Print July Birthstone

July

Ruby

Considered a source of harmony.

Rubies have been revered since ancient times, particularly in Asian countries. Records suggest that rubies were traded along China’s North Silk Road as far back as 200 B.C. The name ruby derives from the word rubeus, the Latin word for red, and is the red variety of the mineral corundum (all other colors of gem-quality corundum are called sapphires). Trace elements of chromium gives ruby its red color and also causes florescence, making rubies glow like a fire from within. The red fluorescence power of ruby helped build the first working laser in 1960 and today synthetic rubies, as well as natural rubies, are still used to make lasers in addition to watches and medical instruments.

The glowing fire within the ruby has enchanted many throughout the ages, Greek legends claimed that a ruby’s fire could melt wax and the Hindus believed that it burned so hot it could boil water. Rubies were also considered stones of protection, in Burma warriors believed that rubies made them invincible and would insert rubies under the skin to protect them from being wounded in battle. A ruby’s protection also extended to property and it was believed that wherever the stone dwelled nothing would be stolen or damaged. Wearing a ruby was also said to bring health, wealth, wisdom and success in love. Worn on the left side a ruby gave the ability to live in peace among enemies. Also, as with most red stones, rubies were believed to stop bleeding and cure inflammatory disease.

Other July Birthstones

Turquoise has been used in jewelry for thousands of years and turquoise jewelry dating back to 3000 B.C. has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs. The oldest turquoise mines are located in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt and one mine sat near an ancient temple dedicated to Hathor, the Greek goddess of love and joy. In fact, Egyptians called turquoise “mefkat”, the Egyptian word for “joy”. Turquoise was first transported to Europe via a Turkish nation so the French used the word “turqueise” (meaning “Turkish stone”) to describe this gem, hence the name turquoise today. Comprised of aluminum phosphate and copper this popular gem is found in arid regions where rainwater dissolves copper in the soil, forming blue nodular deposits when it combines with aluminum and phosphorus. Iron and chromium add green to turquoise, producing a blue-green stone. Traditionally turquoise has been used as a talisman or amulet in the belief that it can protect from harm and bring good luck and longevity.

Onyx is black and white banded agate (chalcedony quartz) and takes its name from the Greek word “onux” which means fingernail. According to Greek legend Eros cut the fingernails of Aphrodite with an arrowhead while she slept and the gods turned the clippings into stone. Onyx is commonly known as black but actually has a black base and a white upper layer. Gemstones may be cut to show only a single color. Black onyx is thought to have protective properties and to bring inner strength, self-confidence, and discipline. Onyx is also said to help release negative emotions and alleviate fear and anxiety.