimulates the root chakra, removing energy blocks and bringing vitality to the whole body.
Overall, the metaphysical attributes complement the bold but sensitive nature of Cancer. The ruby birthstone is believed to empower Cancers to pursue their passions courageously, embrace their emotional depths, open their hearts fully, and protect their sensitive spirit.
Care and Cleaning
Despite excellent hardness and durability, proper care should be taken to preserve the shine and luster of the ruby gemstone:
– Clean rubies ultrasonically or with soapy water at home using a soft brush. Steer clear of harsh chemical cleaners.
– Store rubies separately from other gems to prevent scratches. Place in soft cloth pouches or glass/plastic containers.
– Avoid knocking rubies together, exposing to excessive heat, or subjecting to sharp blows/pressure. May cause chipping or fractures.
– Take off ruby jewelry before physical activities like exercise, sports, gardening, housework. Exposure to chemicals/impacts can damage.
– Rubies are best set in protective styles like bezel settings rather than prong settings vulnerable to chipping.
By caring carefully for the Cancer birthstone and avoiding damage, the ruby can remain sparkling and brilliant for many years to come. Reputable gemologists also recommend having important rubies inspected annually and considering insuring valuable ruby jewelry.
Value and Price
Rubies command some of the highest prices among colored gemstones, often rivaling emerald and sapphire in value. Larger stones over one carat with fine vivid red color can be worth several thousand dollars per carat. The primary factors affecting ruby values are:
| Color | Vivid red preferred, with strong saturation |
| Clarity | Transparent or nearly transparent |
| Cut | Fine make with good brilliance |
| Carat Weight | Larger stones are exponentially more valuable |
| Source | Myanmar rubies command highest prices |
Top quality rubies over 5 carats from Myanmar with “pigeon’s blood” color can fetch over $1 million per carat at fine auction houses. Even small commercial-grade rubies typically sell for at least $100-$300/carat.
In jewelry stores, pre-set ruby rings in 14k gold tend to range from $500 for a 0.5 carat ruby to over $2000 for a 2 carat ruby solitaire ring. Necklaces and bracelets with multiple rubies can cost anywhere from $1000 to $5000+ depending on gold weight and total ruby carat size.
Imitations and Synthetics
The ruby has been widely simulated and synthetically produced due to its popularity and high value. Some commonly encountered ruby imitations include:
| Glass | Manufactured glass rubies, often foiled to mimic real ruby color |
| Garnet | Almandine garnets can resemble rubies but are softer and lack dispersion |
| Spinel | Synthetic or natural red spinels with similar red hues |
| Tourmaline | Red rubellite tourmaline is sometimes passed off as real ruby |
| Flame fusion | Synthetic ruby manufactured by Verneuil process, lower quality |
| Flux-grown | Lab-grown ruby with better quality than flame fusion |
Gemologists can positively identify real rubies and distinguish natural from synthetic stones using advanced testing techniques. It is advisable to have important rubies certified by reputable gem labs like GIA, AGS or Gubelin to document authenticity. Exercise caution buying bargain rubies, as many counterfeits exist.
Birthstone Jewelry Ideas
The ruby makes a majestic birthstone gift for any July-born Cancer. Here are some beautiful jewelry design ideas:
– Classic ruby stud earrings – simple, understated, perfect for everyday wear
– Vintage-style ruby cocktail ring – dramatic impact from a large center ruby
– Ruby tennis bracelet – lined with sparkling rubies for unmatched glamour
– Ruby and diamond halo pendant – accentuates the ruby’s brilliance
– Ruby solitaire ring – a traditional engagement ring choice
– Three-stone ruby ring – symbolic of love’s past, present and future
– Ruby cluster earrings – dazzling arrays of small rubies
– Ruby heart pendant – celebrates love and relationships
– Ruby floral ring – artistic, nature-inspired celebration of July
– Ruby slice necklace – displays mesmerizing natural ruby crystal
From traditional studs to innovative artistic designs, rubies lend themselves beautifully to birthstone jewelry. Their vivid crimson color flatters Cancer’s fair skin, while symbolizing passion and dynamism characteristic of the sign.
Conclusion
In summary, the ruby’s striking red color, rarity, and metaphysical properties make it the perfect birthstone choice for Cancer. The king of gemstones evokes themes of vigor, love, and success resonating with Cancerians. Sought after for millennia by royalty, the ruby continues to be one of the most precious gifts for July-born Cancers. Whether given as a traditional red ruby or contemporary ruby jewelry design, Cancerians will delight in this regal gemstone talisman. The ruby’s vibrant crimson energy empowers Cancers to live life fully, ardently, and meaningfully.