Hello, July!
July's Birthstone is
Ruby – “The Fire Stone”
Bring Passion & Vitality
Saturated in folklore, legend and worshiped in many an ancient culture, the mysterious, fiery Ruby has a reputation for passion, sensuality and luck.
With its deep red color, Ruby is perfect for the depth of summer, as it is known as the "Fire Stone." It is apparent why, as its fiery red color and the pure Red ray it emanates with a vibrancy. Ruby is one of the world's most expensive gems. It is a rare variety of the corundum mineral species, (along with its sparkling cousin, sapphire). A high concentration of Chromium is responsible for its rich, red color. As one of the four traditional Cardinal Gemstones (Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby), Ruby has traditionally been considered as "precious" above all other stones. In Ancient times, Ruby was believed to surpass all other precious stones in virtue, and its value has, at times, exceeded even that of the Diamond.
Ruby's name is derived from Rubeus, the Latin word for “red," the color of a self-confidence and motivation, life blood and fire. Red is a very emotionally intense color. It encourages passion, love and sensuality. Understandably, Ruby has always been a talisman of sensual passion; it's flame red color a perfect metaphor for the heart. Its energetic pulse stimulates the Base Chakra, increasing vitality and chi, the life-force energy. It is also a stone of the heart chakra, making Ruby an aphrodisiac, allowing one to experience all forms of love, from wild sensuality to mystical communion.
It is a renowned protection and prosperity gemstone, symbolizes the sun. Its glowing hue suggests an inextinguishable flame within the stone that legends claim would shine; a light to the darkness.
Rubies have always been held in high esteem in Asian countries, as well, as red is the color of good fortune, and joy/happiness. As such, Rubies were used to ornament armor of great warriors and kings, laid beneath buildings to secure good fortune to the foundation, and gilded at marriages.
Ruby is also the gemstone for a 40th Anniversary.