Ruby Myths
All about Rubies
The precious stone that is most mentioned in the Bible is the ruby. “….A virtuous wife is worth more than rubies. …… “ Proverbs 31.
This itself shows how rubies have been regarded from time immemorial. Having been mined for more than five thousand years, many cultures have coveted this precious stone believing that it had the powers of life and death and also to heal and protect. In the modern times no one actually believes in the mystical powers attached to the stones or the myths that have abounded since the ancient times. Yet, it is regarded as the King of all Precious Stones and the Queen of Jewels. It goes without saying that Rubies fall in to the category of the four most valuable stones on earth and a dark red, rarely found jewel can be even more expensive than a diamond of the same size and carats.
Powers Alluded to the Ruby
Being the birthstone of the month of July, this rich scarlet gemstone is said to impart wisdom, happiness and health and in particular bring good luck to lovers and gamblers (how can they gamble if they had wisdom?). Being also a talisman of sorts, rubies are considered to represent desire, passion and devotion, not to mention eternal love and is maybe one of the reasons why rubies are given as gifts to couples who celebrate their 15th and 40th Wedding anniversaries.
Characteristics of Rubies
The word ruby has been derived from the Latin language meaning red and is a composition of aluminum oxide and elements of chromium oxide from which the stone gets its deep red color. It’s the red hued stones that are called rubies due to the chromium oxide, whereas all other colored stones from the same family such as blue, yellow, green, orange and pink are known as sapphires. Among the rubies itself, the pigeon’s blood ruby which is the darkest of them all is considered to be the best and most valuable stone available. A genuine ruby, it is said can be distinguished from its hexagonal crystal formation and chemical makeup.
Some Myths about Rubies
In the mythical times of the 15th to 16th century, the ruby was said to darken in color when the wearer of it was in danger through poisoning and therefore it was very much in demand since it is well know that poison was the most common method of murder in those days. People in the past, would also rub their skin with a ruby to bring back their lost youth and vitality. Even royalty used to believe in the super powers of the ruby by turning to it for help in predicting their future and also to warn them of danger when turning a darker shade. Once the danger is past, the stone would return to its normal color. While the ancient Hindu’s believed that the Ruby was the Lord of all Gems the more romantically inclined lovers in the days gone by used to take care of their rubies lovingly because it symbolized their feelings for each other and if neglected the stones would turn lack luster the same as their love.
More Interesting Ruby Myths
The most mentioned gemstone in the bible is the ruby.
The famous Red Star over the Kremlin which everyone thinks is a giant ruby is only colored glass.
The gemstone ruby is associated with the Sun in astrology.
It was believed that if a ruby is wrapped in cloth and immersed in water, the fire of the ruby will shine through and transfer to the water causing it to boil.
The Burmese thought that by implanting a ruby in their skin would give them protection.
Another belief was that it would cure hemorrhaging and other blood diseases.
When all is said and done, the rich and amazing legends that surround this precious stone makes the ruby even more interesting and valuable and one can only think, that if diamonds were a girl’s best friend, the internal flame of the ruby might as well carry on to eternity.