Ruby Birthstone for July and Capricorn

The ruby is perhaps the most passionate and evocative of all the birthstones. From the Latin word ruber, meaning red, rubies vary in colour from light pink to deepest blood crimson and for centuries have symbolized beauty, charity, love, passion, power and royalty. Many cultures believed that rubies had the power to protect, heal, prevent blood loss and strengthen the heart. One of the four precious gemstones (along with diamonds, emeralds and sapphires), the ruby is a member of the corundum family of stones, and that amazing colour comes from the presence of chromium oxide in the stone’s chemical composition. All red forms of corundum are considered to be rubies, while all other colours are classified as sapphires. Second only to diamonds in terms of hardness, a fine ruby can be more valuable than a diamond, and prices are primarily determined by colour. ‘Pidgeon Blood Red’ is held to be the best colour for a ruby and will command a huge premium over rubies of similar quality. However, as with diamonds, cut, clarity and carat (weight) are important too. As well as being the birthstone for July, the 40th wedding anniversary is traditionally associated with rubies, as is the star sign Capricorn.