Ruby is the birthstone for the month of July. Here is what a 16th century author wrote: “The ruby controls passion, chases away bad thoughts, returns to Caesar what is Caesar's, reconciles, brings peace and good understanding and allows us to maintain strength and health”.
In the past, most red stones that exhibited good hardness and luster, including ruby, spinel, and garnet, were referred to as "rubies." As knowledge of stones improves, they are entitled to all the respect they deserve, but it is not uncommon for them to still be confused.
