Ruby meaning & facts
Ruby is a birthstone for July. Ruby, once called the "king of gems", symbolises passion, protection, courage and prosperity.
- Birth month
- July
- Colour
- Red
- Mineral
- Corundum
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 9
- Main sources
- Myanmar, Mozambique, Thailand and Sri Lanka
Ruby facts
- The name comes from the Latin ruber, meaning red.
- Ruby and sapphire are the same mineral, corundum; only red corundum is called ruby.
- Ruby is the traditional gem for a 40th wedding anniversary.
Birthstones by month
Frequently asked questions
What does ruby mean?
Ruby, once called the "king of gems", symbolises passion, protection, courage and prosperity.
What month is ruby the birthstone for?
Ruby is a birthstone for July.
How hard is ruby?
Ruby rates 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, which runs from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond).
Gemstone meanings are traditional beliefs, shared for interest rather than as proven properties.