The magic of nature, the elegance of you
Ruby: A Gem of Passion, Fire & Strength
Discover the story of Ruby, the fiery red variety of corundum treasured for centuries. Explore how chromium creates its brilliant color and UV glow, its fascinating folklore and symbolism, and its remarkable connection to North Carolina.
STONE STORIES
About Ruby
Ruby is one of the world's most celebrated gemstones, treasured for its rich red color and remarkable durability. It is the red variety of corundum, the same mineral family as Sapphire.
Pure corundum is colorless. Ruby receives its famous red coloring from trace amounts of chromium within its crystal structure. Depending on its chemistry, Ruby can range from orangy-red to vivid red and purplish-red.
With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, Ruby is exceptionally hard and well suited for jewelry.
Mineral Species: Corundum — Ruby and Sapphire are both varieties of corundum.
Chemical Composition: Aluminum Oxide (Al₂O₃)
Hardness: 9 on the Mohs Scale
Colors: Orangy-Red, Red & Purplish-Red
Found In: Myanmar, Mozambique, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Tanzania, United States (including North Carolina) and other locations
A Story Through Time
Folklore, History & Ancient Beliefs
Ruby has been treasured for centuries and has accumulated a rich collection of legends and symbolic associations.
Its fiery red color naturally led many cultures to associate Ruby with life, vitality, passion and power. Historically, Rubies were highly prized by rulers and wealthy collectors and became symbols of status and prosperity.
Traditional stories also credited Ruby with protective qualities and associated the gemstone with courage and good fortune.
These stories are part of Ruby's cultural and historical tradition rather than scientifically established properties, but they helped create its enduring reputation as a gemstone of passion, strength and vitality.
What Makes Ruby Special
HOW RUBY GETS ITS RED COLOR
Ruby begins as corundum, a mineral composed primarily of aluminum and oxygen. When trace amounts of chromium replace some of the aluminum within the crystal structure, the stone develops its characteristic red color.
Chromium absorbs particular wavelengths of visible light, contributing to Ruby's beautiful red appearance.
Chromium is also responsible for the striking red luminescence seen in many Rubies under ultraviolet light. The intensity varies according to the chemistry of the individual stone, including the presence of other elements such as iron.
Some Rubies contain microscopic needle-like inclusions of rutile. When these inclusions are properly oriented and the stone is cut as a cabochon, reflected light can produce a star-shaped optical phenomenon known as asterism. These gems are called Star Rubies.
Chakra & Symbolism
Traditionally Associated Chakra(s): Root (Muladhara)
Often Symbolizes:
In modern crystal traditions, Ruby is most commonly associated with the Root Chakra, which represents grounding, stability and security. Its vivid red color also connects it symbolically with vitality, courage and physical energy.
Ruby is traditionally associated with:
❤️ Passion & Love — Symbolizes deep affection, romance and emotional intensity.
🔥 Vitality & Energy — Often associated with enthusiasm, motivation and a zest for life.
🛡️ Courage & Strength — Traditionally regarded as a symbol of confidence, bravery and perseverance.
🌱 Grounding & Stability — Connected in modern crystal traditions with the Root Chakra and feelings of security.
👑 Prosperity & Leadership — Historically associated with status, wealth and personal power.
Fascinating Facts About Ruby
Ruby and Sapphire Are the Same Mineral Species Both are varieties of corundum. Red gem-quality corundum is classified as Ruby, while the other gem colors of corundum are generally called Sapphire.
One of the Hardest Natural Gemstones
Ruby measures 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it one of the hardest natural gemstones and exceptionally durable for jewelry.
Rubies Can Glow Under UV Light
Chromium can produce brilliant red luminescence in Ruby under ultraviolet light. The strength of this reaction varies among individual stones.
Some Rubies Display Stars
Properly oriented microscopic inclusions can produce asterism, creating a star that appears to move across the surface as the gemstone or light source moves.
❤️ Rubies Can Be Found in North Carolina
Natural Ruby and Sapphire occur in western North Carolina. Historic sources document Ruby from several locations in Macon County, including Corundum Hill and the Cowee Creek area. The Smithsonian collection even includes a 1.55-carat Ruby from Corundum Hill in Macon County.
North Carolina Has a History of Corundum Mining
Corundum mining began at Corundum Hill in Macon County in 1871. North Carolina later became an important U.S. producer of corundum, while small amounts of gem-quality Ruby and Sapphire were also recovered from several western North Carolina localities.
A BIRTHSTONE FOR JULY
Ruby's fiery color and extraordinary durability have helped make it one of the world's most recognizable gemstones.
As the birthstone for July, Ruby is traditionally associated with love, strength, courage and vitality — fitting symbolism for a gemstone whose brilliant red color has captivated people for centuries.