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Ruby

Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Ruby

Also known as: Red corundum

The 'king of gems' – rich red corundum and July's birthstone, symbol of passion and vitality.

  • ColourRed, Pinkish red
  • Mineral groupCorundum
  • ChemistryAl₂O₃ (with Cr)
  • Hardness (Mohs)9
  • Crystal systemTrigonal
  • Where it's foundMyanmar (Mogok), Mozambique, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Madagascar
  • ChakraRoot, Heart
  • ZodiacLeo, Cancer, Scorpio, Sagittarius
  • BirthstoneJuly

What is Ruby?

Ruby is the red variety of corundum, the same mineral as sapphire. Its colour comes from chromium, which also makes many rubies glow red under ultraviolet light. At 9 on the Mohs scale, it is second only to diamond in hardness.

In ancient Sanskrit, ruby was called ratnaraj, the "king of gems". The legendary Mogok valley in Myanmar has produced the most famous rubies for centuries; today Mozambique is a major source. Most rubies are heat-treated to improve colour. Ruby is the birthstone for July.

Ruby astrology & birthstone

Zodiac, planet and element links come from crystal-lore traditions and vary between authors. Birthstone months follow the American Gem Society list.

Ruby meaning & traditional properties

Ruby is associated with passion, vitality, courage and love – a stone of warmth and life.

  • Passion
  • Vitality
  • Courage

Traditional and metaphysical properties are shared for cultural and educational interest. Crystals are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.

How to use Ruby

  • Wear ruby as your July birthstone.
  • Choose ruby for 15th and 40th anniversaries.

How to care for Ruby

Very hard and durable. Clean with warm soapy water. Some low-cost rubies are glass-filled – these need gentle care and should avoid ultrasonic cleaners, heat and chemicals.

Looking for Ruby?

Ruby isn't in our shop right now – new stock arrives regularly. In the meantime, explore similar crystals we have available or browse our full crystal collection.

    Rituals & pairings

    Pair Ruby with a energy & motivation ritual

    A bright morning ritual to wake up your energy and motivation.

    Traditionally paired with: Lemongrass, citrus, mint or eucalyptus incense · An orange or yellow candle · Palo santo

    • Open the curtains and clear the space with palo santo.
    • Light an orange or yellow candle and citrus, lemongrass or eucalyptus incense.
    • Hold your crystal and name one thing you'll get done today.
    • Carry the crystal with you as your reminder.

    Safety: never leave candles, incense or smudge sticks burning unattended, keep them away from children, pets and anything flammable, and ventilate the room. Rituals are shared as tradition, not as a treatment.

    Ritual oils, essential oils & perfumes

    Deepen your practice: tarot & oracle cards

    Wear it & work with it

    Ruby jewellery & pendulums

    Wear the energy of your favourite crystals every day – browse our handmade crystal jewellery and dowsing pendulums.

    Ruby FAQs

    Are ruby and sapphire the same mineral?

    Yes – both are corundum. Red corundum is ruby; all other colours are sapphire.

    What month is ruby?

    July.

    Related crystals

    • Sapphire

      Sapphire

      Deep blue corundum and September's birthstone – a symbol of wisdom and loyalty, worn by royalty for centuries.

    • Garnet

      Garnet

      January's birthstone – a family of gems best known in deep red, worn since the time of the pharaohs.

    • Spinel

      Spinel

      Brilliant red, pink and blue gem long mistaken for ruby – including in Britain's Crown Jewels – and an Augu...

    • Ruby Zoisite

      Ruby Zoisite

      Bold green zoisite studded with pink-red ruby crystals, from Tanzania – a crystal lore stone of vitality an...

    Sources