Colors
- Vivid, pure red is most important
- "Pigeon's blood" red with blue undertones is the most prized
- Thai rubies are often darker with brownish undertones
Browse other gems by color: Red · Pink
Where Ruby comes from
- Myanmar (Burma)
- Mozambique
- Thailand
Ruby meaning and history
Royalty and warriors wore rubies as symbols of protection, strength and victory.
Meanings and powers attributed to gems are history and folklore. We report them; we do not claim a stone can do anything.
How hard is Ruby?
Ruby is 9 on the Mohs scale, where talc is 1, quartz 7 and diamond 10. Toughness, its resistance to chipping and breaking: excellent, with no cleavage; a good choice for rings worn every day.
See every birthstone on the hardness chart
How to clean and care for Ruby
| Warm soapy water | Safe |
|---|---|
| Ultrasonic cleaner | Usually safe for untreated, heated and lattice diffusion treated stones; not for filled or dyed stones |
| Steam cleaner | Usually safe for untreated, heated and lattice diffusion treated stones; not for filled or dyed stones |
Heat, light and chemicals: Resists heat, light and common chemicals; boric acid powder can etch it; lemon juice can damage fracture filled, cavity filled or dyed stones.
Treatments to ask about
Untreated and heat treated rubies are very durable. Fracture filled stones (usually with high lead glass) need more care.
Can you wear Ruby every day?
Great for everyday rings Hard and tough. Fine for rings worn every day. Check other stones.
Compare Ruby
Ruby vs Spinel · Ruby vs Sapphire
Frequently asked questions
What is Ruby?
The red variety of the mineral corundum, colored by chromium. One of the most durable gems.
What month is Ruby the birthstone for?
July.
How hard is Ruby?
9 on the Mohs scale. Toughness: excellent, with no cleavage; a good choice for rings worn every day.
How do you clean Ruby?
Warm soapy water: safe. Ultrasonic cleaner: usually safe for untreated, heated and lattice diffusion treated stones; not for filled or dyed stones. Steam: usually safe for untreated, heated and lattice diffusion treated stones; not for filled or dyed stones.
What does Ruby symbolize?
Royalty and warriors wore rubies as symbols of protection, strength and victory. These are traditions and history, not claims about what the stone can do.
Which anniversary is Ruby for?
The American Gem Society links Ruby to the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.
Sources
- GIA: Ruby care and cleaning (hardness, toughness, stability, cleaning, treatments)
- AGS: July birthstone (what it is, colors, sources, history)
- American Gem Society: Birthstones (birthstone months)
Checked October 16, 2026.