The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

Ruby
The Power of Stones: Crystals and Gemstones

ORIGINS

Ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide) that gets its red color from chromium impurities, which make the stone glow under ultraviolet light. The word ruby comes from the Latin rubeus, meaning “red.” This very hard stone (9 on the Mohs scale) is found in many locations worldwide, including Kenya, Madagascar, India, and Myanmar (Burma).

HISTORY/LORE

Burma (now Myanmar) has been a major source of rubies since at least C.E. 600. Burmese warriors embedded rubies in their skin for protection during battle. Sanskrit medical texts prescribed rubies as a cure for health issues such as flatulence and biliousness. Hindu lore says that a ruby’s light cannot be extinguished or hidden by clothing.

USES

Healing Uses: Ruby is a blood-related stone that stimulates the heart chakra. It detoxifies the blood and benefits the heart and circulatory system. It also alleviates pain associated with menstruation and regulates the menstrual flow. Ruby is helpful during pregnancy, particularly for older women. In fact, this stone is helpful for all issues related to reproduction, including infertility and impotence. Ruby also stimulates the adrenal glands, kidneys, and spleen.

Magical Uses: This stone balances the energies of the body and invigorates the mind. Use a ruby as a shield against psychic attack and vampirism of heart energy. Sleeping with a ruby under your pillow brings prophetic dreams and wards off nightmares. Dreaming of rubies indicates coming prosperity and good fortune—or unexpected guests.

Feng Shui Uses: Ruby uses fire energy, which brings warmth, light, and passion. Place this stone in the southern area of a space as well as in the Fame/Reputation sector of the home. This stone also brings abundance and assists in retaining wealth, making it useful in the Wealth/Prosperity sector.

Personal/Spiritual Growth: Ruby is the birthstone for the month of July. It encourages you to “follow your bliss” and embrace life on Earth. This stone is helpful for creative and intellectual pursuits, as it sharpens the mind, heightens awareness, and enhances concentration. Ruby is especially helpful for providing a boost of energy when you’re feeling lethargic or unmotivated.