Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Rubies (Cancer)




Rubies

The Cancer Birthstone and for 40th Wedding Anniversary jewelry

The gleaming Ruby should adorn,
All those who in July are born,
For thus they'll be exempt and free,
From lover's doubts and anxiety.

What are Rubies?
What exactly are Rubies? Learn about the gem before you buy Ruby jewelry. The definition of a Ruby is as follows:

  • The word Ruby is derived from the Latin word "ruber" which means "red" reflecting the color of the stone. A precious stone of a carmine red color which sometimes verge on violet
  • Like diamonds, gemstones are graded by color, cut, clarity and carat weight
  • It is a red crystallized variety of corundum. The Ruby is a member of the Corundum (aluminum oxide) family. The Crystal structure of the Ruby is Hexagonal (trigonal), dipyramidal
  • Rubies are extremely hard, second only to diamonds

The Colors of Rubies
Rubies come in a wide range of natural colors and shades of red. The color range includes pinkish, purplish, orangey and brownish red depending on the chromium and iron content of the stone. Color is mainly caused by the gemstones's selective absorption of certain wavelengths of light called the body color. In gemstones, color consists of three components:

  • Hue - the first impression of the color
  • Tone - the lightness or darkness of color ranging from light to medium to dark
  • Saturation - the intensity of a gemstone's color which is measured from dull to strong to vivid

Birthstone Facts and Information about Rubies
The following list provides Birthstone facts and information about the Ruby:

  • The Ruby is the birthstone of the month of July
  • It is also the Wedding anniversary gemstone for the 40th year of marriage
  • Zodiac Sign: Cancer
  • Cancer dates: June 21 - July 22
  • Cancer - The Third Sign of the Zodiac: The sign of the Crab
  • Ruling Planet of Cancer: Mercury
  • Alternate Birthstones of Cancer: Emeralds, Sardonyx, Pearls and Moonstones

Symbolism, Significance and Properties of Rubies
The properties with which the Ruby is associated are as follows:

  • Devotion, integrity, courage and happiness
  • Vitality, confidence and strength
  • Used to enhance energy, generosity and to bring success

Healing Properties of the Ruby
The healing properties of the Cancer birthstone are reputed to be effective for health problems relating to:

  • Blood and infection
  • Increasing positive thought patterns

Rubies Jewelry
Rubies jewelry is extremely popular especially for those nearest and dearest. The tradition of giving gifts of jewelry containing these stones dates back thousands of years. The gemstone, or birthstone Ruby is believed to conduct the energies of the planet Mercury with which it is sympathetic and that wearing jewelry containing the gemstone will focus the energies of the planet and sign through the gem. Learn about the gem before you buy Ruby jewelry. All different types of jewelry containing Rubies are available including:

  • Ruby eternity rings
  • Ruby Cufflinks
  • Ruby bracelets
  • Ruby pendants
  • Ruby earrings
  • Ruby necklaces