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The Magic of Rocks and StonesStones - History, Myths and Lore / Amethyst / Aquamarine / Aragonite / Aventurine / Black Tourmaline / Bloodstone / Carnelian / Celestite / Citrine / Fluorite / Hematite / Labradorite / Lapis Lazuli / Malachite / Moonstone / Pyrite / Quartz (Rock Crystal) / Rose Quartz / Selenite / Seraphinite / Smoky Quartz / Sodalite / Tree Agate / Zebra Marble RUBY
Written and compiled by - Patricia Jean MartinA perfect stone to awaken and revive us as we celebrate the return of the Sun on this joyous Winter Solstice, and one that is said to "light the darkness of one's life" and "give birth to a spark of light throughout body and spirit, conquering darkness on all levels" ... meet the Ruby. From Oz's Dorothy to India's Krishna, this rare and beautiful crimson crystal has been the desired gift of choice for millennia - and if there is any gemstone that can truly take us home, it is the Ruby. These precious gems are a variety of red Corundum, an aluminum oxide that forms in hexagonal crystals. Their colors ranges from pink to dark red to orange-red to red-violet, but the most sought after are the deep crimson specimens whose red color stems from chromium, or the infamous red-voilet Star Ruby often called "pigeon or dove blood". In fact, Ruby's name derives from the Latin word "rubeus" meaning "red". It is the rarest of all the Corundums. Only the red variety is called Ruby; all other Corundums are called Sapphires. Ruby is one of the most precious gemstones on Earth, rivaled only by the Diamond and Emerald. The finest of its kind hail from Burma, India, Thailand, Ceylon, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Australia and North Carolina in the USA. It is the second hardest natural mineral and registers 9 on the Mohs Scales, so it is easy to take care of and can be cleansed by most methods. Rubies stimulate and open the Heart Chakra of love and devotion, but the chakra it governs and awakens most is the Root - our very life essence, our means of survival, and the birthing place of our physicality and passions. Ruby deals with life force (chi, or qi) and vitality, and can increase our own energy, enthusiasm and well-being. As we shuffle through the remaining coldest months of Winter, this optimism-inspiring stone (which has forever been associated with the Sun) will aid in eliminating depression or any negative thoughts, while lending us renewal of strength, courage and determination of will. While this gemstone amplifies energy, it also enhances memory and concentration, making for good decisions. The Ruby crystal is known as the "star fire" and some of them exhibit a dichroic or pleochroic property, meaning they shine two or three different colors respectively when viewed from different angles along their different axes. Some also contain inclusions of titanium oxide which can produce a highly prized asterism (a 6-pointed star) when cut and polished as a cabochon. Likewise, a Ruby crystal will encourage us to shine, and will aid us in finding several solutions to any problem. It is also a very protective stone and helps to alleviate fear and dispel any surrounding negativity. It can help us overcome any challenge. Physically, Ruby is used to help detoxify the body, to aid with heart issues, and to strengthen the circulatory system or reproductive system. The Ruby is said to have been one of the 12 stones in the breastplate of the High Priest. It is known as a "Stone of Nobility," and was revered by royalty old and new, as it symbolizes and bestows strength, courage, power and wealth. Legend says that Chinese Emperor Kublai Khan once offered an entire city in order to procure a large Ruby. Rubies promote desire, but not only of the crystal itself, as it will awaken all kinds of desires in you. It invites you to be courageous and asks you to not only be in love with life, but to actively make love to life. Called "the king of precious stones" and "the lord of gemstones" by the Hindus, Ruby will help you carry your own regal air, but never with any arrogance. Romance will also increase in Ruby's presence, as it brings its fiery passions, its love of beauty, and an abundant appreciation for the sensual pleasures of life into your own life. Ruby brings back the life force...the light. It helps you transform intent into physical manifestation, aiding in the manifestation of your desires by encouraging self-expression in the physical. It brings life to any barren landscapes of the suppressed mind, body and spirit, renewing all three. As we celebrate the return of the life-giving Sun, and as we honor the return of the Oak King who precedes the promise of new life, embrace the Ruby's fire. Embrace the Light. Blessed Be! Sources:
photos:
www.mindat.org
http://www.jewelsforme.com/Ruby-History.asp
Stones
Alive!, Twintreess
Love
Is In The Earth,
Melody Crystals,
Jennie
Harding The
Owl-Oak Archives Ruby,
itself ©
Patricia J. Martin, Nov. 2008 Pari
lives on the East Coast, USA and is a shamanic witch. She has been a member of
EW since 2003.
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