Birthstone for july, Ruby. Major Sources, Thailand, Myanmar, Sri, Lanka, Madagascar, and Kenya. Ruby has been the world's most valued gemstone for thousands of years. It gets its name from the Latin word ruber meaning "red color". The owner of a fine ruby was said to be assured of a fine life, peace with all men and his rank or land would never be taken from him. In the Judaeo-Christian view, the ruby is the most precious of the twelve stones God created when he created all creatures, and this "lord of gems" was placed on Aaron's neck by God's command. Ruby was said to preserve wealth and remove evil thoughts.
Among the multitude of legends and strange beliefs of ancient times, it was thought that the wearer of a ruby was blessed with health, wealth, wisdom and outstanding success in the "heart affairs". Furthermore, the wearer acquired the ability to live in peace with his enemies. In some places ruby was even thought to confer invulnerability.
Rubies come in many shades of red. Sometimes people refer to the finest pure red color as "Burma ruby" or "pigeon's blood". Rubies over 3ct very fine quality are very scarce. One of the finest faceted rubies sold at Sotheby's in 1988 for $3,630,000- this was a 15.97ct stone.
