The vibrant red color and brilliance of rubies are what attract so many people to this precious gemstone. There’s definitely no shortage of interesting facts and folklore surrounding July’s birthstone so we narrowed it down and created our list of the 15 most fascinating facts about rubies.

1. The name ruby comes from the Latin word “ruber,” meaning red.
2. Rubies have historically signified great passion and have always been associated with deep love and courage.
3. Next to diamonds, rubies are the second hardest gemstone.
4. Rubies are recognized as a talisman to ensure harmony, guard against sorrow, inspire confidence and bring success.
5. Like sapphires, rubies are a part of the corundum family. Only red corundum can be classified as a ruby. Every other color is considered to be sapphire.
6. The red color found in rubies comes from trace amounts of chromium. This element is also responsible for causing the multitude of cracks and fissures commonly found inside the crystals. Because of this, rubies larger than three carats are extremely rare to find.
7. Rubies are the recognized gift for the 15^th and 40^th wedding anniversaries.
8. Thanks in most part to its color, many people believe that this gemstone has the power to attract and maintain love.
9. Most of the rubies available on the market come from Thailand but the most valuable rubies come from Myanmar (formerly Burma). These Burmese rubies feature an exceptional red color that is highly sought after.
10. The most expensive piece of ruby jewelry every sold at auction is known as “The Sunrise Ruby.” This 25.59 carat Burmese ruby and diamond ring was sold in May of 2015 for a little over 30 million dollars.
    

    The Sunrise Ruby Ring

11. The first laser ever created was made using the red fluorescence light emitted by ruby crystals.
12. In Sanskrit, rubies are known by the name “ratnaraj,” meaning the king of gems.
13. Rubies were believed to purge the body of toxins and restore youth and vitality when rubbed on the skin. It was also believed that rubies were able to improve blood circulation, except when worn close to the stomach, where the gemstone was believed to have adverse effects.
14. The most valuable ruby color is known as a “pigeon blood” ruby and is pure red.
    

    Pigeon Blood Ruby

15. Rubies are considered to be the most valuable colored gemstone, costing more than both sapphires and emeralds of a similar size and quality.

 

Still not had enough of this gorgeous gemstone? Click here to view our ruby jewelry collection.