Today's Gems: Ruby

(via irocks.com)

In Sanskrit, Ruby is called “ratnaraj," which means “King of Gemstones." For thousands of years, it has been considered one of the most valuable gemstones on Earth. It's excellent hardness, brilliance, and beautiful red color (synonymous with passion and power) make it superior. Natural Rubies can be found in Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Greenland, and Australia, though synthetic gems are commonly created for decorative and technological uses. Rods of synthetic rubies are used to make ruby lasers.

As a heart stone, Ruby is connected to Anahata, the heart chakra, which is related to love, equilibrium, and well-being. With its intense energy, Ruby stimulates the expression of love and facilitates states of passion and bliss. It is also known to aid concentration and protect against unwanted emotional and psychic intrusions. 

A ring I got in Paris: ruby w/smaller rubies, cubic zirconia, and sapphires.

Metaphysical:
Primary Chakra: Root, Heart
Astrological sign(s): Aries, Cancer, Leo, Scorpio, Sagittarius
Vibration: Number 3

Geological:
Stone Type/Family: A member of the Corundum family
Crystal System: Trigonal
Chemical Composition: (Al2O3) Aluminum Oxide. The red colour is caused by minor amounts of trivalent Chromium replacing Aluminum in the crystal structure.
Hardness: 9

Physical:
Color: Pink, red, purple
Location: Afghanistan, Burma, France, Greenland, India, Malawi,Pakistan, Sri Lanka, USA
Rarity: Common
Fun Fact: Corundum is the second hardest natural mineral known to science. The hardest mineral, of course is the Diamond which is still four times harder than Corundum.
(via HealingCrystals.com)