EAlmost
all colors. Medium to dark colored
red stones are known as ruby; and
other colors, sapphire.
Refractive
Index
R.I.
1.76-1.77.
Durability
Hardness
9
Crystal
Structure
Hexagonal
Specific
Gravity
4.0
Sources
/ Occurrence
Many
locations, but the best known are
in southeast Asia, Australia, and
southern Africa. In the U.S., Montana
and North Carolina are well known
sources
Varieties
Ruby-
Red colored corundum
Sapphire (Yellow, Blue and White)
and
Bi-color Sapphire
Ruby
The word 'Ruby' comes from the Latin word'Rubeus'
for 'red', reflecting the stones color.
The ancient Sinhalese people referred to ruby
as 'Ratnaraj' or the King of gems. Ruby has long
been considered by the Hindu culture
to be the king of precious
stones, and this distinction it retains among all
the gem lovers. In India, According to the cosmographic
association, Ruby represents the sun, thus naturally,
for the west it is the gemstone of the summer.
This red color was naturally associated with passion
and blood. Some believed it had the power to stop
bleeding and that the wearers of Rubies would be
kept in sound mental and physical health. In Burmese
culture the gem had to be worn not in jewelry but
inserted and sown into the human flesh. This stone
was given as a precious offering to Buddha in China
and Krishna in India. In the 10th Century dragons
and snakes were carved on the stone's surface to
increase prosperity and power.
It is the birthstone for those born in the month
of July and a talisman for the sun- sign Leo. A
recommended gemstone for fifteenth and fortieth
wedding anniversaries.
Alternate Names of Ruby
are, Manikya, Pagmarag, Neelgandh (Sapphirine
ruby).
Sapphire
The name 'Sapphire' derives from the ancient Greek
word for 'blue'.
The ancient Persian rulers believed that it was
the reflection of Sapphire that gave the heavens
its magnificent color.
Sapphire has been credited
with cavernous powers of protecting the wearer against
poisons and evil spirits. It is the birthstone for
September and a good luck charm for the sign of
Taurus. It was the customary stone for the official
rings of bishops and cardinals, as it was supposed
to make the wearer devout and attract divine favor.
Sapphire has long been an emblem of truth, sincerity
and constancy and in an engagement ring, this marriage
symbolism can be combined with a gem whose amazing
beauty and strength are worthy of such sentiments.
Alternate Names of sapphire are, Pukhraj, Padparadscach
(orange-pink), Neelam (blue).
