The July birthstone is ruby, the red variety of corundum colored by chromium.
Ruby measures 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond, and the finest stones are a deep purplish red known as pigeon’s blood.
A ruby’s treatment matters as much as its color, because some treated rubies can be damaged by something as mild as lemon juice.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) warns that the high-lead glass used to fill fractures is attacked by weak acids, while untreated and heat-treated rubies are “very resilient.”
Ruby and sapphire are the same mineral, corundum; chromium makes ruby red, and “the more chromium, the stronger the red.” In the UK, carnelian is an official alternative July birthstone.
Table of Contents
What is the July birthstone?
Ruby is the official July birthstone on the GIA list; the British list adds carnelian as an alternative. The table summarizes ruby’s key properties.
| Property | Ruby (July birthstone) |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Corundum (red variety) |
| Color cause | Chromium |
| Mohs hardness | 9 |
| Toughness | Excellent; no cleavage |
| Finest color | “Pigeon’s blood”: deep red with a hint of purple |
| Main sources | Myanmar (Mogok), Mozambique (Montepuez), Vietnam (Luc Yen), Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Afghanistan |
| Wedding anniversaries | 15th and 40th |
| Zodiac signs for July birthdays | Cancer (to about July 22) and Leo (from about July 23) |
Is there more than one July birthstone?
On the U.S. list, ruby is July’s only birthstone; the UK list also includes carnelian, an orange-red variety of chalcedony. The U.S. and UK lists are compared in the Birthstones by Month chart.
July birthstone color
Ruby ranges from orangy red to purplish red, and the most valued stones are a pure, deep red with a hint of purple. According to GIA’s ruby description, rubies from marble deposits often have the most intense color, because they “lack iron” and “typically fluoresce red under ultraviolet light,” which adds to their glow.
The table outlines the main color grades buyers encounter.
| Color | Description | Trade term |
|---|---|---|
| Deep red with a slight purple hint | Top color; intense and vivid | “Pigeon’s blood” |
| Pure to slightly orangy red | Bright, fine color | None |
| Purplish red | Common; valued lower than pure red | None |
| Dark, brownish red | Often iron-rich; less valued | None |
Ruby vs. pink sapphire: where the July birthstone ends
Pink sapphire and ruby are both corundum; the difference is only how red the color is. There is no single worldwide standard for where pink ends and red begins, so different laboratories and markets can name a borderline stone differently. Blue, pink, yellow and other corundum colors are sapphire, the September birthstone.
Ruby compared with other red July birthstone look-alikes
| Feature | Ruby (July) | Red garnet (January) | Red spinel (August) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral | Corundum | Garnet group | Spinel |
| Mohs hardness | 9 | 6.5–7.5 | 8 |
| Typical red | Pure to purplish red; strong red fluorescence in marble-type stones | Deep red, often purplish or brownish | Bright red to pink |
| Birthstone guide | This page | January Birthstone | August Birthstone |
Ruby treatments: what July birthstone buyers should ask
Most rubies are heat-treated, a stable, industry-standard process, but some rubies are glass-filled, dyed or diffusion-treated, and these need more care and command lower prices. GIA advises buyers to confirm a ruby’s treatment before buying. The table sets out the treatments and their care needs.
| Treatment | What it does | Durability and care |
|---|---|---|
| Untreated | Natural color and clarity | Very resilient; ultrasonic and steam usually safe |
| Heat treatment | Improves color and clarity | Stable; ultrasonic and steam usually safe |
| Lattice diffusion | Adds color-causing elements | Ultrasonic and steam usually safe; needs more care to preserve appearance |
| Fracture or cavity filling with high-lead glass | Hides fractures, improves transparency | Fragile; clean with a damp cloth only; lemon juice and other mild acids can damage the glass |
| Dyeing | Adds color | Clean with a damp cloth only |
July birthstone meaning and history
The name ruby comes from the Latin ruber, meaning “red.” In ancient India, ruby was called the “king of precious stones.” GIA records the following history:
| Period or place | Ruby in history |
|---|---|
| Ancient India | Regarded as the “king of precious stones” |
| Medieval Europe | Believed to bestow “health, wisdom, wealth and success in love” |
| Burma (Myanmar) | Warriors believed rubies made them “invincible in battle” |
| More than five centuries | Myanmar’s Mogok region has supplied fine rubies |
| Late 20th century | Vietnam’s Luc Yen district became a notable source |
| 21st century | Mozambique’s Montepuez mines became a major source |
These beliefs are folklore; they describe tradition, not gemological properties.
Caring for a July birthstone
Ruby’s hardness of 9 and excellent toughness make it ideal for everyday rings, but treated rubies need gentler cleaning. Follow GIA’s care guidance:
- Clean any ruby with warm soapy water and a soft brush. GIA says this is always safe.
- Use ultrasonic or steam cleaners only on untreated, heat-treated or lattice-diffused rubies.
- Clean glass-filled, cavity-filled or dyed rubies with a damp cloth only.
- Keep treated rubies away from acids, including lemon juice. GIA notes that boric acid powder “will etch the surface of even untreated stones.”
What the July birthstone is not
The July birthstone is often confused with other red stones. The points below separate them.
- It is not a different mineral from sapphire. Ruby and sapphire are both corundum.
- It is not every red gem. Many famous historic “rubies” have turned out to be red spinel or garnet.
- It is not always untreated. Heat treatment is standard, and some rubies carry more significant treatments.
- It is not the only July stone in the UK. Carnelian is a British alternative.
Frequently asked questions
What color is the July birthstone?
The July birthstone, ruby, is red, from orangy red to purplish red. The most valued color is a deep red with a hint of purple, called pigeon’s blood.
Is ruby good for an everyday ring?
Yes. Ruby measures 9 on the Mohs scale and has excellent toughness with no cleavage, making it one of the most durable gems for daily-wear rings.
What anniversary is ruby for?
Ruby is traditionally given for the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries, according to GIA.
