Ruby

Hardness:
9.0

Ocurrance:
Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, India, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Tanzania, Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Malagasy Republic, Malawi, Pakistan, Zimbabwe (Rhodesia), United States (Montana, North Carolina). Appearance:

Appearance:
Named for it's color (Latin Rubeus). Ruby has been confused with red spinel and garnet. Ruby is the Red member of the Corundum species which also includes all of the Sapphire colors. Ruby can range in color from orangy Red, pinkish Red, Red to purplish Red. Inclusions are common, and are used to tell the difference between a synthetic and natural stone.

Something Extra:
Ruby has been the world's most valued gemstone for thousands of years. Ruby was said to be the
most precious of the twelve stones God created when he created all things and this "lord of gems"
was placed on Aaron's neck by God's command. The bible says that wisdom is "more precious than
rubies," that is to say very valuable indeed. In the ancient language of Sanskrit, ruby is called
ratnaraj, or "king of precious stones" and ratnanayaka, "leader of precious stones."

Ruby is one of the symbols of love. To the ancients, Rubies represented passion, affection, power
and majesty. Ruby has also been connected to dragons. Legends tell of dragons guarding Ruby and
Emerald mines and others of dragons with brilliant Rubies in their heads illuminating the countryside! Rubies are an excellent choice for investment. These are popular Gems which have never decreased in true value.