Ruby

One of the four precious gemstones, Ruby has lit the treasure troves of royalty for generations with its red fiery light.  A stone of courage and inner strength, Ruby surges with pure, juicy, warm energy.  A stone of self-confidence, self-love and enhanced inner power, Ruby is said to alleviate guilt and bring honesty, sensuality and sexuality.  And yes, red-hot Ruby stokes that first chakra passion in the bedroom (and bathroom, and kitchen counter, and even the backyard…  if it’s reasonably private).

Protective of home, worldly possessions and children, as well as psychic protection, Ruby’s powerful presence can shield against unhappiness, empowering the bearer to move forward without fear.  Think red means stop?  Time to think again, with blazing Ruby at your side.

The History of Ruby

Ruby has accumulated a host of legends over the centuries.  Mentioned four times in the Bible, in association with attributes like beauty and wisdom, Ruby is one of the most historically significant precious stones. 

In the first century AD, the Roman scholar Pliny included Rubies in his Natural History, describing their hardness and density.  Ancient Hindus believe that those who offered the finest rubies to the god Krishna were granted rebirth as emperors.  The Chinese Emperor Kublai Khan was said to have offered an entire city in exchange for a sizable Ruby.  In Burma (now called Myanmar), warriors imbedded Rubies in their skin to make them invincible in battle and in the ancient language of Sanskrit, Ruby is called ratnaraj, or “king of precious stones”.

The name Ruby comes from the Latin word rubeus, meaning “red”, the fiery red of Ruby suggesting an eternal flame burning in the stone.

Recognising Ruby

Rubies are a pink to blood-red coloured gemstone, considered the second hardest gemstone (after Diamonds).  Ruby is red Corundum, an aluminium oxide mineral with chromium responsible for its rich, red colour. 

The brightest and most valuable shade of red, called “blood-red” or “pigeon blood” are usually found in Thailand, Vietnam, Kenya and Afghanistan. 

Ruby has a Mohs hardness of 9.

What is Ruby used for?

Revered throughout history, Ruby is a passion stoker, an energy booster, a mind sharpener and a fear banisher all rolled into one glorious glowing fiery stone.

Ruby’s aphrodisiac qualities are some of its best known, igniting passions and promoting all forms of love, from the mystical communion of true soul mates, to the wild sensuality of an unexpected one-night stand.  But be warned, if a casual romp is all you’re looking for – Ruby is known for increasing chances of conception.

If you frequently have trouble dragging your ass about your daily business, let bright Ruby be the stone to lift you out of the doldrums.  Energising the body and enhancing motivation, juicy red Ruby will connect you to the base chakra, grounding you and encouraging you to set practical goals. 

And while its intense energy sharpens the mind, bringing a heightened awareness and excellent concentration, Ruby promotes courage, enabling you to get all those past grievances off your chest and out into the open in a non-adversarial way – so you won’t feel like you have to charge through life, demolishing anyone who stands in your path.

Ruby also helps reduce fear of evil and the paranormal.  It is a shielding crystal, banishing nightmares and guarding against psychic and psychological attack.  Rubies also have an intense inner power, that can give you the strength to take risks and try new things (skydiving anyone??).

Physically, Ruby is considered a blood stone strengthening the heart and stimulating good circulation and blood flow. Ruby assists in regulating menstrual flow and alleviating those monthly killer cramps that leave you feeling as if you’re being stabbed by a knife-wielding imp from the inside-out.  It is considered beneficial for the reproductive organs, and is often used for treatment of sexual dysfunction, impotence and infertility, early menopause, and as a support for gynaecological operations.  

Ruby is useful in detoxifying the body, blood, and lymph, and is helpful in treating fever and infections. It stimulates the adrenals, kidneys and spleen, and aids inadequate circulation or energy flow in the feet and legs.  It may also be used to assist in weight regulation, especially when emotional eating is the underlying cause.