WorldWide Drilling Resource

Ruby is the July Birthstone by Harry W. Short, Engineering Geologist The July birthstone is a red gem called a ruby, which has been a favorite since ancient times. The Ruby symbolizes the sun, freedom, and power. Buddhists refer to gem rubies as the " tears of Buddha ." Old beliefs say rubies increase energy levels, stimulate love if worn close to the heart, protect health, control passions, enhance blood circulation, promote sleep and eliminate nightmares, ward off sadness and evil spirits, and are an antidote for snakebite. During the Middle Ages, the ruby was believed to have an inner fire which could not be concealed and was said to be the most precious of the 12 stones God created when He created all things. By the time of the Renaissance, only the wealthy owned ruby gems. In the ancient language of Sanskrit, ruby is called Ratnaraj, or king of precious stones. Like most gemstones, the ruby is one of the Biblical stones. In Exodus, the breastplate of Aaron is described as containing a " sardius ," the ancient name for ruby. Ruby gemstones are the red variety of the mineral corundum, the second hardest natural mineral known to mankind. Their red color is caused by trace amounts of chromium. The bright red color of ruby is called "pigeon blood”. Rubies can be any shade of red to almost pink. Red rubies are actually red sapphires, which are extremely hard, durable, and well-suited for jew- elry. Rutile crystal inclusions cause a six-rayed-starlight effect (asterism) and are called star rubies. Top-quality rubies are highly prized and the larger sizes are frequently valued above all other gemstones, including diamonds. Rubies over two carats are extremely rare and valuable. The earliest rubies were found in Sri Lanka, where mining began in Buddha’s time (624-544 B.C.) near Ratnapura, which is Sinhalese for “City of Gems.” The world’s finest rubies come from the Mogok Valley of Upper Burma. The colors of Burmese rubies vary from vibrant pinkish-red to orange-red, from the deep “pigeon’s blood” red to purple-red. Thailand rubies are the deepest red rubies and sometimes border on black. Rubies come from all over the world and are found in Thailand, India, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, Cambodia, Myanmar, and in the state of North Carolina in America. Harry In memory of Harry Short. His articles will continue posthumously. Contact: michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com 33 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® JULY 2016