Deriving from the Latin word “rubber” meaning red, ruby gemstone, the red variety of corundum is one of the most valuable and the best gemstones for jewelry. Ruby can be of any shade of red from pinkish to purplish or brownish red depending on the chromium and iron content present in the gemstone. Being from the family of corundum it is the second hardest mineral only second to diamond in hardness.

Locations:

The finest ruby gemstone comes from Burma and Thailand, which produce brownish red varieties. Ruby from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Vietnam present bright red stones. Ruby from North Carolina (USA), Australia, Russia, India and Norway are dark in color and can be opaque occasionally.

Chemical Composition: Aluminum Oxide
Crystal Structure: Trigonal
Hardness: 9
Specific Gravity: 4
Refractive Index: 1.76-1.77
Colors: Red and varieties of red.
Luster: Vitreous

Astrological Relevance:

Ruby is also considered to be one of the birthstones for the month of July, which covers two zodiac signs: Cancer (June 21 To July 22) and Leo (July 22 To August 22).