Ruby

Alternative Names: Red Corundum

Mineral Information

Origin: Notably India

Mineral Species: Corundum

Mineral Group: Oxides

Chemical Formula: Al₂O₃

Hardness: 9

Crystal System: Trigonal

Colour: Pale to dark rose red, normally opaque; gem-grade crystals translucent.

Typical Appearance: Usually as elongated hexagonal crystals within a mica schist, typically Fuchsite.

Esoteric Information

Birthstone: Birthstone for: Leo (23rd July – 22nd August), Secondary Birthstone for Capricorn: Up until 1912, onyx, along with turquoise, was the Leo birthstone. The National Association of Jewellers (US) swapped the stones of the star signs, on the basis that the lighter turquoise was more suitable for wearing in winter months, and this has been accepted practice ever since.

Chakra Alignment: Heart; Crown and Base

Element: Fire

Origin of Name & Mythology: The name is derived from the Latin ruber, meaning “red”. The Sanskrit name is ratnaraj, which translates as “the king of precious stones”. Ruby is part of the Corundum Species, the remainder of which is made up of the various colours of sapphire. Only red corundum can be classified as ruby. Ancient miners in India believed pink sapphires to be rubies that had not yet ripened, and there certainly is a ripe, fruit-like quality to the deeper-coloured specimens. In almost every culture, general virtues attributed to wearing ruby include protection and invulnerability, and a peaceful existence.

Additional Information

Ruby is an intense Heart crystal, which brings joy, vigour and love of life. Some crystal healers associate it with the root chakra, and therefore libido as well as grounding and protection, and the denser, magenta-tinted stones align with the upper crown chakra in colour therapy. Combining the three qualities, it creates a powerful heart connection with the divine, while helping us to keep our feet on the ground, and is very good for working from the heart on a spiritual level. Ruby can support our energy levels when we are run down, but on its own may be a little too powerful in the treatment of ME and CFS. A specimen containing green zoisite can help to balance this.