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July Birthstone Revealed: Why Rubies Are So Rare—and Where to Find Them Legally

Introduction: The Fiery Gem of July

If you were born in July, you hit the gemstone jackpot. Your birthstone isn't just beautiful—it's one of the most prized, powerful, and passionate gems in the world. The ruby, with its deep red glow, has captured hearts for thousands of years. But did you know that rubies are even rarer than diamonds? Or that there are places in the U.S. where you can legally dig for them yourself?

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about the July birthstone. From its ancient symbolism to where rubies form, and even how to hunt for them in the wild, we'll cover it all in a simple, easy-to-understand way.

What Is the July Birthstone?

The official birthstone for July is the ruby. This gem is known for its bold red color, which can range from light pinkish red to deep blood red. What makes a ruby a ruby, and not a sapphire, is the presence of chromium. Rubies are part of the corundum family of minerals, just like sapphires. But when chromium enters the crystal, it gives the stone its fiery red hue—and a new name: ruby.

While rubies are the modern and traditional birthstone for July, there have been rare mentions of other red gems in ancient calendars. However, none hold the status, history, or sparkle of the ruby. It's been the clear favorite for centuries.

Ruby Meaning and Symbolism Through the Ages

Rubies aren't just pretty stones. Throughout history, they've symbolized love, passion, power, and protection. In ancient India, rubies were called the "king of precious stones" and believed to hold the power of life. Warriors in Burma (modern-day Myanmar) believed that inserting rubies under their skin made them invincible in battle.

In medieval Europe, rubies were seen as a way to guard against misfortune and promote good health. People thought they could darken when danger was near, acting as a mystical warning system. Even today, rubies are tied to themes of courage, love, and emotional strength.

So if you're a July baby, you're connected to a gem that represents fiery strength and deep passion.

How Rubies Form: A Geological Perspective

Rubies are born deep inside the Earth, under extreme heat and pressure. They form when aluminum and oxygen combine to create corundum, and then chromium gets added to the mix. This is what turns an otherwise colorless mineral into a glowing red gem.

Interestingly, rubies can only form under very specific conditions. Chromium is actually toxic to crystal growth, which is part of what makes gem-quality rubies so rare. When a ruby does form perfectly, it's usually surrounded by metamorphic rocks like marble or gneiss.

And here's a fun fact: if that same corundum forms with a trace of iron and titanium instead of chromium, you don't get a ruby—you get a blue sapphire instead.

Ruby Origins: Where Rubies Are Mined Around the World

The most famous rubies in the world come from Myanmar, especially the Mogok Valley. Burmese rubies are known for their vibrant "pigeon blood" red color, which is incredibly rare and valuable. These rubies have been mined for centuries and are still considered some of the best.

Other major ruby sources include:

• Thailand, which produces darker rubies with a hint of brown.
• Sri Lanka, home to lighter pinkish-red rubies.
• Mozambique, now a major supplier of high-quality rubies.
• Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tanzania, which also yield beautiful gems.

Each location adds a unique fingerprint to the rubies it produces, thanks to different minerals in the surrounding earth.

Can You Find Rubies in the United States? (Yes—But Read This First)

Yes, you absolutely can! While the U.S. isn't a global ruby powerhouse like Myanmar or Mozambique, there are a few special places where natural rubies can be found—and even dug up by the public.

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North Carolina is the best-known U.S. state for ruby hunting. The Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine and the Sheffield Mine near Franklin, NC, are both open to the public. These mines offer a chance to dig for rubies in their natural, uncut form.

In Montana, you may not find classic rubies, but you can uncover sapphires that have a pinkish-red hue—close cousins to rubies, chemically speaking. Places like the Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine are great for beginners.

There are also known corundum deposits in Wyoming, Idaho, and Northwest Georgia, though they are less accessible or not open to recreational collectors. Always check for land access rules and permits before going rockhounding.

How to Identify a Real Ruby: Rockhound's Field Guide

If you want to spot a ruby in the wild, there are a few key signs to look for. Raw rubies don't sparkle like the ones you see in jewelry stores. Instead, they look like red or pinkish-red hexagonal crystals, sometimes coated with a bit of earth or embedded in other rocks.

Rubies are extremely hard, 9 on the Mohs scale, just below diamonds. So if your red stone easily scratches, it's probably not a ruby. Use a simple scratch test kit or try scratching glass to compare.

Also, be aware of common lookalikes:

• Garnet is often mistaken for ruby but tends to be deeper red or purplish.
• Spinel can be almost identical to ruby but has different optical properties.

To be sure, you can always take your find to a local gemologist or use a gem testing kit.

Ruby Treatments and Lab-Grown Versions: What to Watch Out For

Many rubies sold today are treated to improve their color and clarity. Heat treatment is the most common and widely accepted. It mimics natural conditions and can make a ruby look more vivid.

Other treatments include lead-glass filling, which fills cracks with a glass-like material. This type of ruby is less valuable and more fragile.

There are also lab-grown rubies, which have the same chemical structure as natural rubies but are made in a factory. They're legal, often flawless, and more affordable—but not considered the same by collectors.

If you're serious about buying or collecting rubies, make sure to ask whether the stone is natural, treated, or lab-made. Reputable sellers will disclose this.

How to Care for Your Ruby Gemstones

Rubies are tough, but they still need proper care. If you have a ruby gem or ring, clean it gently with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, especially for treated rubies.

Store your ruby jewelry separately from other gems to avoid scratches, even though it's quite hard. And if your ruby has been fracture-filled or treated, avoid exposing it to extreme heat or sudden temperature changes.

Famous Rubies and Fun Facts

Rubies have captured attention throughout history. The Liberty Bell Ruby, for example, is the largest mined ruby in the world—over four pounds of ruby carved into the shape of the Liberty Bell. Sadly, it was stolen in 2011 and hasn't been recovered.

Another legendary gem is the Sunrise Ruby, which sold for over $30 million at auction. It's considered the most expensive ruby ever sold and one of the most valuable colored gemstones in the world.

In pop culture, rubies have starred in everything from The Wizard of Oz (hello, ruby slippers) to royal crowns, engagement rings, and ancient lore. There's no denying their hold on human imagination.

Final Thoughts: Why Ruby Is So Much More Than a Pretty Gem

Being born in July comes with a fiery badge of honor. The ruby isn't just a birthstone—it's a gemstone wrapped in mystery, history, and natural beauty. Whether you're wearing one, buying one, or digging one up from the earth, there's something magical about this red-hot stone.

For rockhounds, the chance to find a real ruby in nature is a thrilling challenge. And for everyone else, it's a gemstone that reminds us to live boldly, love fiercely, and shine brightly.

So next time you see a ruby, remember: it's more than a gem. It's a symbol of something powerful inside you.

FAQ: July Birthstone (Rubies)