Ruby 
Al2O3 - Aluminium Oxide
Ruby may be any color of red depending on the chromium and iron content of the stone. Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum, the second hardest mineral known to exist, surpassed only by diamond. Ruby is known as the stone of love. It is worn in all types of jewelry. More on...
Colors:
Lustre:
System:
Care and Treatment
Generally, ruby is quite durable. Still, rubies are subject to chipping and fracture if handled roughly.
Rubies are often heat treated to permanently improve their color and clarity.
These are misleading terms:
"Adelaide ruby" is a common name for almandine garnet,
"Cape ruby" is a common name for pyrope garnet found in South Africa; "Arizona ruby" and "Colorado ruby" are common names for pyrope garnet.
"American ruby" and "Mont Blanc ruby" are really garnet or rose quartz.
"Bales Ruby" is really pale red spinel.
"Bohemian ruby", "Montana ruby" and "Mountain ruby" are really red garnet.
"Brazilian ruby" is really pink or "fired" topaz, or pink tourmaline.
"Siberian ruby" is really dark pink/red tourmaline.
Hardness
Ruby has a hardness rating of 9.
Specific Gravity: 3.96 - 4.01
Healing
Heart chakra; balances love & all spiritual endeavors; self-esteem; strengthens neurological tissues around the heart; prevents miscarriages.
Where Found
Ruby is found worldwide. The finest stones are from Myanmar. Bright red stones are mined in: Afganistan, Pakistan, Vietnam. Brownish-red ruby are from Thailand. Darker stones are generally produced from the mines in Australia, India, Russia and USA (Georgia, North Carolina and Wyoming).
Birthstone Months
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July: Modern, Traditional, Mystical and Ayurvedic Birthstone
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December: Ayurvedic Birthstone
Star Stone Months
Anniversary Gemstone
Mystical Properties
Lore
The three-ray, six-point star effect seen in some cabochan rubies happen when rutile inclusions are present. The star on the ruby moves on the stone as the light from a single source moves.
Rubies were thought to ward off misfortune and ill-health. They are given as a symbol of success, devotion and integrity.
According to ancient lore, a Ruby is capable of reconciling lovers' quarrels.
Ruby engagement rings are given to express passion and promise of their heart.
Ruby is the US State Gemstone of Wisconsin.
Ruby is said to be the Summer Gemstone of the Season.
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