Ruby holds a place in gemstone history that few other stones can match. It is one of only four precious gemstones (alongside diamond, emerald, and sapphire), it was considered more valuable than diamond in many ancient cultures, and it is the second hardest natural gemstone on Earth. If you were born in July, if you're a Cancer or Leo, or if you simply love red gemstones, this guide covers everything worth knowing about ruby: its meaning, physical properties, how it compares to garnet and sapphire, its care requirements, and why the ancient Sanskrit word for ruby translates to "king of precious stones."
What Is Ruby?
Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum, an aluminum oxide (Al2O3) that also produces sapphire in every other color. The only thing that separates ruby from sapphire is color: red corundum is classified as ruby, and all other colors of corundum are classified as sapphire. They share the same hardness, crystal structure, and physical properties.
Ruby scores a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it the second hardest natural gemstone after diamond (Mohs 10). For practical purposes, this means ruby resists scratching better than nearly every other colored gemstone and is ideal for jewelry worn every day, including rings, bracelets, and pieces that take regular wear.
Ruby's red color comes from the trace element chromium within the corundum crystal. The more chromium present, the deeper and more vivid the red. The most prized shade is known as "pigeon's blood" red, a vivid, saturated red with a slight blue undertone. This shade is most closely associated with rubies from Myanmar's Mogok Valley, though fine rubies from Mozambique, Madagascar, and other sources can also achieve this quality.
Ruby and Sapphire: The Same Mineral
This is one of the most surprising facts in gemology, and most buyers don't know it: ruby and sapphire are the exact same mineral. Both are corundum. Both score a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale. Both form under similar geological conditions (high pressure and temperature deep within the Earth's crust). The only difference is which trace element is present.
Chromium produces red, and red corundum is ruby. Iron and titanium produce blue, and blue corundum is sapphire. Corundum also occurs in pink, yellow, orange, green, and colorless varieties, all of which are classified as sapphire. Even pink corundum is technically sapphire, not ruby, though the boundary between "dark pink sapphire" and "light red ruby" is debated among gemologists.
This shared identity means ruby and sapphire have identical care requirements, identical durability, and identical crystal structures. The difference is entirely about color, rarity, and the cultural significance that thousands of years of human history have assigned to each.
Ruby vs. Garnet: How to Tell Them Apart
Ruby and garnet are the two red gemstones buyers confuse most often. They look similar at first glance, but they are entirely different minerals with very different properties.
Mineral composition: Ruby is corundum (aluminum oxide). Garnet is a group of silicate minerals with several varieties (almandine, pyrope, rhodolite, and others). They form under different conditions and have different crystal structures.
Hardness: Ruby scores a 9 on the Mohs scale. Garnet ranges from 6.5 to 7.5 depending on the variety. Ruby is significantly harder and more scratch-resistant.
Color: Ruby tends toward a brighter, more vivid red, often with pink or slight blue undertones. Garnet typically shows a darker, brownish-red or wine-red, though some garnets (like Mozambique garnet) can appear quite red. When held up to light, many garnets show a distinct amber or orange flash that ruby does not.
Value: Ruby is one of four precious gemstones and commands significantly higher prices than garnet, especially for stones with fine color and clarity. Garnet is beautiful and much more affordable, making it an accessible red gemstone for everyday jewelry.
Treatment: Most rubies are heat-treated. Most garnets are completely natural and untreated. Both facts are standard for their respective stones.
If you're drawn to red gemstones, both ruby and garnet have a place in a well-rounded jewelry collection. Ruby brings prestige, exceptional hardness, and historical significance. Garnet offers natural beauty, affordability, and its own rich history as the January birthstone.
A Brief History of Ruby
Ruby has been treasured by virtually every major civilization for thousands of years, often holding a status equal to or above diamond.
In ancient India, ruby was called ratnaraj in Sanskrit, meaning "king of precious stones." Indian royalty and warriors believed rubies carried the fire of life itself. Ownership of a fine ruby was thought to guarantee safety, and Hindu texts describe ruby as the most valuable of all gemstones.
Burmese warriors took this belief further. They believed that rubies inserted into their skin would make them invincible in battle. Myanmar's Mogok Valley has produced some of the world's finest rubies for centuries and remains the most legendary source of "pigeon's blood" color.
In ancient Rome, ruby was associated with Mars, the god of war, and was worn for protection and courage. During the medieval period in Europe, rubies adorned the crowns, crosses, and ceremonial objects of royalty and the church. Ruby was believed to represent the blood of Christ and was thought to bring good health, wisdom, and success in love.
Ruby is mentioned in the Bible as one of the twelve stones on Aaron's breastplate. Proverbs 31:10 famously states that a virtuous woman's worth is "far above rubies," using the gemstone as a standard of supreme value.
Today, ruby remains one of the world's most valued colored gemstones. Fine Burmese rubies regularly sell for more per carat than diamonds of equivalent size at major auction houses.
Ruby Meaning and Symbolism
Ruby symbolizes love, passion, courage, protection, vitality, and power. Its deep red color has been associated with the heart, with blood, and with life force across nearly every culture that has encountered it.
In crystal healing traditions, ruby is connected to two chakras: the Root Chakra (1st Chakra), which governs stability, security, and grounding, and the Heart Chakra (4th Chakra), which governs love, compassion, and emotional openness. This combination makes ruby a popular choice for those seeking both inner strength and emotional connection.
Ruby is also considered a stone of leadership and confidence. In Vedic astrology, ruby represents the Sun and is associated with authority, ambition, and personal power. It is thought to enhance self-confidence, sharpen focus, and attract success.
Ruby: The July Birthstone
Ruby is the birthstone for July and has held that designation since the original 1912 birthstone list. It is also the traditional gemstone gift for both the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries, making it a meaningful choice for milestone celebrations.
As a July birthstone, ruby is associated with the zodiac signs Cancer (June 21 through July 22) and Leo (July 23 through August 22). For Cancer, ruby is thought to boost self-confidence, provide emotional grounding, and support the nurturing nature of this water sign. For Leo, ruby enhances natural warmth, leadership, and generosity.
Explore our July birthstone collection or browse birthstone gifts for every month.
Are Most Rubies Treated?
Yes. The majority of rubies on the market today are heat-treated to improve their color and clarity. Heat treatment has been used on rubies for centuries and is considered the industry standard. The treatment is permanent, stable, and does not degrade over time. Heat-treated rubies are genuine rubies, not synthetic or imitation stones.
Untreated rubies of fine quality do exist but are rare and command significantly higher prices. At the top of the market, untreated Burmese rubies with pigeon's blood color are among the most expensive gemstones in the world per carat.
Some rubies also undergo other treatments, including fracture filling (filling surface-reaching fractures with glass or resin) and lattice diffusion (adding elements to change color at high temperatures). These treatments are more controversial and should always be disclosed. At Erin Gallagher Jewelry, we are transparent about all gemstone treatments.
How to Care for Ruby Jewelry
Ruby is one of the easiest gemstones to care for thanks to its exceptional hardness.
Cleaning: Warm soapy water (mild dish soap) and a soft brush is the safest and most effective method. Gently scrub, paying attention to the back of the setting where dirt accumulates. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft lint-free cloth. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for untreated rubies but should be avoided for fracture-filled stones.
Daily wear: Ruby (Mohs 9) handles daily wear in all jewelry types, including rings, better than almost any other colored gemstone. It resists scratching from quartz dust, sand, and most everyday materials. Remove before heavy manual work to protect the metal setting rather than the stone itself.
Storage: Store separately from diamonds (Mohs 10), which are the only common gemstone hard enough to scratch ruby. A fabric-lined box or soft pouch works well. Ruby itself can scratch softer gemstones like opal, peridot, and garnet, so keep them separate.
What to avoid: Harsh chemicals (bleach, chlorine, ammonia), prolonged UV exposure for some treated stones, and extreme heat changes for fracture-filled rubies. For standard heat-treated rubies, normal temperature exposure is fine.
Where Ruby Is Found
The most significant sources of ruby include Myanmar's Mogok Valley (the legendary source of pigeon's blood rubies, mined for over 800 years), Mozambique (which has become the largest commercial source of ruby in the 21st century, producing stones with excellent color and clarity), Madagascar, Thailand (historically important for heat treatment expertise), Vietnam (Luc Yen, known for purplish-red rubies), and Sri Lanka.
Ruby is also found in smaller quantities in Tanzania, Kenya, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the United States (notably North Carolina). Each source produces rubies with slightly different color characteristics and inclusion patterns that trained gemologists can sometimes identify by origin.
Shop Ruby Jewelry
Every ruby piece at Erin Gallagher Jewelry is handcrafted in Colorado using 14K gold, gold-fill, or recycled sterling silver. Browse ruby necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and charms from $20, or design your own custom piece through GemBar. Every piece ships gift-ready in our eco-friendly packaging with gift bag, tissue, cleaning cloth, and card. Orders over $150 ship free.
Explore our full ruby collection and learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ruby the birthstone for July?
Yes. Ruby is the July birthstone and has held that designation since the original 1912 list. It is one of four precious gemstones and the traditional gift for 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.
Are ruby and sapphire the same stone?
Yes, they are the same mineral: corundum (Mohs 9). Red corundum is classified as ruby. All other colors of corundum are classified as sapphire. They share identical hardness, crystal structure, and physical properties.
What is the difference between ruby and garnet?
Ruby is corundum (Mohs 9) with a bright red color caused by chromium. Garnet (Mohs 6.5 to 7.5) is a separate mineral group with a typically darker, brownish-red color. Ruby is significantly harder, rarer, and more valuable than garnet.
Are most rubies heat-treated?
Yes. Heat treatment is the industry standard for ruby and has been used for centuries. The treatment is permanent, stable, and does not degrade over time. Untreated rubies of fine quality are rare and command higher prices.
Can you wear ruby every day?
Yes. Ruby scores a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to diamond. It resists scratching better than nearly every other colored gemstone and is ideal for daily wear in all jewelry types, including rings.
What does ruby symbolize?
Ruby symbolizes love, passion, courage, protection, vitality, and power. In ancient Sanskrit it was called ratnaraj, meaning "king of precious stones." It is connected to the Root Chakra (stability) and Heart Chakra (love) and is associated with Cancer and Leo.
For stone-specific buying guides and care instructions, visit our Birthstone Guides resource.