| Perhaps no gemstone has been as prized | | | | stone has also been used as a talisman against |
| throughout history as the Ruby. Celebrated in | | | | danger, disaster, to stop bleeding, and a number |
| Bible and in ancient Sanskrit writings as the most | | | | of other ailments. Its intense color was thought to |
| precious of all gemstones, Rubies have adorned | | | | come from an undying flame inside the stone; or, |
| emperors and kings and inspired countless legends | | | | as some legends would have it, a piece of planet |
| and myths with their rich, fiery hues.As the | | | | Mars.Ruby is the red variety of corundum, a |
| ultimate red gemstone, rubies have symbolized | | | | sister of Sapphire. Like Sapphire, Ruby is |
| passion and romance for centuries. Ruby is the | | | | measured 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, |
| birthstone for month of July, and it is | | | | making it the second hardest material known |
| recommended for married couples celebrating | | | | after diamonds.The most valuable Rubies come |
| their 15th and 40th wedding anniversary.Also the | | | | from Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, but |
| color of blood, the stone is symbolic of courage | | | | they are mined throughout Southeast Asia. Good |
| and bravery. Warriors were said to have | | | | quality stones come from Thailand, Sri Lanka, and |
| implanted Rubies under their skin to bring them | | | | Vietnam. Kenya and Tanzania also are becoming |
| valor in battle and make them invincible. The | | | | more important as mining sources for Ruby. |