Purple Ruby

About Purple Ruby

Where Fire Meets Twilight: The mesmerizing rarity of a Purple Ruby.

Ruby is always known to be red. But, in addition to red rubies, purple rubies have also been quite famous. They are known to form as part of an intricate geological process within the crust of the earth. The purple rubies are primarily found in the regions with abundant corundum – just like regular red rubies. However, the presence of specific trace elements, such as chromium and vanadium, gives it a distinct purple hue.

Ruby is always known to be red. But, in addition to red rubies, purple rubies have also been quite famous. They are known to form as part of an intricate geological process within the crust of the earth. The purple rubies are primarily found in the regions with abundant corundum – just like regular red rubies. However, the presence of specific trace elements, such as chromium and vanadium, gives it a distinct purple hue.

Even when the concept of a purple ruby may appear contradictory, the high amount of vanadium and especially titanium in rubies gives them a unique purple color. The interplay of chromium and vanadium impurities gives rise to a captivating blend of red and purple.

Purple Ruby Gemstone in History

To be frank, there is no historical background for purple rubies separately. Ruby has always been associated with the fiery red color. That is what makes purple ruby quite rare. In fact, purple rubies have always been confused with purple sapphires, another rare variety of corundum gemstones.

True rubies with a purplish hues do exist, though. The purple tinge enhances the richness of the red color on the regular ruby.

The earliest reference to rubies in general and purple rubies in particular come from ancient Egypt. Rulers and warriors were known to embed rubies in their armor. Purple rubies were believed to give them power and protection from their enemies.

How are Purple Rubies Formed?

Rubies are made from a hard mineral called corundum. This hard mineral was formed as the magma under the crust of the earth cooled and hardened millions of years ago. This cooling process resulted in the bonding of aluminium and oxygen molecules. This combination created corundum.

Corundum is actually transparent. But, the traces of other elements give it different colors and hues. Chromium in the magma gives the rubies the red color. If it has traces of vanadium and titanium, the resultant gemstone gets a purple hue and is called a purple ruby.

Symbolism

Over the centuries, Purple Ruby gemstone has evoked a massive range of emotions and feelings. The redness or the slight purple hue has always ignited the passion of artists and poets. The fiery hues in the purple rubies have always symbolized passion and warmth. That is precisely why purple ruby finds a place of importance when it comes to expressing love and emotion.

According to Vedic astrology, people born under the Leo zodiac sign can wear rubies—any variety of ruby. Rubies are ruled by the Sun god (Surya). The Sun symbolizes power, vitality, and leadership. Wearing a purple chuni stone has been believed to strengthen these areas for the wearer.

People born under Aries, Scorpio, Sagittarius, and Pisces can also wear Purple ruby or purple manik stone , but it is recommended to consult your astrologer for proper guidance.

According to ancient Hindu beliefs, ruby is one of the best gemstones to offer to Shree Krishna. It was believed that whoever offered ruby to Shree Krishna would be born again as an emperor or king. Harita Smriti states -"He who worships Krishna with rubies will be reborn as a powerful emperor. With a small ruby, he will be born a king."

Hindus also believe that the Kalpa tree is formed by gemstones, and rubies are its fruits. “Mani Mala,” authored by Sourindro Mohun Tagore, describes the Kalpa Tree, a symbolic offering to the Hindu gods, as composed entirely of precious stones. Made of sapphires, diamonds, topazes, emeralds, and other gems, this magnificent tree bears rubies as fruit.

Almost every religion and culture believes that rubies are too beautiful and complex, and they can never be made by humans. That explains why every religion believes that rubies are mined and faceted by the gods of different cultures.