Red Gemstone Symbolic of Passion and Devotion
Throughout history, the ruby has been celebrated as the most prized of all gemstones. There are many cultural references supporting our recognition of this priceless gem.
The ruby is the most commonly mentioned stone in the Bible. It is said the ruby was the most precious of the twelve stones made by God when He created the world. According to the Old Testament’s Book of Exodus, God commanded a ruby to be the first stone placed on Aaron’s breastplate. The Book of Job implies rubies were held in high esteem when Job declares “the price of wisdom is above rubies”. This thinking is repeated in Proverbs 31, which states: “A virtuous wife is worth more than rubies”.
The Power of the Ruby
Such was the esteem and respect for rubies that anyone wearing one was said to be blessed with wisdom, health, wealth, and great success in love. Those fortunate enough to acquire a ruby gained the ability to live in peace and harmony among enemies and were assured of a lifetime of spiritual health and well-being.
Some cultures believe the stone bestowed invulnerability upon their owners. As the stone of prophecy rubies are said to darken to warn of imminent danger. The gemstone is said to act as an antidote to poison and possess the ability to heal the blood.
Royalty and the Ruby
For these reasons, the ruby has become the gemstone most allied with royalty. Sovereign heads would wear rubies or keep them close at hand for protection, and to warn them of impending danger. Their gift of prophecy was thought to give rulers the ability to make wise decisions on behalf of their state and its citizens.
The word for ruby in the ancient Indian Sanskrit language translates to “king of precious stones”. In Asia, rubies were revered and used to decorate nobles’ armor, sword scabbards, and harness. Warriors sometimes wore rubies for their protective abilities during battle. Rubies were placed underneath a building’s foundations to bless the structure with good fortune.
The Ruby in Medicine
Ancient cultures used rubies to treat digestive, blood, and heart ailments. When rubbed on the skin a ruby is said to restore youth and vitality. A ruby can aid the early formation and development of a fetus in pregnancy and is effective against stimulants like coffee and drugs. Rubies represent passion, desire, and devotion, and are supposed to heal heartbreak.
No gemstone is as symbolic of love as the ruby. Ruby is an ideal way to demonstrate love and passion. A perfect ruby is more valuable than any other gemstone.
Naturally, its wonderful color makes fire and blood the elements most affiliated with the ruby. It was believed all rubies contained a fire that could never be concealed, not even when the stone was worn under clothing. This energy could be transferred into the water, so a ruby placed in water would cause the liquid to boil. The word “ruby” is derived from the Latin “ruber”, meaning “red”. Ancient Indian Vedic Astrology associates the ruby with the sun.
As Hindu people belong to different sects according to their respective gods, so they classified rubies into four separate sects These ranged from the most valued and darkest red stones to the less popular, lighter colored ones. During medieval times rubies were segregated, with the darker colored stones being classed as “male” over the lighter “female” stones.
Ruby Traditions
The ruby is the traditional gift for fifteenth and fortieth wedding anniversaries. It is the gemstone associated with July and represents the astrological sign of Cancer. The ruby’s day is Tuesday, and its season is summer. Although sometimes associated with Saint Peter, it is the stone of Saint Matthew.
Anyone fortunate enough to own a ruby should ensure the stone is always appreciated. When neglected or overlooked a ruby will become lackluster and dull. A ruby is said to be very symbolic of its owner, and its value is important in the relationship between the owner and the gem. This belief reflects attitudes towards those loved ones because a nurturing, loving relationship is strong, healthy, and vibrant – all the qualities to be expected from the King of Gemstones.