Not only is Ruby the birthstone of July, but Rubies have captivated people for centuries, whether in ancient legends, family heirlooms, or dazzling works of art. When we think of rubies, many of us picture scenes straight out of an Indiana Jones movie—vast treasure chambers filled with gold, silver, and brilliant gemstones, including fiery red rubies, glowing emeralds, deep blue sapphires, and shimmering amethysts. It’s no wonder that both children and adults are drawn to these mesmerising stones.

A Symbol of Royalty and Power

Throughout history, rubies have been treasured as symbols of nobility, power, and protection. In medieval Europe, kings and queens adorned themselves with rubies, believing the stones would bring them wealth and guard against evil. In ancient India, rubies were known as “Ratnaraj,” meaning “King of Precious Stones,” and were thought to protect warriors in battle. Burmese mythology tells tales of warriors who embedded rubies into their skin to achieve invincibility (though we don’t recommend trying this today!).

Rubies in Engagement Rings: A Romantic Legacy

Rubies gained popularity as engagement and wedding rings during the Victorian era (1837–1901), when gemstones were commonly used in intricate, sentimental jewellery designs. Their deep red hue symbolized love, passion, and devotion, making them an ideal choice for romantic jewellery. Even before this, during the Georgian era (1714–1837), wealthy individuals in Europe and Asia cherished rubies as symbols of lasting love and protection.

In the 20th century, rubies experienced a resurgence in engagement rings, especially during the Art Deco period of the 1920s and 1930s. High-profile figures helped maintain their allure—Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, famously received a ruby engagement ring from Prince Andrew in 1986. Today, many people are turning away from traditional diamonds and choosing rubies, emeralds, and other vibrant gemstones for their meaningful beauty.

The Rubies at Blissful Things

While the rubies depicted in treasure-hunting tales and royal collections are often flawless, high-value gems, the rubies available at Blissful Things are more affordable yet equally unique and fascinating. Our selection includes natural ruby specimens as well as ruby embedded in other minerals. One important distinction to note is that ruby should not be confused with rubellite—although both stones have pinkish-red hues, rubellite is a type of tourmaline. In contrast, ruby is a variety of corundum.

The Science Behind Ruby

Ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum (Al₂O₃) composed mainly of aluminum oxide with trace amounts of chromium, which gives it its signature red color. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, ruby is one of the hardest natural gemstones, second only to diamond. It forms under extreme pressure and temperature in metamorphic and igneous rocks. The presence of chromium also causes rubies to fluoresce under ultraviolet light, intensifying their rich red glow. Beyond jewelry, rubies have found practical uses in scientific applications such as laser technology and precision watchmaking.

Metaphysical Properties of Ruby & Its Variants

Beyond their physical beauty, rubies and ruby-included minerals are believed to hold significant metaphysical properties:

• Ruby (Pure) – A stone of passion and vitality, ruby is said to stimulate the heart, enhance energy, and encourage love, courage, and emotional strength.

• Ruby Zoisite – This striking blend of red ruby and green zoisite is thought to enhance emotional balance, promote joy, and encourage self-discovery and spiritual growth. It is often used in meditation to stimulate the heart chakra.

• Ruby in Feldspar – This combination is said to boost passion, motivation, and vitality while promoting emotional healing and self-love. Ruby energizes the heart and root chakras, fostering confidence and strength, while feldspar enhances creativity and spiritual awareness.

• Ruby Kyanite – A fascinating mix of ruby and deep blue kyanite, this stone is believed to support emotional balance, creativity, and spiritual growth. It is associated with both the heart and throat chakras, encouraging open communication and heartfelt expression.

• Ruby in Fuchsite – A unique combination of corundum (ruby) embedded in green fuchsite, a chromium-rich variety of muscovite. This mineral blend balances passion with calmness, promoting emotional healing and spiritual insight. Ruby is thought to enhance strength and vitality, while fuchsite encourages harmony and intuition.

Embrace the Magic of Rubies

Whether you're drawn to rubies for their historical significance, scientific properties, or metaphysical energy, there’s no denying their captivating beauty. At Blissful Things, we offer a selection of natural ruby specimens and ruby-infused minerals, making these powerful gemstones accessible to collectors, healers, and jewelry lovers alike. Explore our collection and bring home a piece of Earth's incredible natural history today!