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Ruby: July"s Gemstone

The ruby is so named because of its rich red color. The ruby is a very durable gemstone; its hardness is surpassed only by the diamond. Large rubies are very scarce and costly, worth more than 2 to 3 times a diamond of equal size and quality.

Rubies were thought to contain a glowing spark struck from the planet Mars. Ancient lore held that the ruby was capable of curing illness and reconciling lovers quarrels. Hindus referred to the ruby as ñThe Lord of the Gems,î and believed its deep red color came from an inextinguishable fire which was capable of boiling water. It is said that a person should never make faces at a ruby in a museum, and never ignore it, for it was said to grow dull if slighted or not worn or seen.

Rubies come from Burma, Thailand, Kenya, Tanzania, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and India. It is the accepted gemstone for July birthdays, also 15th and 40th anniversaries.

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This website is dedicated to the memory of Dana Holm Howard (1953-2000).