Ruby – The Jewel of Passion

Ruby, the red variety of the mineral corundum, captivates with its intense, fiery color, ranging from a deep blood-red to a vivid pinkish-red. Whether found in natural ruby beads or cultivated in labs, ruby’s allure is timeless. Natural ruby beads often come from Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, while lab-grown rubies offer an ethical and controlled alternative, originating from specialized facilities worldwide.

Etymology

The name “ruby” originates from the Latin “ruber,” meaning “red.” Historically, it has been known as “ratnaraj” in Sanskrit, translating to “king of precious stones,” highlighting its regal status.

Cosmic Junction

Ruby vibrates with the energy of Mars, symbolizing passion, courage, and vitality, and is closely tied to the root chakra, grounding one’s energy and stimulating life force. This gemstone has played significant roles in mythologies, fairy tales, and folk stories with its magical attributes:

Both natural ruby beads and lab-grown rubies carry these storied qualities, though some traditions emphasize the unique earth-bound energy of natural stones. Lab-grown rubies, while lacking this direct connection to Earth’s ancient history, embody the same essence of passion and protection, offering a sustainable and ethical alternative.

Cultural Resonance

In Hindu lore, rubies are considered the fire of the sun, believed to illuminate the wearer’s life with wisdom, health, and success. One legend tells that those who offered rubies to Krishna were promised rebirth as emperors, capturing the stone’s association with power and rebirth.

Warriors in ancient Burma embedded rubies into their skin, believing this would grant them invincibility in battle. The ruby was thought to warn the wearer of danger by changing color, a protective quality that adds to its mystical allure.

In ancient Greece, rubies were linked to love and passion, often considered the stone of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. There’s a tale where rubies were used by Cupid to kindle the flames of love between mortals, symbolizing their power to ignite passion.

Rubies often appear in Western fairy tales as symbols of love, protection, and wealth. In the tale of “The Twelve Dancing Princesses,” the secret of the princesses’ nocturnal adventures is revealed through ruby slippers, suggesting the gem’s association with mystery and magic.

In Chinese Mythology Rubies protect from evil spirits when placed under the foundations of buildings or worn as amulets. They also confer wisdom and immortality to the wearer, echoing the stone’s connection to life and longevity.

The Bible references rubies in contexts of great value, such as in Proverbs where wisdom is described as more precious than rubies. In some stories, rubies are seen as symbols of divine love and sacrifice, mirroring Christ’s blood.

In Persian tales, rubies are pieces of the sun, believed to light up the night and guide the way, much like the legends of Noah using a garnet lantern, which shares ruby’s red hue, to navigate through biblical floods.

Caring for Your Ruby

Rubies, both natural and lab-cultivated, score a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them very durable. However, natural ruby beads might have inclusions that could affect their resilience. Clean your ruby beads with warm soapy water, using a soft brush for stubborn dirt. Avoid extreme temperature changes to prevent cracking, and steer clear of harsh chemicals that could dull their luster. Store them wrapped in soft cloth to prevent scratching.