The month of July is named after Julius Caesar, the Roman emperor who was born this month. He was known for his great strength and passion, much like the qualities associated with the July birthstone Ruby.
This exquisite stone has been revered throughout history for its arresting red color and depth of meaning. The fiery hue of Ruby symbolizes passion, power, abundance, and health—all of which are integral to the human experience.
For July-borns who possess these rare qualities, Ruby serves as a reminder to embrace their strength and use it for good. Let's take a closer look at the history, meaning, properties, and uses of Ruby, the birthstone for the month of July!
July birthstone meaning
The meaning of Ruby as the July birthstone is rooted in antiquity. This gemstone has been associated with courage, vitality, and leadership since ancient times.
The sumptuous red color of high-quality specimens hints at the gem's ability to inject creativity and enthusiasm into everyday life. Ruby has also been linked to love, wealth, and happiness—all important aspects of a fulfilled life.
Ruby as a birthstone attracts abundance in all forms. Whether it be personal or emotional, this vibrant gemstone grants a sense of fulfillment and joy to its wearer, making it the perfect birthstone for July-borns, who tend to be strong-willed and independent, almost to a fault.
Where Ruby is found
These captivating stones are mined in a variety of locations, including Mozambique, India, Thailand, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka, but it is Myanmar that offers the richest, deepest reds. Thanks to its superior hue and saturation, Ruby from this area tends to be more expensive than other sources.
Myanmar's Ruby industry has been going strong since 600 AD and still produces some of the most sought-after specimens in the world. So if you're in the market for a beautiful and powerful July birthstone, Myanmar Ruby should be at the top of your list!
Ruby variations and colors
At its core, Ruby is corundum that contains trace elements of chromium, giving it its signature hue. While red is at the heart of this gemstone's identity, there are variations in the color that range from pink to orange and even purple.
The finest Ruby specimens carry a strong, saturated red color that almost seems to glow from within: the famous "pigeon's blood" red that is so rare and highly sought-after as the traditional birthstone of July!
Ruby healing properties
Think of the red of Ruby as a gateway to courage and vitality.
It provides grounding energy, allowing you to stay focused on the task at hand. Through its protective properties, it can also keep negative energies away from your spiritual aura.
Ruby is believed to help balance hormones, relieve stress, and bring joy into one’s life. That's why we advocate having at least one Ruby piece in all July-borns' jewelry boxes: a bracelet for courage, a necklace to provide balance, or an anklet to protect against negativity.
July Alternative Birthstones
Moonstone July birthstone
For July, Moonstone is the main alternative birthstone. Brimming with feminine power, this serene gemstone is believed to help calm emotional storms and bring balance into our lives.
Moonstone jewelry is a great way to bring out your inner goddess, while also tapping into the power of the Moon—a force that brings us closer to our ancestors and the wisdom of old!
Pearl July birthstone
Another July birthstone alternative is Pearl. Linked with purity, innocence, and growth, this gemstone parts the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds, enabling us to connect with our inner selves.
By stripping away our worries and anxieties, Pearl helps us to focus on the present moment and embrace life with open arms.
Garnet July birthstone
Fiery yet grounding, the alternative July birthstone Garnet is all about taking charge. Linked to both the masculine and the feminine, this stone of passion brings strength and courage to our lives.
Couples will also love Garnet for its ability to strengthen relationships and bring a sense of togetherness—in the bedroom and beyond!
Carnelian July birthstone
The alternative July birthstone Carnelian gets a bit lost in the shadows of its more famous Ruby cousin. But don't let its muted hue fool you: this gemstone is all about sparking energy and passion in our lives.
Carnelian helps to clear away emotional blocks, allowing us to focus on the task at hand with clarity and determination. This stone has also been linked to creativity and self-expression, making it perfect for the July-borns who have a flair for the dramatic!
Tourmaline July birthstone
Tourmaline is the final alternative July birthstone. With its gentle, calming energy, this gemstone serves as a reminder that we are all of this earth—and of each other.
Compared to the rest of the July birthstones, Tourmaline may seem a bit less flashy. But its spiritual protection and grounding properties make it a must-have for anyone looking to embark on an inner journey.
Common Questions About July Birthstones
What are the two birthstones for July?
The traditional birthstone for July is Ruby. Although July has several alternative birthstones, the one that's most often chosen is Moonstone.
How many birthstones does July have?
All in all, July has six birthstones: Ruby, Moonstone, Pearl, Garnet, Tourmaline, and Carnelian.
Why does July have several birthstones?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer here. Different cultures have associated different gemstones with July, and this diversity is reflected in the modern birthstone list. Also, since July's traditional birthstone, Ruby, is at the upper end of most collectors' price range, alternative birthstones often serve as wallet-friendly alternatives.
Final Takeaways
The first day of July tells us that the year is almost halfway done. This is the perfect time to reflect on our lives, and Ruby can be a big help in this process. With its strong powers of courage, vitality, and balance, this magnificent gemstone helps us reframe our thoughts and take action toward manifesting our dreams—while guarding us against the negative energies we encounter along the way.
If you can't find or afford Ruby, don't feel bad: it's one of the most expensive gems out there!
With Moonstone, Pearl, Garnet, Tourmaline, and Carnelian all vying for a place in your jewelry box, you have plenty of options to capture the beauty and power of July.
No matter what Birthstones by month or Zodiac birthstones you choose, let their powers ignite your inner fire and make the year a truly magical one!
