About Ruby
Ruby is the red variety of corundum (aluminium oxide), coloured by chromium. Sapphire is the same mineral — any colour of corundum except red is called sapphire. Ruby's hardness of 9 makes it the second hardest natural gemstone after diamond.
The finest rubies come from Myanmar (Burma), where the legendary "pigeon's blood" ruby — a pure, vivid red with a slight blue fluorescence — originates. Thai, Mozambican, and Vietnamese rubies are also highly valued. The Sunrise Ruby, a 25.59-carat Burmese ruby, sold for $30 million in 2015.
Ruby Meaning & Symbolism
In Sanskrit, ruby is called ratnaraj — "king of precious stones." Ancient Hindus believed that rubies enabled their owners to live in peace with their enemies. Warriors in Burma inserted rubies into their flesh before battle, believing it would make them invincible.
Ruby is the stone of passion, protection, and prosperity. It is associated with the heart chakra and the energy of the Sun. It energises and activates — bringing zeal, courage, and a warrior spirit. Ruby encourages you to "follow your bliss" and pursue your highest path with passion and commitment.
Healing Properties
Emotional
Ruby is energising and stimulating — it overcomes exhaustion and lethargy, imparting potency and vigour. It shields against psychic attack and transmutes negative energy. It promotes a positive and courageous state of mind, overcoming fear and doubt.
Spiritual
Ruby connects the Base chakra with the Heart, grounding love energy into the physical world. It encourages passion for life but never in a self-destructive way. It supports the manifestation of your highest ideals and brings spiritual wisdom.
History & Lore
Rubies were traded along the North Silk Road of China as early as 200 BC. In medieval Europe, ruby was seen as the stone of prophecy — it was believed to darken in colour when its owner was in danger. The Black Prince's Ruby in the British Imperial State Crown is actually a spinel, not a ruby — a common historical confusion.