In the world of colored gemstones, ruby is king. In fact, its name in Hindu, ratnaraj, translates as “king of precious stones.” Rarer than diamonds, large, transparent rubies command a higher price per carat than their colorless counterparts. That has always been the case for these blood-red gems. Rubies have a long, rich history in the world, but especially in Asia, their primary source. In the Hindu religion, those who offered fine rubies to the god Krishna were on a path to being reincarnated as an emperor in the next life. Trade records as far back as 200 BC along the North Silk Road included the stones. And Chinese Emperor Kublai Khan was said to have offered an entire city as payment for a particularly fine ruby.
Ruby is a type of corundum, a common rock formed when waters rich in aluminum oxide recede and the mineral crystallizes. Corundum is naturally transparent, but when the stones include traces of other metals—most often iron, titanium, vanadium, and chromium—the results are gems in a rainbow of colors. All of the other colored varieties of corundum are called sapphires. Only the ruby, with its traces of chromium, is set apart from the rest. The largest deposits, and those with the richest, most lustrous gems, have been found in Burma, Thailand, and Madagascar. Rubies with a distinctive deep red “pigeon’s blood” color are called Burmese rubies, regardless of their origin site.
The ruby’s historic value is due in part to the color. The highest quality rubies glow as though lit by an inextinguishable fire within. They are associated with energy and vitality, vigor and passion. Hindu warriors believed when rubies were inserted into their skin, the stone would make them invincible against their enemies. Those looking to accomplish significant goals may benefit from the presence of rubies. The stone can increase concentration and motivation and help one overcome timidity, most useful for anyone wishing to rule a kingdom, no matter its size.