The Ruby:
Ruby is one of the most highly prized gems. A transparent variety of the aluminum oxide mineral Corundum, it owes its red to pale rose colour to minute amounts of chromium. The most valuable stones have a deep pigeon's-blood red color. Although a brilliant stone, it lacks the fire of a diamond and is often cut to enhance the colour, even at the expense of weight. For more than 500 years the finest rubies have come from a small area near Mogok, Myanmar, where they are washed and sieved from limestone gravels. Rubies also occur in the gem gravels of Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and North Carolina.
The stone often referred to as a ruby in the Old Testament and other ancient texts may actually have been a garnet or a spinel. The confusion between these stones has been perpetuated in the names of less valuable gems.
As a gemstone, the ruby has been popular for centuries, believed to help heal and open the heart, as well as illuminating the emotional level of life and revealing divine love. In the Ancient World, it was believed to contain prophetic powers, thus enabling any wearer to predict the future based upon color changes within the stone. It was formerly thought that, if fashioned into a ring worn on the left hand or into a brooch worn on the left side, this jewel would endow its owner with the magical ability to live in peace among enemies. It has also been credited with warding off misfortune and ill-health, and is often given as a gift to symbolize success, devotion, integrity, health and passion.
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