The July birthstone is the ruby. This popular precious gemstone is one of the most valued and sought after in the world. It is from the species of gem corundum and its hardness is only surpassed by diamonds. Because of its hardness it is very durable, notes the American Gem Society.

 

 

Rubies that are clear, large and of good quality are extremely expensive. Because of this, many of the offerings in jewelry stores are made with created rubies. This type of ruby is chemically the same as a natural ruby however it is grown is a lab and looks to be without flaws. You can get a large beautiful created ruby for a small fraction of the price of a natural ruby.

Rubies that possess a medium or medium dark vivid red or a red that has a little purple are the most valuable. When the color is too light or possesses a lot of orange or purple it will actually cease to be a ruby and will be a sapphire. The color is the most important aspect when determining value. Clarity is very important as well.

 

There are many different ruby jewelry pieces that make great gifts for someone who has a birthday is July. You will find birthstone sets with various pieces, especially near the month of July.

The name ruby originated from the word Ruber, which means red in Latin. Chromium gives the stone its color. Its value is also determined by size and weight.

Rubies are mined in a wide variety of areas. One of the largest places where rubies have been historically mined is Myanmar, although there have been fewer nice rubies from there in recent years. They have also come from Thailand, Cambodia, India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tanzania, Vietnam, Nepal, Madagascar and the United States. There are numerous other places that also have deposits of rubies.

 

Many rubies are treated in order to improve their appearance. Oftentimes they are heated, which can take away a purple tinge and improve color. Sometimes they will fill fractures with glass in order to make the ruby seem clearer.

Rubies can be found in many different types of jewelry. Because the color is often compared to a heart, they are often seen as this. Besides a birthstone, they are used in a lot of jewelry for Valentine’s Day.

Those who are born in July can enjoy the precious ruby as their birthstone. You will find many pieces mounted in both silver and gold.