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Properties of the July birthstone: the energetic and exuberant ruby
- Birthstone color: Red
- Chakra: Heart and root chakras
- Origin: Varied
Rubies are made from the mineral corundum and are closely related to September’s birthstone, the sapphire. Both are formed under high pressure and temperatures deep below the Earth’s surface, but the ruby’s red hue, which they get from the mineral chromium, distinguishes it from sapphire, which only comes in the color red. Given their dazzling beauty, rubies are among the most sought-after gemstones, alongside sapphires, emeralds and diamonds. Not only are they beautiful, they’re also hardy, with a Mohs hardness score just one point below diamond, which tops the charts. Rubies are found in various parts of the world, including Vietnam, Thailand, Africa and the United States, and “the best rubies come from India and Burma [or Myanmar],” says integrative medicine and crystal expert Elizabeth Trattner, AP, DOMthe owner of wellness center The Helia House.
Birthstone meaning and symbolism of ruby
Rubies have long been associated with protection and prosperity. In ancient China and Burma, warriors wore it as a means of protection, says crystal expert and Reiki master Laura Ellis, while in Hindu culture it is considered the ‘king of gems’ and it was thought that those who offered rubies to the god Krishna would be born as emperors in their next life. Rubies are also associated with passion and vitality, partly due to their supposed color similarity to our blood and beating hearts.
“The red color represents life force and so on [ruby] helps people tune into their own creative space – whether it’s creative projects or new ways of being in the world,” says Reiki master and crystal healer Mariah K. Lyonfounder of ASTARA. “It also activates the inner life force to help you move forward.” Ellis echoes this sentiment, calling ruby a “revitalizing stone.” When you’re feeling uninspired and unmotivated, it can help you move forward with a renewed sense of perspective or follow through with your actions. And if you experience an energy lull, rubies can help you reignite passion and drive. They are also useful for breaking out of a rut and help release stagnant energy so you can come up with new solutions to get yourself out of the rut.
In astrology, ruby relates to July-born Cancer and Leo, making it particularly useful for the zodiac signs, albeit in different ways. Rubies can encourage Cancers to lean into their “queen essence,” Lyons says, allowing the zodiac mother to hone their maternal instincts that are crucial to Cancer’s traits. The stone can also serve as a grounding reminder for Cancers to take care of themselves, because although they are naturally giving, compassionate and nurturing to others, they tend to be giving. at sometimes a lot. “As for the lion, [ruby] brings a very creative and passionate energy,” says Lyon, which helps channel their inner fire with purpose, enabling the full expression of their truth and amplifying their brilliance. In other words, ruby will help bring out the very best Leo qualities. That said, anyone can tap into the energizing powers of the July birthstone, regardless of their zodiac and the month in which they were born.
Lyons, Ellis and Dr. Trattner also mention that ruby is connected to the root chakra, which is associated with stability and security, and the heart chakra, which, as the name implies, is connected to matters of the heart. The ruby can activate the root chakra, so you feel grounded in the energy while removing energetic blockages. When it comes to the heart chakra, it helps to awaken and inspire one’s passion, while also removing any blockages that can cause stagnation.
What are the other July birthstones?
Rubies can be considered the main birthstone for July, but traditionally the stone onyx was associated with the month. According to Ellis, onyx is a grounding stone, helping one stay present in their body and senses and sharpen their focus. She also says it can also protect against negative energy and help you create or maintain healthy boundaries.
What are birthstones?
Birthstones are gemstones that represent a person’s birth month or zodiac sign. Their origins are believed to date back to Biblical times, and the first-century historian Flavius Josephus associated the twelve gemstones on Aaron’s breastplate in the Book of Exodus with the months of the year and the twelve constellations. However, the custom of wearing an individual gemstone every month only began in Germany and Poland around the 15th or 16th century. Birthstones also appear to have their origins in Eastern culture. The Ratna Pariksha, a fifth-century Hindu text, linked specific gemstones to gods, celestial bodies and days of the week, while Vedic astrologers recommend certain gemstones to individuals based on their astrological birth chart.
In 1912, the American Council Association of Jewelers (currently known as the Jewelers of America) created a standardized list of birthstones in the United States. This list was updated by the Jewelry Industry Council of America and later by The American Gem Trade Association to include new types of birthstones for certain months of the year.
An overview of the birthstones for each month of the year
Do you want to choose a crystal that corresponds to your birth month? Here is a quick overview of the birthstones for each month of the year:
Frequently asked questions about the July birthstone
What is July’s birthstone and flower?
July’s birthstone is the red ruby or, traditionally, onyx, and July’s birth flower is the larkspur, or delphinium, which is thought to symbolize positivity.
What are the two birthstones for July?
The red ruby is currently the “primary” birthstone of July, but the traditional birthstone of the month is the black onyx.
What are the characteristics of the July birthstone?
The red ruby is an energetic stone that is believed to inspire energy, action and passion, while the traditional July birthstone – the onyx – is a grounding stone that can also help protect against negative energy.