Foxfire Jewelers The Creative
Custom Jewelry Studio since 1985
2250 North Coast Highway Newport Oregon 97365
(541) 265-RING (541) 265-7464
Ruby
Ruby's name comes from the Latin root
word "Ruber" meaning red, from which also is taken the
name rubellite for red tourmaline. It is the red form of the gem
corundum and is second in hardness only to diamond.
Occasionally
rubies occur with minute inclusions arranged in a pattern which
reflects a floating six rayed star when viewed under a single
light source. These are known, appropriately enough, as Star Rubies.
Rubies are found in Thailand, Burma, Kampuchea, Kenya,
and several other countries, often in alluvial deposits where
they washed down rivers as gravel and collected in pockets of
gem gravels.
Burmese Rubies have always been thought
to be the finest and most celebrated. The king of Burma was called
"The Lord of the Rubies." The stone was sometimes known
as Oriental Ruby, to differentiate
it from lesser stones. The Burmese believed that Ruby ripened
in the ground, starting as yellow and changing and deepening until
it achieved the vibrant crimson color.
There are many properties tied to this
renowned gemstone. Because of Ruby's blood red color, its magical
significance is often tied to curing diseases of the blood and
stopping bleeding. Tales are told of warriors who had rubies implanted
under the skin to bring valor in battle. It was rumored to light
darkened rooms with its glow and boil liquids when placed within
them.
Ruby was supposed to ensure harmonious physical and
mental health, bring peace, and guard homes and fields against
storm and catastrophe. The fiery red gemstone was said to attract
and maintain love, and ward off sorrow, inspire boldness and bring
success in business.
It was supposed to keep away plague,
and relieve pain. Ruby would warn its owner against disaster by
turning black when danger was near. As an interesting parallel
to physical reality, Ruby will turn black when heated with a torch,
returning to red as it cools.
Eastern legends said that Ruby adorned
the heads of dragons, and could not be damaged by fire. It was
believed to be a charm against evil and ward off dire thoughts.
In the Hindu religion, Ruby is ranked
first among gemstones. It is said to be the highest offering to
Krishna.