July Birthstone
Ruby
King of precious stones. The gleaming ruby should adorn, all those of you who are born in July.
A multitude of legends and strange beliefs surrounded the Ruby in ancient times. Among other things, it was thought that the wearer of a ruby was blessed with health, wealth, wisdom, and outstanding success in affairs of the heart. For centuries, the Hindus believed that colorless sapphire was an unripe ruby that would eventually mature.
There is no doubt that the finest rubies are found almost exclusively in Burma. Some rubies from Thailand, Kenya, and Tanzania have the beauty associated with good Burma qualities.
Stones that have a ruby color and that also display distinct asterism when cut in cabochon are called star rubies. A Cat’s-eye effect has also been encountered in ruby but it is exceedingly rare, especially in a sharply defined band.
Onyx
Onyx is an alternate birhstone for July. Onyx is in the quartzs family. The varieties of chalcedony. Natural black chalcedony is not too frequently encountered. Since quartz is the most abundant mineral in the earth’s crust. Quartz is found in every country, it is not surprising that there are a large number of distinct varieties. Onyx is one of them.
Related Link: Birthstone Jewelry.
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