Happy Birthday, July! The July birthstone is ruby.

The ruby gets its name from the Latin word “ruber” meaning red. Called the Rajnapura (King of Gems) by ancient Hindus, the ruby is among the most highly prized gems throughout history.

The ruby is a variety of the mineral Corundum, which is found as crystals that form within metamorphic rock. Corundum is the second-hardest mineral (after diamonds), and comes in a range of colors. In any color that is not red, corundum is considered to be a Sapphire-only corundum in shades of red can be considered a Ruby. You can find rubies ranging in hue from orange-red to purple-red, but the true red gems are the most valuable.

The most beautiful rubies are traditionally from Burma. Rubies can also be found in Afghanistan, Australia, India, Kenya, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and the United States.

As the July birthstone, rubies can be the perfect element for a gift of jewelry.