What Is the Meaning of the Gemstone Ruby?
The brilliant ruby, long treasured for its beauty and brilliance, has graced the crowns of royalty. Ranging in color from orange-red to raspberry to deep, almost violet-red, rubies make up one of the hardest gemstones known to man, second only to the diamond.NameThe word ruby derives from the Latin ruber, meaning red. Ruby is the red member of the corundum family (sapphire is a blue corundum). The Sanskrit word for ruby, kuruvinda, translates as king of the gemstones, according to the International Colored Gemstone Society.July BirthstoneThe ruby serves as the traditional birthstone for the month of July.SymbolismRubies symbolize fire and passion; when given as a gift they can express a deeply felt love.
“Ruby” derives from the Latin “rubens”/”ruber” which means “red.” The universally acknowledged synonym for ruby is “red” gemstone, even though there are also rubies in shades of pink and purplish-red. Rubies were apparently first worn in the breastplates of high priests centuries ago. They have never lost their place as precious jewels that are considered to have historical significance, potent physical properties and monetary value beyond compare.
