About Rubies Meaning
Natural Ruby weighing 1.60 carats (1.78 ratti) from Thailand
Natural Ruby weighing 1.14 carats (1.27 ratti) from Myanmar (Burma)
Natural Ruby weighing 2.03 carats (2.26 ratti) from Mozambique
Natural ruby (Manik ratna in Hindi) is a pinkish red to blood-red coloured precious gemstone belonging to the corundum mineral family. Other varieties from the corundum species are called sapphires (but not ruby). The gemstone derives its name from the Latin word- “Ruber” meaning “red”. In Sanskrit, its called "ratnaraj" which means "the king of gemstones." In ancient Hindu philosophy, original ruby stone is associated with fire and Sun god “Surya.” It's the traditional gemstone for July month born and usually has different meanings and uses in different cultures.
From the House of Mughals to being the love of Modern Century
Only a few precious gemstones in the long and recorded history have enjoyed fame as extraordinary as Red Rubies. It's a gemstone rich in lores and romance and has remained an ultimate symbol of power and beauty. It's often addressed as the unique treasures of nature. From being mentioned in Old Testament of the Bible to being connected to the North Silk road of China, rubies have been held in high esteem in royal houses.
It is said that the Mughal administration often used ruby jewellery to mark their dynasties and kingdoms. The Mughal nobility would hire skilled artisans to craft beautifully designed ruby gemstone jewellery for them. One of the many examples comes from the royal palace of Shah Jahan and Jahangir. William Hawkins, a British envoy of the East India Company noticed that Shah Jahan who was a gem lover often wore a turban plumed with rubies, pearls and emeralds.
Initially, jewellery items were not considered valuable since they were not commonly used as gifts. However, with the beginning of Akbar's reign, giving jewellery as a gift or reward became fashionable, which increased the value of gemstones. Ever since then precious gemstones like ruby found a new meaning making an entry into the modern world to create wonderful pieces of ruby jewellery. One of the prime examples of ruby gemstones being adored by the modern century is Queen Elizabeth II’s Imperial State Crown.
An image depicting the royal State Imperial Crown with Black Prince Ruby studded in the front.
Image credit- lotus gemology
Did you know?
The world’s most expensive ruby ring “Sunrise Ruby'' was sold at an auction at a record value of US$30.3. The jewellery contained an extremely rare 25.59 carats piece from the house of Cartier.
Who should wear Ruby Stone
Ruby Stone is also known as Manik Stone in Hindi. Association with Sun makes ruby ratna “Rajratna” or ‘King of Gems’. Depending on the placement of Sun in a person's horoscope, wearing chuni gemstone can favorably improve career, health, temperament and social status of natives and related ascendants. Ruby gems can be worn as mentioned below.
- 1 Indian or vedic astrology assigns ruby gem or Manikya gemstone for Leo rashi.
- 2 Western astrology recommends ruby birthstone for
Leo sunsign.
- 3 Ascendants of Aries, Scorpio, Sagittarius and Pisces can also wear Ruby.
How to wear Red Ruby Stone?
Carat Weight |
Minimum 1/12th of the body weight. E.g. a person weighing 60 kgs can
wear a 5-carat ruby. |
Color |
Pigeon blood red ruby or deep pink color ruby is most effective,
otherwise original, untreated, rubies with lighter hues can also be worn. |
Metal |
Gold is highly recommended. Alternatively, panchdhatu, silver or white gold can
also be used. |
Finger |
Ring finger of the working hand. |
Purification and Energizing |
Before wearing the ruby, it's traditionally recommended to purify and energize it. This can be done by placing the ruby ring in a mixture of water, milk, honey, and ghee. After that, it's typically recited with the Sun God mantra “Om Suryaya Namah” for a specific number of times to energize the stone. |
Day & Time |
Sunday, morning time is best. |
Mantra & Chanting Times |
Om Ghrini Suryay Namha, ॐ घृणिः सूर्याय नमः (108 Times) |