Ruby

Ruby: The Famous Red Variety of Corundum

Few gemstones have built a reputation quite like Ruby.

Its intense red colour has made it a symbol of love, passion, wealth and power across different periods of history, but Ruby is fascinating before we even get to its symbolism.

Ruby isn't its own mineral species.

It is the red gem variety of Corundum, an aluminium oxide mineral that also gives us Sapphire. Trace amounts of chromium are principally responsible for turning otherwise colourless Corundum into the reds we recognise as Ruby.

Explore more stones and minerals in our Crystal Names collection.

Ruby & Sapphire Are the Same Mineral Family

This is one of Ruby's best facts.

Ruby and Sapphire are both Corundum.

Red gem-quality Corundum is called Ruby, while Corundum of other gem colours is generally classified as Sapphire.

That means a brilliant red Ruby and a classic blue Sapphire can look completely different while sharing the same fundamental mineral identity.

The difference comes from trace elements incorporated into the crystal structure.

In Ruby, chromium creates the red colour and can also contribute to red fluorescence, which can intensify the appearance of some stones.

Why Are Rubies Red?

Ruby can range through red, purplish-red and orangy-red tones.

Chromium is the key colour-causing trace element, and differences in chemistry influence the appearance of individual stones.

Ruby isn't expected to look perfectly uniform either.

Natural material can contain colour variations, mineral inclusions, fractures and other internal features. In highly transparent faceted gems these characteristics become part of gemstone grading, while beads, carvings and more included Ruby can show a much earthier natural appearance.

So don't expect every genuine Ruby to look like a flawless transparent red jewel from a luxury jewellery advert.

Natural Ruby exists across a much broader visual range.

Ruby: The July Birthstone

Ruby is the traditional birthstone for July, making Ruby jewellery particularly meaningful for people born during the month.

It is also traditionally associated with the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.

Its connection with love makes sense when you consider the gemstone's extraordinary red colour, but Ruby symbolism historically extends well beyond romance.

Power, wealth, protection, vitality and courage have all become connected with the stone at different times and within different traditions.

A Gemstone Fit for Kings

Ruby's reputation stretches back centuries.

Its name comes from the Latin ruber, meaning red.

In ancient India, Ruby was regarded so highly that it became known as ratnaraj, or the “king of precious stones”.

Historical Ruby beliefs became wonderfully dramatic.

According to different traditions, Ruby was believed to protect its wearer, bring success in love and wealth, or even warn of approaching danger.

Warriors in historical Burma — modern Myanmar — were said to believe Ruby could make them invincible in battle.

These stories belong to folklore and historical belief rather than modern science, but they reveal just how extraordinary people considered Ruby long before contemporary crystal culture existed.

Ruby Is Remarkably Hard

Ruby isn't only prized for colour.

Corundum has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, sitting immediately below Diamond at 10.

That exceptional hardness is one reason Ruby has become such an important jewellery gemstone.

But hardness doesn't mean indestructible.

Ruby jewellery can still contain fractures, inclusions and more delicate settings or stringing, so it should still be treated with care.

Where Does Ruby Come From?

Ruby occurs in several parts of the world, with Myanmar's Mogok region among its most famous historical sources.

Other important sources include areas of Africa and Asia.

Closer to home, Mozambique has become one of the world's significant modern Ruby-producing regions, particularly following major discoveries in the country's north.

Where a Ruby comes from can be extremely important in the fine gemstone trade, but origin should never be assumed from appearance alone.

Unless an individual Hello Indigo Halo product has confirmed supplier provenance, we don't assign it to a particular mine or country.

Ruby Meaning & Symbolism

Within contemporary crystal traditions, Ruby is associated with passion, vitality, courage, confidence and love.

Its fiery red colour naturally lends itself to symbolism around energy, enthusiasm and determination.

Ruby is also sometimes chosen around intentions involving abundance, motivation and rekindling a sense of excitement or passion for life.

These are traditional and metaphysical associations rather than scientifically established effects.

Ruby & the Root Chakra

Ruby is most commonly associated with the Root Chakra, particularly because of its deep red colouring and traditional connections with vitality, courage and grounded strength.

Some traditions also connect Ruby with the Heart Chakra because of its long association with love and passion.

This combination gives Ruby an interesting metaphysical character: heart and fire, but with its feet firmly on the ground.

Explore more stones and tools used in modern energy traditions through our Chakra Balance collection.

Ruby Jewellery

Ruby has been used in jewellery for centuries, from extraordinary precious gems to more included natural stone beads and polished pieces.

The latter can be particularly attractive if you prefer jewellery where the stone still looks unmistakably natural.

Colour can range considerably between pieces, and inclusions, darker areas and variations aren't automatically flaws in this type of crystal jewellery — they're part of the natural material.

Browse more wearable stones in our Bangles & Bracelets collection.

Choosing & Caring for Ruby

When choosing Ruby, start with the individual piece rather than expecting every stone to match one ideal shade of red.

Look at its colour, natural patterning and overall character.

Ruby's Mohs hardness of 9 makes Corundum highly resistant to scratching, but jewellery still needs sensible care.

Avoid harsh household chemicals and hard knocks, and remember that beads, elastic, metal findings and other components may require gentler treatment than the Ruby itself.

Treatment is also common within the wider commercial Ruby market. Heat treatment, for example, has long been used to improve the colour and/or clarity of many Rubies.

For individual HIH pieces, we won't claim a Ruby is untreated unless that information has been specifically confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ruby

Is Ruby the same mineral as Sapphire?

Yes. Both Ruby and Sapphire are varieties of Corundum. Red gem-quality Corundum is classified as Ruby, while other gem colours are generally called Sapphire.

What gives Ruby its red colour?

Ruby's red colour is principally caused by trace amounts of chromium within the Corundum crystal structure.

Is Ruby the July birthstone?

Yes. Ruby is the traditional July birthstone and is also associated with the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.

Is all natural Ruby clear and bright red?

No. Natural Ruby can vary considerably in colour, transparency and inclusions. Crystal jewellery and beads may use more included or opaque natural Ruby that looks very different from transparent faceted gems.

Is Ruby a hard gemstone?

Yes. Ruby is Corundum, which has a Mohs hardness of 9, making it one of the hardest natural gemstone materials.