Why is Ruby Known as the King of Gemstones?

Among the shining rainbow of precious gems that comes from the heart of the Earth, there is one gem that always retains its supremacy, earning the respect and admiration of all the others – the Ruby. It is commonly referred to as the “King of Gemstones,” the rich red gemstone that carries a certain aura and has fascinated civilizations for thousands of years. So why is the Ruby stone accorded such a kingly status? It is because of its unrivalled beauty, exceptional rarity, rich history, and deep symbolism that all work together to place it firmly on the gemstone throne.

The Colour of Kings and Conquerors

The most evident and compelling reason for Ruby’s regal standing is its colour. Red, almost everywhere, is the colour of power, passion, love, courage, and life. It is also the colour of fire and blood, elemental forces that evoke strength and life. The Ruby stone, in its rich, saturated red, embodies these associations more than any gem. From the fiery “pigeon’s blood” red of Burmese Rubies to the reddish-purplish tones elsewhere, the purity and intensity of a Ruby’s colour are unmatched.

This deep colour has made the Ruby a royal favourite over time. Rubies were worn by kings to represent their strength, wealth, and war capabilities. They ought to bring good luck, repel evil, and provide soldiers with invincibility during a battle. The magnificent Ruby creates an image of majesty and strength. This powerful gemstone has proclaimed itself to be a gem of utmost importance.

A Hard-Won Treasure and Rarity

While diamonds are famous for being scarce, a high-quality natural Ruby stone of good size can be even scarcer and, therefore, more costly. Rubies belong to the mineral group corundum, and their red hue is a result of the presence of the trace element chromium. The presence of chromium is what gives Ruby such a desirable and brilliant colour, but it also makes the creation of large, inclusion-free crystals very challenging. In a nutshell: the higher the level of chromium in a Ruby crystal, the more intense and rich the red colour, but the higher the chances of internal inclusions and fissures. 

This geological peculiarity makes discovering a large, clean, and deeply coloured Ruby a very rare event. The best Rubies in history were the ones discovered in the Mogok Valley of Myanmar (Burma), which had the capacity to produce stones of the legendary “pigeon’s blood” hue. These Burmese Rubies, more than any others, established the quality and value benchmark. The mere fact that such quality examples are so rare makes Ruby sit atop the gem world.

A Heritage Full of History and Legend

Rubies were valued for their beauty by ancient cultures and also for their mystical properties. In the Hindu religion, the Ruby is known as “Ratnaraj,” or “King of Gemstones”. In Myanmar (Burma), warriors believed that wearing Rubies under their skin made them invincible in battle.

Rubies have graced the crowns and regalia of kings and emperors throughout European history, symbolizing their divine right to reign and their absolute authority. From the British Crown Jewels to the stunning collections of maharajahs, Rubies have been the symbol of wealth and courage. This prevailing ownership by the most powerful rulers has strongly stated Ruby’s position as a gemstone of great prestige.

A Durable Gem Built to Last

In addition to its rarity and colour, the Ruby also possesses excellent physical properties. Its 9 rating on the Mohs hardness scale makes it extremely durable, second only to the diamond. So durable, Rubies withstand scratches and wear incredibly well, making them ideal for everyday wear in the form of rings, pendants, and other jewellery that will be handed down through generations. There are various sellers in the market, such as Pramogh, that deal in high-quality original gemstones. Along with this, they can also provide brilliant Ruby stone jewellery for both men and women, which you can use for astrological purposes.

Symbolism That Transcends Cultures

Ruby’s symbolism is as profound and vast as its history. It is known everywhere as the stone of love and passion and is therefore highly prized as an engagement ring and anniversary gift (especially the 15th and 40th). Its rich colour expresses deep emotions, the need for love, and unbreakable will.

Apart from fostering personal bonds, the Ruby also energises the body of the wearer, restores the spirit, and prevents acute illnesses. It represents courage, leadership qualities, trust and honesty. This stunning gemstone challenges the wearer to face difficult situations with utmost strength, courage, and determination.

Conclusion

Ruby’s stunning colour, its incredible rarity, its rich history, its unparalleled hardness, and its rich symbolism combine to create an identity that is more than mere beauty. The Ruby is a stone, a declaration of power, a flash of passion, and a classic expression of the human obsession with nature’s most remarkable creations. And for all these reasons, and for all the years to come, the Ruby will certainly reign supreme as the King of Gems.