July Birthstone

Birthstone

Ruby

Ruby's name derives from the Latin 'rubeus' meaning red, and it's one of the four precious gems alongside diamond, emerald, and sapphire. Known as 'red gem' in Japanese, it's a variety of corundum with a Mohs hardness of 9, second only to diamond. Revered as the 'king of gems' since ancient times, it was worshipped in India as a stone harboring the sun's power. The deep red 'pigeon's blood' rubies from Myanmar's Mogok mines are considered the finest quality.

Features

Excellent durability with Mohs hardness of 9, second only to diamond
Wide range of red hues from vivid red to deep crimson
May display beautiful star effect or cat's eye effect due to inclusions
Color and clarity can be enhanced through high-temperature heat treatment

Personality

Stone with passionate and brave personality, giving the owner will to victory
Enhances leadership and confidence, granting courage to face difficulties
Promotes deep affection and devotion, bringing passion to relationships

Symbolic Meaning

Eternal love and flames of passion
Symbol of courage and victory
Proof of power and dignity
Source of vitality and energy

Reason for Selection

Chosen as the passionate energy and red color of summer sun harmonizes with July's heat
Revered as the sun's stone since ancient times, believed to exert maximum power in July after summer solstice
As a symbol of passion and love, considered suitable for July, the summer romance season

Protection & Effects

Protects from battles and dangers, leading to victory
Wards off illness and disasters, bringing health and longevity
Guards the mind from evil thoughts and malice
Strengthens bonds with loved ones and protects relationships

Trials & Growth

Trial of demonstrating true ability in fierce competition or conflict
Trial of self-control to channel passion in constructive directions
Trial of enduring responsibility and pressure as a leader

Gallery

Rubyのギャラリー画像0 — Pigeon's blood ruby from Myanmar showing perfect crimson red, internal fire blazing like captured sunlight

Rubyのギャラリー画像1 — Royal crown featuring massive ruby centerpiece, symbol of power and passion radiating regal authority

Rubyのギャラリー画像2 — Star ruby exhibiting six-rayed asterism on cabochon surface, celestial phenomenon within blood-red corundum

Rubyのギャラリー画像3 — Ruby crystal in calcite matrix showing natural hexagonal formation, raw passion emerging from white marble

Rubyのギャラリー画像4 — Ancient Indian temple ruby offering to sun god, sacred red gem glowing in ceremonial golden flames

Rubyのギャラリー画像5 — July birthstone ruby ring with flame-inspired design, passionate red surrounded by diamonds like sparks

Sphene

Sphene's name derives from the Greek 'sphenos' meaning wedge, due to its wedge-shaped crystals. Also known by its mineral name titanite. Newly adopted as July's birthstone in December 2021's revision. Its greatest feature is the 'fire effect' - rainbow brilliance with stronger light dispersion than diamond. Named July's birthstone as its discoverer Marc-Auguste Pictet was born in July. Main sources include Madagascar, Russia, and Canada.