July Birthstone

July Birthstone:
Ruby.



Ruby:
















Like a perfect red rose, the Ruby's rich color speaks of love and passion. Called the "Rajnapura" or King of Gems by ancient Hindus, July's birthstone is among the most highly prized of gems throughout history. The Ruby was considered to have magical powers, and was worn by royalty as a talisman against evil.
The word Ruby comes from the Latin "ruber," meaning red. It is a variety of the mineral Corundum, and is found as crystals within metamorphic rock. Corundum is the second hardest mineral, after Diamond. It comes in a variety of colors, and is considered a Sapphire in any color except red, which is designated as a Ruby.
The photo on the left shows corundum ruby in its rough form.Rubies have a glassy luster which makes them shiny. Rubies are most commonly used for jewelry. The ring shown in the photo on the right shows a large ruby flanked by smaller diamonds.